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Mandatory tasks

Tasks are optional: anyone filling out a checklist can skip them. Mark the ones that have to be done as mandatory. A mandatory task can’t be skipped, and the checklist can’t be finished until it’s checked.

Mark a task as mandatory

  1. Open the template in the editor.

    You can also mark tasks while you edit a checklist or create one without a template.

  2. Click the ”…” next to the task and choose “Mark as mandatory.”

    The template editor for Laptop handover with the menu of the task Reset the laptop to factory settings open. The option Mark as mandatory, described as Has to be checked; can't be skipped, is highlighted.
    The template editor for Laptop handover with the menu of the task Reset the laptop to factory settings open. The option Mark as mandatory, described as Has to be checked; can't be skipped, is highlighted.

  3. Save the template.

    A red asterisk now marks the task. To undo it, choose “Mark as optional” in the same menu.

New checklists from the template have the mandatory tasks. Headings can’t be mandatory.

Fill out a checklist with mandatory tasks

A mandatory task shows a red asterisk, and its Skip option is turned off. Finish skips only the optional tasks that are still open. While a mandatory task is open, the checklist doesn’t finish and points to the task that’s missing.

A checklist with two mandatory tasks, Back up the user's files and Hand over the laptop and charger, after Finish checklist was clicked. Both are highlighted in red with the hint Mandatory task: check it to finish this checklist, and the line Attention: 2 mandatory tasks are not checked yet is highlighted.
A checklist with two mandatory tasks, Back up the user's files and Hand over the laptop and charger, after Finish checklist was clicked. Both are highlighted in red with the hint Mandatory task: check it to finish this checklist, and the line Attention: 2 mandatory tasks are not checked yet is highlighted.

A checklist that finishes automatically waits for its mandatory tasks to be checked too.

Mandatory tasks in Jira

  • Validator: “The mandatory checklist tasks are checked” stops a transition while a mandatory task is open. Optional tasks may stay open. See Validators for Jira workflow transitions.
  • Post function: “Skip all open tasks” skips only the optional tasks and leaves the mandatory ones open.
  • Field: “Didit open mandatory tasks” counts the open mandatory tasks of a work item, for JQL and Jira Automation.

Good to know

What happens to the tasks I already have?
Can I mark a task while I fill out a checklist?
What about the mobile app?