Cannot add more options for Status, cannot activate a Workflow Scheme

[Kevin]

We are using the free version, perhaps that is the limitation? We just signed up, but have spent over 5 hours trying to set a workflow that has more than the 3 basic Status options (TODO, IN PROGRESS or DONE).

We never have the option to make a Workflow/Scheme active and are stuck with the Basic/Default one that only has 3 Statuses. Very frustrating, clearly we are doing something wrong but we read about 20 pages and the descriptions don't match what we see.

Help! and Thank you in advance :)

[John Funk · Accepted solution]

Hi Kevbo - Is this a Next-gen project?

If not, you should be able to go to Project Settings for the project and then attach the inactive workflow scheme to the project there. That will make the workflow scheme Active.

[Kevin]

Yes, it is a Next-gen project. What are the ramifications of that vs. non-Next gen? thx!

[John Funk]

You are not allowed to modify the workflow for Next-gen projects outside of just adding columns on the board. 

[John Funk]

You can follow along with the Workflow editor changes that are coming for Next-gen projects here:

https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira/whats-new/next-gen?_ga=2.104316484.513035551.1586779195-1313086432.1576012938#intheworks

[Kevin]

Thanks! Can I switch the project to "non Next-gen" whatever that is, and keep my current items?

[John Funk]

This post should help guide you on what to do  :-)

https://community.atlassian.com/t5/Jira-Software-questions/Migrating-from-Classic-to-Next-gen-Software-Projects/qaq-p/918856

[Kevin]

So I did some reading that I can't switch next-gen to classic. So I'm confused, what is so good about next-gen if you can't even change the statuses and are stuck with TODO, IN PROGRESS and DONE. That seems so limiting it is almost useless. I'm confused.

[Kevin]

I'm flummoxed that Next-gen exists with only 3 statuses. I must be missing something.

[John Funk]

You can add columns on the Next-gen board, which will add statuses to the workflow. 

I don't use Next-gen projects because of all the limitations.

One thing you can do is create a Classic software project and then move the issues from the Next-gen project to the Classic project using the Bulk change function. 

[Kevin]

thanks! finally figured it out. Ugh. Cheers and thanks again

[Kevin]

For others new to JIRA, I'll save you an entire weekend.

For a Next-gen project, just click the "+" sign to the right of the last column in the BOARDS display. This will you to create a new "column" which is really a new status that then appears in the relevant drop downs.

This needs to be explained so much better. For example, if the user is next-gen and goes to the "Statuses" link in settings, just TELL THEM TO ADD A COLUMN IN THE BOARD. Sheesh!

[John Funk]

Glad you are able to keep moving.  :-)

[Fadoua]

Hi @Kevbo 

You can keep the projects you created with the 3 statuses. You can more add new statuses to it.

First you need to be Jira Admin (There are other options when someone can create statuses without being a Jira admin but it is out of context at the moment. I don't want to confuse you)

Click on the admin cog -> issues -> Statuses

You can add more statuses on that page.

Once you go back to your project, click on Summary then click on the workflow (not workflow scheme). Something similar to my screenshot below:

Then you will see a screen like the following, make sure to select diagram. You can add statuses using text mode as well. Right now I am trying to make it easy for you

Click Diagram, then click on "Edit"

Once you edit your workflow, click on "Add status". You should be able to see on the dropdown all the statuses available in your instance.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,

Fadoua

[Kevin]

Hi Fadoua, thanks for much for trying to help. So I've already many statuses. The problem seems to be with the workflows.No matter what I do I can't get away from the default un-editable workflow. 
Where exactly is the "Summary" you refer to here: Once you go back to your project, click on Summary then click on the workflow (not workflow scheme). Something similar to my screenshot below:
Here is my Workflow and Workflow Schemes I cannot ever get them to appear differentl. thank you!!!

[Kevin]

[Kevin]