2 solutions to track all project changes in Jira
Tags: jira, projects, management, cloud
Published: 2023-08-21 11:40:09

Have you ever needed to find out some _task that was updated_? For example, somebody has changed the summary of the issue from “Review bugs” to “Prepare bug report”. Or maybe the task was deleted completely. Or someone has changed a workflow, added users, or deleted the project. Here, we will review solutions that will help to **track all [Jira project changes](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220385/issue-history-for-jira?hosting=cloud&tab=overview&utm_source=Dev-to&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Article_2-solutions-to-track-all-project-changes-in-Jira_20230821)**.

Tracking changes is essential for everyone who wants to be sure all data is stored safely and will not be lost. You will find this article helpful if:
- You are a Jira Cloud user
- You want to be aware of any changes made to your projects: what? who? when?
- You need to audit your teamwork and restore deleted items

Let’s get the ball rolling 🤹

## 1. How to see the system changes to Jira projects?
The first option to monitor system and configuration changes in projects is an out-of-the-box Jira audit log. It covers such areas: global configuration and administration, user management, permissions, local configuration and administration, security, and end-user activity. 

The Jira audit log generally records the history of system modifications, such as logins or the creation of new users. It can be utilized for security reasons. Learn more about Jira audit log events.

How to configure: Settings > System > Audit log.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/9aremf3kv8jfxm3ngf8n.png)

_You must either be a Jira System Administrator or possess the Jira Administrator global permission in order to obtain the Jira audit log. You won't be able to get it if all of your Jira Cloud products are on the Free plan._

Also, you can search some apps on the Atlassian Marketplace to enhance tracking of system changes in Jira projects.

## 2. How to track any task changes in Jira?
The second option is Jira issue history, which allows you to review all changes made on the issue level. It is good to monitor team activity. For example, you can see who changed the summary, description, or any other issue filed.  
How to configure? Open an issue (ticket) > Activity > History

Built-in history records all changes only for a single task. If you want to expand these abilities and track changes for all issues in your project in one place, you can try [Issue History for Jira](https://saasjet.com/issue-history/?utm_source=Dev-to&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Article_2-solutions-to-track-all-project-changes-in-Jira_20230821) app. This single plugin has got all options to create a customizable report and review all past events. 

Issue History for Jira = a journal of user activity in Jira (issue level) + restoring deleted issues option + revert description changes + issue history export 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/eme0t761zrhuzy4vsg8d.png)

It can answer practically any question users may have about task changes. Here are a few of the most important.

### 📗 How to see all updates made to issues in my project?
The app is like a Lego constructor where you can choose what changes you want to see, specify dates, projects, updater, etc. You can include any standard or custom field to a separate column, and all updates will be displayed there.

### 👤 How to check any user activity?
With the “Updated by” option, you can select any Jira user and review all changes made by that person. It helps to prevent business conflicts, find who worked on which tasks daily, and prepare for internal or external audits.

### 🚮 Who deleted issues in my Jira project?
Jira has no built-in trash bin, and every deleted task means it’s gone forever. However, Issue History for Jira users can activate the option to store deleted issues. Thus, you will get the list with the deleted tasks + the ability to restore any of them.

### ♻️ How to revert changes you or someone else made?
If you have ever wanted to undo some changes you made to Jira issues, you have one more reason why you’d like Issue History for Jira. Here, you can roll back any change for description. It’s especially useful for those who need to return everything with initial formatting (tables, lists, colors, boldness), because Jira doesn’t keep it. 

## Takeaway
Tracking project changes in Jira ensures transparency, collaboration, and accountability among team members. When you review past activities, you can find some insights to improve your teamwork and be sure that everyone works for common goals. The solutions described above will cover the most questions you have about changes to your projects:

- Jira audit log - to track system-level changes
- Issue History for Jira - to see issue-level user activity. Get your [free 30-day trial](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220385/issue-history-for-jira?hosting=cloud&tab=overview&utm_source=Dev-to&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Article_2-solutions-to-track-all-project-changes-in-Jira_20230821).