Summary

Encountered error "Invalid JQL - Field name <custom field> is not searchable, it is only sortable " when trying to run an automation rule with a JQL condition.

Environment

Jira Service Management cloud.

Diagnosis

When you try to run the JQL in the Automation rule by navigating to :

1. Project settings>Automation
2. Run the Automation rule to search for a custom field in the JQL condition
3. You receive the error "Invalid JQL - Field name <custom field> is not searchable, it is only sortable "

Alternatively, if you search the custom field in Advanced Search, by navigating to

1. Project > Issues.

2. Switch to advanced search using JQL. 

3. Try the same JQL, to search for the custom field, it gives the error "Invalid JQL - Field name <custom field> is not searchable, it is only sortable " and the field does not show up.

Cause:

A Custom Field Configuration check revealed that Search Template for the custom field was set to None:

Solution

1. Click on Settings, on the top right corner of the page.
2. Go to Issues> Custom fields and search your field.
3. Click on edit details and change the search template from None to Free Text Searcher or Multi Select Searcher.
   
   
   
   
4. Click on Update.

Note: In order to perform the above steps, the user must have admin rights in the instance.

Verifying custom fields using JQL within an automation rule- 

1. Locate the automation rule you wish to modify and click on its name to access it.
2. Find the component containing the JQL condition you want to update. If your JQL query is in the conditions component, please locate and validate it.
   
     
3. Ensure the JQL syntax is accurate and filters issues based on the previously invisible custom field. Use the Validate JQL button to get a list of tickets matching the JQL.
4. Click Save to store the updated JQL condition.
5. Monitor the automation rule's performance to confirm it functions as intended with the revised JQL condition. View the rule's execution history by clicking the Audit Log button on the rule's page.
6. By following these steps, you can successfully validate a JQL condition in an automation rule for Jira Cloud.