Create Confluence Whiteboards Directly from Your Jira Backlog

Friday, January 24, 2025
by Palak Chauhan

Planning and executing your projects just got a whole lot more collaborative!

Atlassian is rolling out a new feature that allows users to create Confluence whiteboards directly from their Jira backlog. This integration bridges the gap between brainstorming and action, giving teams the tools to plan freely and execute quickly—all in one seamless workflow.


What Are Confluence Whiteboards?

Confluence whiteboards are an innovative way to plan, prioritize, and collaborate in real time. They’re like digital brainstorming spaces, where ideas can be visually mapped out and turned into actionable tasks in Jira. By integrating whiteboards directly into the Jira backlog, Atlassian is simplifying how teams move from planning to execution.


Key Features and Benefits

Here’s why this integration is a game-changer for teams:

  1. Seamless Backlog Integration

    • Create a whiteboard directly from your Jira backlog.
    • Import Jira issues into the whiteboard to visualize priorities and dependencies.
  2. Collaborative Planning

    • Use award-winning templates, such as prioritizing and planning matrices.
    • Engage teammates with real-time editing, stamps, timers, and other interactive tools.
  3. Enhanced Visual Workflow

    • Link sticky notes and issues to show dependencies and timelines.
    • Turn sticky notes into Jira issues with a single click.
  4. Efficient Brainstorming and Execution

    • Collaborate in real time with your team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
    • Quickly move ideas from brainstorming to actionable tasks.

Who Can Use This Feature?

The ability to create whiteboards directly from your backlog is available to:

  • Teams with access to Confluence.
  • Jira backlog users with three or more issues in their backlog.
  • Admins and end users who have Confluence permissions will see the option to create a whiteboard in their backlog.

As the feature is rolling out, it may not be available to everyone yet. However, once the rollout is complete, users with the necessary permissions will be able to access this new functionality.


Why This Matters for Teams

This integration makes it easier to:

  • Bridge planning and execution: Keep brainstorming and project management in one ecosystem.
  • Visualize dependencies: Link tasks and timelines for a clearer roadmap.
  • Increase engagement: Use interactive tools like real-time editing to get everyone involved.
  • Save time: Quickly turn ideas into tasks, eliminating duplication of work.

Whether you’re planning a sprint, mapping out dependencies, or brainstorming new ideas, Confluence whiteboards help streamline workflows and boost team collaboration.


Customizing Your Experience

Don’t need the whiteboard button in your backlog? You can easily remove it by turning off all product recommendations in your Jira settings. However, keep in mind that disabling recommendations will also remove this button.


Take Collaboration to the Next Level

By integrating Confluence whiteboards with Jira backlogs, Atlassian is empowering teams to work smarter and faster.

Say goodbye to scattered brainstorming tools and hello to a streamlined process that keeps planning and execution all in one place.