New Feature Alert: Assign and Transfer Page Ownership in Confluence!

Friday, July 19, 2024
by Palak Chauhan

New feature that helps users maintain page validity and communication.

The Problem

Historically, when a page is created in Confluence, the creator remains associated with that page indefinitely. This can lead to issues if the creator leaves the company or team, as there has been no way to transfer ownership to another user. Pages often become critical sources of truth and can be referenced for years, so having an inaccessible or deactivated page creator can create a frustrating experience for those seeking further information.

The Solution

Recognizing the need for flexibility in managing page ownership, Atlassian has rolled out a new feature that allows page creators and administrators to transfer ownership of Confluence pages. This feature addresses long-standing customer feedback and ensures that pages remain up-to-date and accessible.

What is a Page Owner?

A page owner is the designated point of contact for a page, responsible for its content and updates. This role can be reassigned by the current page owner, space admin, or site admin, ensuring the most appropriate person is managing the page’s content. The original creator is set as the initial page owner, but this can be changed as needed.

How to Transfer Ownership

  1. Initiate Transfer: Current page owners, space admins, or site admins can initiate the transfer by selecting "Change owner" from the ... menu in the page’s byline or the top-right toolbar.

  2. Select New Owner: Use the search field to find and select the new owner by name or email. Recent collaborators will appear first in the search results.

  3. Confirm Transfer: Review the selection and confirm the transfer by selecting Continue. Note that once the transfer is completed, it cannot be reversed.

  4. Success Notification: The new owner will receive in-app and email notifications confirming their new role. The previous owner retains edit access and remains a page watcher but can no longer transfer ownership unless they are a space or site admin.

Important Notes

  • The new owner must have edit access to the page and the space it resides in.
  • Ownership cannot be transferred via the Confluence mobile app.
  • Page owners may lose edit/view access if their permissions are changed.
  • Notifications for ownership changes cannot be disabled.

This feature ensures that pages in Confluence remain managed by the most appropriate person, providing a better experience for all users.

Stay tuned for more updates on how Atlassian continues to enhance your Confluence experience!