What's the difference between Smart and Configurable macros?
- Szymon Nieradka
Smart Issue View for Confluence offers two macros that fit different uses cases. The below table highlights the most important differences between them in comparison to the built-in macro offered by Atlassian:
 | Built-in | Smart box | Smart inline | Configurable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Available in | Built-in | |||
Editor shortcut |
|
|
| |
Fields presented | default, can’t be changed | configurable | configurable | |
Issues opens in… | new Jira window | quick-edit dialog | new Jira window | |
Issues refreshes automatically? | no | yes | no | |
Loading time | fast | moderate | super-fast | |
Fits table-cell | yes | box: yes | inline: no | yes |
An in-depth description of all three options is to be found below.
Built-in Macro
Well-known built-in Jira macro is available under /j shortcut. It comes with link and card layouts:
The built-in macro is fast and works nice in tables (in link layout).
Unfortunately, you are limited to the default set of fields. If you wish to change the issue, you have to open a new Jira window, do the changes, go back to Confluence, and refresh the page to see the updates.
Smart Issue View
Smart Issue View available under /jj shortcut comes to solve the built-in macro limitations. It comes with inline and box layouts:
Smart Issue View offers full control over the fields displayed, including custom fields and complex fields such as labels or description. On top of that this macro gives access to a quick-edit dialog that allows you to edit the issue without leaving the Confluence page.
This power comes with limitations: Smart Issue View is noticeably slower than the built-in macro. Additionally, it doesn’t fit nicely in table cells.
Configurable Issue View
Configurable Issue view is available under /ii shortcuts. It is available in one, inline layout:
This macro is blazingly fast – it loads faster than the built-in macro! It fits table-cell and other limited spaces perfectly. All this with full access to all the fields you want to be visible.
The disadvantage of this macro is missing quick-edit dialog. All the issues open in Jira the same way the built-in macro.
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