---
title: "Get started with Comala Canvas for Jira"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/C4J/646578541/Get%20started%20with%20Comala%20Canvas%20for%20Jira"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (aura-html)

## Opening Canvas for Jira

In Jira Cloud or Jira Data Center, to begin using Comala Canvas for Jira

- Select **Canvas** from your JIRA Dashboard

![Getting started navigation bar in Comala Canvas for Jira](media://3790e566-f55a-4ed0-a37f-a9600e30f585)

## Configuring Canvas

A global administrator can configure the default settings for Comala Canvas boards by choosing **Configure **in the Comala Canvas **Manage Apps **screen.

A board can be configured to

- Load a maximum number of issues (load threshold)
- Filters to use for Rows/Columns
- Issue types and color scheme

> 📝 A non-admin user has no access to these global configuration settings.

> ℹ️ Further information: [Comala Canvas Administration Configuration](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/C4J/pages/646055481).

## Using the Canvas Picker

Use the **Canvas Picker** to select existing projects or filters to get started in Canvas. 

![Help and support icon for Comala Canvas for Jira](media://7ed83d4b-a0f3-46cb-ac94-5152240e7d81)

All **existing issues** within your chosen project or favourite filter will then display on a **Canvas board**.

![Welcome screen interface for new Comala Canvas for Jira users](media://aaf0a452-03f3-46b0-a640-7377a55b370b)

> ℹ️ You can also save the Canvas layouts you build, which will then appear in the **Canvas Picker**.

## Opening Canvas in a project

If you are already in a project, you can select **Boards** option from the JIRA sidebar.

![Help menu options in Comala Canvas for Jira interface](media://80910fed-6ad2-4cf8-91c1-2d7a8734dc07)

## Creating and populating your Canvas board

Once you have added a board you can

- set the [board layout](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/C4J/pages/647004434) including Columns/Rows and filters for issues to be added
- [work with issues on the board](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/C4J/pages/646906107) - move issues and view issue dependencies and information
- use the board in [ Plan Mode ](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/C4J/pages/646088122)to manage your backlog and sprint, release, and component planning

> ℹ️ A non-admin user can create and delete their own boards and add their own filters.

## Saving and sharing your Canvas board

Use the ellipsis menu when viewing your board to save your board for later.

![Save as menu options in Comala Canvas for Jira board creation](media://179b7449-0735-4b8a-8a04-681406067ccd)

To save, simply add a unique name for your board.

![Comala Canvas for Jira board interface with sample project data](media://56e53580-5f76-41de-a928-78c13b8a3da1)

Choose **Save**.

> ℹ️ Once saved, choose **Share board** to copy the board URL to allow others to use the board on other projects.