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Copy parent tags when a parent is linked in Azure DevOps

  • Azure DevOps
  • Automation
  • Parent & Child
  • Copy fields
  • Tags
Copy parent tags when a parent is linked flow overview
Overview of the flow for copying parent tags when a parent is linked.

When a parent is linked onto a work item (the child is edited), add that parent’s tags in Azure DevOps.

The automation is triggered by the addition of a parent link to a work item. It merges the parent’s tags with those already present on the child, without affecting other fields or link types.

Prerequisite: Install Automations App on your Azure DevOps organization

Install from Marketplace Complete organization setup

Create an automation from the Copy parent tags when a parent is linked template, or start from scratch
Go to Project → Automations → Create automation from template Copy parent tags when a parent is linked or Start from scratch.
Trigger

Trigger — Work Item Link Added

This trigger activates the automation whenever a parent link is added to a work item. It processes each new link individually, ensuring the tags are copied for each linked item.

Configured in this template

  • Work item types: all (no filter)
  • Link types: Parent

You can customize

  • Filter by specific work item types if needed.
  • Adjust the link type to include other relationships.
  • Set conditions to trigger only for certain projects.
Copy parent tags when a parent is linked trigger
The trigger setup for detecting when a parent link is added to a work item.
Action

Action — Copy Fields

This action copies the tags from the parent work item to the child. The tags on the child are merged with those from the parent, ensuring no tags are lost.

Configured in this template

  • Work on: This work item
  • Copy from: Parent of trigger
  • Fields to copy: Tags

You can customize

  • Choose additional fields to copy if needed.
  • Modify the destination to copy to a different work item.
  • Exclude certain tags from being copied.
Copy parent tags when a parent is linked action 1
The action setup for copying tags from the parent work item to the child.

Full automation

Copy parent tags when a parent is linked full automation
Full view of the automation flow for copying parent tags when a parent is linked.

Common questions

How do I copy parent tags when a parent is linked in Azure DevOps?
When a parent is linked onto a work item (the child is edited), add that parent’s tags in Azure DevOps. Use the Copy parent tags when a parent is linked template in Documentero Automations: open Templates, pick this flow, fill the required fields, and enable it.
What fields are required to enable this automation?
All required fields are pre-filled with sample values. Ensure these match your project’s needs before enabling.
Can I change the work item types this automation applies to?
Yes, you can filter the trigger to apply only to specific work item types.
How can I test this automation?
Link a parent work item to a child in a test environment and verify that the tags are copied as expected.
Does this automation run on a schedule?
No, it runs in response to the specific event of a parent link being added.

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Automate Azure DevOps workflows with triggers, actions, conditions, and scheduled rules.

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