Create a Branch

Getting Started

Overview

A branch is the parent container for user stories in Silverile. Every story must belong to a branch, and branches themselves are nested under a project. Branches let you group related work — for example, by feature area, release, or team — and give you a clear hierarchy for planning and reporting.

You can create a branch from two places in the application:

  • Header create button — available on every page; opens the branch form with no parent pre-filled.
  • Org View right-click — right-click a project in the organisation view to open the context menu, then select Create Branch. The parent is pre-filled with the project you right-clicked.

Who can create branches

Any project member with contributor access or above can create branches. Read-only members cannot. If the create option is missing, ask your project manager to update your access level.

Creating a branch from the header

1Click the Create button in the top navigation bar — it is always visible regardless of which page you are on
2Select Create Branch from the dropdown
3The branch creation form opens with no parent pre-filled — select a parent before filling in the other fields
4Fill in the required fields and click Create Branch
Create Branch from header
Create Branch — accessible from the header Create button on any page

Creating a branch from the Org View

1Open the Org View from the left sidebar
2Locate the project you want to add the branch to
3Right-click the project to open the context menu
4Select Create Branch
5The branch creation form opens with the Parent field already set to the project you right-clicked
6Fill in the remaining fields and click Create Branch

Branch form fields

FieldRequiredNotes
ParentYesThe project or branch this branch will be nested under. Select from the hierarchy tree. Every branch must have a parent.
Branch NameYes2–35 characters. Must be unique within the same parent. Use a short, descriptive name that reflects the scope of work.
Start DateYesThe date work on this branch begins.
End DateNoThe planned completion date. Must be on or after the Start Date. Leave blank if the end date is not yet known.
DescriptionYesPurpose and scope of the branch. Rich text editor — supports headings, lists, code blocks, and links. Must contain actual text content.
The End Date field only appears after you have selected a Parent. Select a parent first to unlock it.

After creation

The branch is saved immediately and appears in the project hierarchy. From here you can:

  • Create stories under the branch — when creating a story, select this branch in the Branch field
  • Nest further branches under it — use this branch as the parent when creating child branches
  • View it in Org View — the branch appears in the project tree in the organisation view

Troubleshooting

I don't see a "Create Branch" option in the header

Creating branches requires contributor access or above. If the option is missing, ask your project manager to update your access level.

The Parent field shows no options

You must have at least one project set up before you can create a branch. If no projects appear, ask your project manager to create a project first.

The Branch Name field shows a "name already exists" error

Branch names must be unique within the same parent. Choose a different name or adjust it to distinguish it from the existing branch.

The End Date field is not visible

The End Date field only appears after you have selected a Parent. Select a parent first and the field will become available.

Stories I created are not appearing under the branch

When creating a story, you must select this branch in the Branch field. Open the story and update the Branch field if it was created under a different branch.

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