How to Import Issues into Jira from a CSV File

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Jira is a popular issue tracking and project management tool used by many teams around the world for better collaboration and tracking project progress. Sometimes it is necessary to import issues into Jira from an external source, such as a CSV (comma-separated values) file. This task can be done for various reasons, such as migrating data from another system to Jira, consolidating data, or simply adding a lot of issues at once. In this guide, we will walk through the process of importing issues into Jira using a CSV file. This task requires administrative access to properly execute all steps, so make sure you have the necessary permissions before proceeding.

Understanding the CSV file format

A CSV file is a simple text file that stores tabular data. Each row in a CSV file represents one line of data, with each value separated by a comma, hence the name 'comma separated values'. When importing into Jira, your CSV file must contain the following types of data:

• Summary: A brief description of the issue or task.
• Description: A more detailed description of the problem.
• Issue type: The type of issue, such as bug, task, story, etc.
• Priority: The importance level of the issue.
• Labels: Keywords or tags for easy categorization.
• Assignee: The person who has been assigned the issue.
• Other fields: Additional fields required for your project.

Preparing your CSV file

Before importing, it's important to make sure your CSV file is formatted correctly. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your CSV file for import:

Header:

Your CSV file should start with a header row containing field names. These field names must match the fields available in your Jira project. For example:

Summary, Description, Issue Type, Priority, Label, Assignee
"Sample issue 1", "This is a description of issue 1", bug, high, label1, user1

Field values:

Make sure all values are comma separated and that lines are terminated by a newline character. For the values themselves:

• For multiline text such as a description, put the text in quotation marks.
• Use the exact names for fields such as issue type, priority, and assignee as they appear in Jira.

Steps to import CSV file into Jira

Now that your CSV file is well-prepared, you can begin the process of importing it into Jira by following these steps:

Step 1: Go to the External System Import page

Log in to your Jira account and follow these navigation steps:

• Go to Jira Administration.
• Under System, select Import and Export.
• Click on External System Import from the available options.

Step 2: Select CSV Import

On the External System Import page, you will see options to import different data sources. Click on CSV to proceed.

Step 3: Upload your CSV file

Use the Choose File button to upload your finished CSV file. Once uploaded, click Next.

Step 4: Choose the project

Jira will prompt you to select the project into which you want to import the issues. Make sure you have selected the correct project as this action cannot be undone. After selecting the project, click Next.

Step 5: Map the fields

The next step involves mapping the CSV columns to Jira fields. Carefully map each column to the corresponding Jira field. If your CSV header names match the Jira field names, Jira may automatically map some fields for you. Verify each mapping to ensure correctness. Click Next once done.

Step 6: Map the Values

It is important to map the values from your CSV file to the corresponding Jira field options, such as priority or issue type. For example, if the CSV has "High" for priority, make sure it matches the Jira priority name. Complete the mapping for all values and click Next.

Step 7: Validate and confirm the import

Jira will perform some validation to check for errors in the data. If any issues are found, they will be displayed for correction. Once resolved, proceed further by clicking Start Import.

Step 8: Review the import process

Once the import process begins, Jira will provide real-time feedback on the import status. Once completed, a summary of the import process will be provided, showing how many issues were successfully imported and any errors that occurred.

Best practices and tips

To deal with issues importing from a CSV file into Jira, keeping these best practices and tips in mind can make the process easier:

• Always back up your Jira data before importing.
• Test the import process with a small CSV file to identify issues in advance.
• Constantly check the accuracy of the data in your CSV file to avoid import errors.
• Get familiar with JIRA fields and ensure mapping accuracy.

Troubleshooting common problems

Despite careful preparation, problems may arise during the import process. Here are common problems and their solutions:

Incorrect CSV file format

An incorrectly formatted CSV file can cause errors. To resolve this, ensure that fields are separated by consecutive commas, and multiline values are enclosed in quotation marks.

Field mapping errors

If the Jira fields do not map correctly, double-check the CSV header names and make sure they match the Jira field names. Manually map any fields not automatically filled in by Jira.

Data import errors

If there are any errors in the data import, review the error log provided by Jira to identify problematic entries. Correct these entries in your CSV and retry the import.

Conclusion

Importing issues from a CSV file into Jira involves several steps that, when followed carefully, can efficiently streamline your issue tracking process. This process is a powerful tool for project management, enabling teams to bulk import issues with accuracy and ease. By ensuring your CSV file is properly formatted and the mappings are set up correctly, you can minimize potential errors and ensure a successful import process.

Mastering the CSV import feature increases flexibility for project administrators and users, facilitating integration and data migration with minimal downtime or disruption, ultimately improving your team’s productivity and collaborative capabilities.

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