Does the new Jira for Excel add-on replace Xporter?

Fahad Akhtar

I got an email yesterday of a new add-on for JIRA Cloud. It is an add-on that helps to export data from JIRA into excel, either by using on-click export or via the new Jira() function for excel. Does this replace the add-on called Xporter? Thank you.

Rui Rodrigues

Hi Faha Akthar,
Jira Cloud for Excel is an add-in for your Excel app that integrates with your Jira Cloud instance to import data based on a JQL Query and selected fields. It's simple to use but a little bit limited regarding features comparing with Xporter.

Advantages:
- Data is exported directly from Jira to your Excel document
- Templates are not needed
- Simple to use

Disadvantages:
- Works only with Excel
- No option to export inside Jira
- Can't create an instant report based on your pre-approved templates
- Limited custom field support
- Charts are built after importing data
- Wiki and HTML values are not processed
- Jira Administrators have no control regarding who/what can be exported
- Does not Export Images
- Data handlings are not supported such as:
- Conditional Block
- Cascading iterations
- Formatting Functions
- Doesn't provide automation
- Doesn't have integration with other apps

*Also, keep in mind that as of today, the add-in is still not supported on all Office versions, so you might want to check your compatibility here: https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/office/WA200000556?tab=Overview

The Jira Cloud for Excel app could be useful for simple scenarios but if you need a customized document with some data processing it may be unsuitable.

Xporter is a much more complete Reporting solution that provides exporting option into several document formats and among others, automation for Scheduling reports and Workflow Post Functions.

Best regards,
Rui Rodrigues