Is there a way to move content from one field to another for many issues

Katia Smiles

In my project I have created a custom description field with a predefined template.

I now want to migrate all existing issues with a filled in description field to my new custom description field within the same issues (it does not need to fit in the template), so that I don't lose the data from that field by hiding it.

I need to do this with over 300 issues, hence why I would rather not do it manually.

Walter Buggenhout

Hi @Katia Smiles ,

that shouldn't be too difficult. I would recommend setting up an automation rule with a scheduled trigger.

The schedule is not so important, but it lets you add a JQL filter, where all issues returned by the filter will be processed. Your filter should be something like this:

"Custom Description" is empty AND description is not empty

Use whatever retrieves the issues you want to update.

As an action, select edit issue, select the custom description field to update and select copy description from issue.

After saving your rule, just run it. If all goes well, you should have all descriptions copied over.

If you're not comfortable with a bulk update like this, specify a filter that updates just one or two issues at first (with a JQL filter on Key = ABC-1 e.g.), and if you trust your own solution, just adjust the filter.

Don't forget to disable the rule after you've done the update ...

Hope this helps!