I need to retrieve the original description format from the history logs after the migration.

Question

During the migration process, we missed selecting the retain option for several issue types, which resulted in the description field being lost in the destination project. Now, when I try to restore the description from the history logs of ticket from destination project, the value appears distorted and not in plain text or the original format. How can I recover the actual format from the history?

Birkan Yildiz _OBSS_ · Answer

Hey @Veena Kunchala

Welcome to the Community!
To recover the original format without manually parsing JSON and open using a 3rd party app, you can use Historian - History Explorer for Jira. Our app includes a Field-Based View that automatically renders this raw ADF history back into readable rich text. You can also export this rendered history to Excel or CSV, which makes it much easier to bulk-restore the descriptions to your issues.

Here are the key features of Historian that native Jira does not have:

Multi-Issue Reporting: While native Jira only shows the history of a single issue, Historian provides a combined report for multiple issues across entire projects, sprints, or custom JQL filters.
Advanced Filtering: Unlike native Jira's unfiltered list, Historian allows you to filter history by any standard or custom field, specific user, or precise date range.
Export Capabilities: Historian supports exporting rendered history reports to Excel and CSV for external analysis, audits, or bulk restoration.
Advanced Grouping and Sorting: You can organize your history reports by issue, user, or date to visualize data in the way that makes the most sense for your project.
To learn more about Historian, you can visit its Atlassian Marketplace page.

Best,
Birkan

Veena Kunchala · Answer

Thanks everyone, we need to get approvals in order to install these apps. Thank you

Natalia_Kovalchuk_SaaSJet_ · Answer

Hi @Veena Kunchala !

Unfortunately, Jira doesn't store the original description format (tables, headings, rich text) in work item history. There is no built-in way to recover the original formatting from history logs.

You can try using Marketplace apps, such as Issue History for Jira (Work Item History) from the SaaSJet team. With this app, you can undo description changes in a few clicks. The description can be restored to its original formatting, so you can roll back any previous version safely.

To do this, it is necessary to follow these steps:

After the app installation, open the needed work item → go to Activity → choose 🕒 Issue History.

* Find the description change and click the Revert arrow.

Review the preview and confirm.

* The description will be reverted, and you will see it in its previous state and format.

You can also use the app to review changes across multiple work item descriptions and revert them if needed.

Hope it will be helpful!