Is it possible to update the content of issues by importing CSV?

[光野 かおる]

Hello, Jira community!

Our team  currently have a lot of issues to create and to update. 
We would like to find a way to make this process easier. 

I asked a question about how to create new issues by importing CSV and know how to do it. 

But this time what I want to do is:
Exporting existing issues into CSV and add some change to update some fields such as status and importing it back to JIRA  so that the field of issues that were on the CSV has changed.

Is it possible ?  Does anyone know how to do it ?

[Akash Singh]

Hi @光野　かおる, It is possible to update existing issues in Jira by exporting them, making changes, and re-importing them. Here's how you can do it:

1. Export the Issues:
   Use the guide in the following article to export issues from Jira in CSV format:
   How to Export Issues from Jira Cloud in CSV Format.

   When exporting, ensure you include the necessary columns:

   • Issue Key (essential for identifying existing issues during the import)
   • Summary (mandatory field during import)
   • Any other fields you want to update (e.g., Status, Priority, Assignee).

   If you're updating issues from multiple projects, also include:

   • Project Key
   • Project Name

2. Make the Changes:
   Open the exported CSV file and make the required changes to the fields you want to update, such as the issue Status.

3. Import the Updated CSV:
   Follow the steps in this guide to import the updated CSV back into Jira:
   Import Data from a CSV File.

   During the import process, Jira will match the Issue Key to the existing issues and update the specified fields accordingly.

Note: It’s always a good idea to test the process with a small batch of issues before doing a large-scale update.

[光野 かおる]

Hi @Akash Singh 

Thank you for your help. 
I understood how to change the content of the existing issues. 
i will try to do what you suggested. 

Thanks !

[光野 かおる]

Hi @Akash Singh 

I tried to do the way you showed me but there is one thing that i don't understand. 

I exported the CSV which has tasks that I want to change status and change the status on the CSV and tried to reimport.

But on the phase that i need to choose some fields that is being mapped,
I couldn't find the status field. 

This is written in Japanese but I hope it will give you an idea that I am talking about.

[Akash Singh]

@光野　かおるThe Status field should be located under the Issue Fields section as "Status". If it doesn't appear initially, try searching for it in both English and Japanese using the dropdown search field. Refer to the attached screenshot for guidance.

[光野 かおる]

Hi @Akash Singh 
Thank you for the answer.
I tried to type directly to the downdrop search field. 
But I couldn't find status.(Both English and Japanese) 
This says "it doesn't match".

Is there anywhere that I can change the setting for this ?

[Akash Singh]

@光野　かおるCould you kindly confirm if you are accessing the import function by clicking the cog icon in the top navigation bar, navigating to System settings > External System Import, and then clicking on Switch to the old experience?

[光野 かおる]

@Akash Singh 
I went to check the page, and it apparently our team is using new import function.
You think its the reason why I cant find status on the import page ?

[Akash Singh]

@光野　かおるThe new import functionality allows you to import issue statuses when uploading issues from a CSV file, but it requires importing into a new project. Updating issues in an existing project is not currently supported.

It seems likely that your team is attempting to import the CSV by navigating to Select Filters > Advanced issue search, then clicking More (•••) > Import issues from CSV. This method does not support updating issue statuses via CSV.

To proceed, you need Product Admin permissions. Follow these steps:

1. Go to ⚙️ > System.
2. In the Import and Export section, click External System Import and then select CSV.
3. If you encounter the new import experience, select Switch to the old experience to access the CSV file import wizard.

[Hannes Obweger - JXL for Jira]

Hi @光野　かおる

just to add to @Akash Singh's great answer: If you're open to solutions from the Atlassian Marketplace, you'll find great options for quick and easy issue editing and creation, without having to export and re-import.

E.g., you may want to have a look at the app that my team and I are working on, JXL for Jira.

JXL is a full-fledged spreadsheet/table view for your issues that allows viewing, inline-editing, sorting, and filtering by all your issue fields, much like you’d do in e.g. Excel or Google Sheets. It also comes with a number of advanced features, including support for inline bulk editing via copy/paste, (configurable) issue hierarchies, issue grouping by any issue field(s), sum-ups, or conditional formatting.

This is how it looks in action:

Any questions just let me know,

Best,

Hannes

[光野 かおる]

Hi ! @Hannes Obweger - JXL for Jira 
Thank your your answer.
It looks really useful and easy.
I am not sure if I'm allowed to install this but will ask the manager !

I might need to ask you something if i can use this and found something difficult !

Anyway thank you for the useful information.