To export multiple issues in Jira, you primarily use the Export Excel CSV button after finding the issues you wish to include in your export. This method allows you to easily extract a list of issues, along with their associated data, into a spreadsheet format.
How to Export Multiple Issues from Jira
Jira provides a straightforward process to export multiple issues, whether you need a simple list or a detailed breakdown of all fields. The core method involves searching for your issues and then using the export function available in the issue navigator.
Step 1: Find Your Issues
Before you can export, you need to identify and display the issues you want to export. Jira offers two main ways to do this:
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Using Basic Search:
- Navigate to Issues > Search for issues.
- Switch to the Basic search mode if you're in JQL.
- Use the available filters (e.g., Project, Issue Type, Status, Assignee, Reporter, Created Date) to narrow down your results.
- You can add more criteria using the + More button.
- For example, you might filter for "all Bugs in Project X that are Open."
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Using JQL (Jira Query Language):
- Navigate to Issues > Search for issues.
- Switch to the JQL search mode.
- Enter your query to precisely define the set of issues. JQL offers powerful filtering capabilities for complex scenarios.
- Example JQL:
project = "Your Project Name" AND status in ("To Do", "In Progress") AND issuetype = Story ORDER BY created DESC - This query would find all Stories in "Your Project Name" that are either "To Do" or "In Progress", sorted by creation date.
- Learn more about Jira Query Language (JQL) for advanced searches.
Once your issues are displayed in the issue navigator, you're ready to export. You can also save your search as a filter for future use by clicking Save as next to the search bar.
Step 2: Export from Search Results
After finding and displaying the issues you want, the export process is simple:
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Locate the Export Button: In the top-right corner of the issue navigator, you will find an Export button.
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Choose Your Export Format: Click the Export button to reveal a dropdown menu. For exporting to Excel-compatible files, select one of the following options:
- Export Excel CSV (all fields): This option exports all available fields for the selected issues, providing a comprehensive data dump. This is useful when you need every piece of information related to the issues.
- Export Excel CSV (my defaults): This exports only the fields configured in your personal column preferences for the issue navigator. This is ideal if you've already customized your column view to show only the relevant information.
For a quick comparison of these two primary CSV export options:
| Export Option | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Export Excel CSV (all fields) | Includes every field associated with the issues, regardless of your current column configuration in the issue navigator. | Comprehensive data analysis, backups, or when all issue data is required. |
| Export Excel CSV (my defaults) | Exports issues using the specific columns you have configured to display in your personal issue navigator view. If you haven't customized, it typically uses the default system columns. | Tailored reports, quick views of specific data, or when only certain fields are relevant. |
After making your selection, Jira will generate and download a .csv file to your computer, which can be opened and manipulated using spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
You can customize your issue navigator columns by clicking the Columns button next to the Export button, allowing you to control what fields appear in "my defaults" exports.
Practical Tips for Exporting Issues
- Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary Jira permissions to view and export issues from the project(s) in question.
- Large Exports: For very large sets of issues, the export process might take some time. Consider breaking down extremely large exports into smaller, more manageable queries if you encounter timeouts or performance issues.
- Data Integrity: CSV files preserve raw data, making them excellent for data analysis, reporting, or migrating issue data to other systems.
- Other Export Formats: While CSV is ideal for Excel, Jira also offers other export options like XML, RSS, or even Word documents, depending on your Jira version and installed apps.
By following these steps, you can efficiently export multiple issues from Jira to suit your reporting, analysis, or data migration needs.
