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Import checklist from CSV to existing issues

Owned by Jack Hunter
Last updated: Aug 16, 2022 by Jennifer Choban
2 min read

This page describes how to import a checklist to the existing issue(s) with a help of a CSV file.

Note

This guide applies to Jira Classic projects only. 

Prerequisites

"Save checklist data to Jira custom fields" option must be enabled in Global Settings. 

Preparing CSV file

You need to create a three-column CSV file. Please adhere to Jira's documentation regarding CSV format requirements (i.e. delimiters and other settings).

Example CSV:

 

Download above example: sample-checklist-import.csv

Please make sure that checklist items listed in the Checklist Text column, are separated by newline characters as in the example CSV file. 

Column meaning

Issue KeyShould be issue keys of the issues you want to update
SummaryLeave this empty*
Checklist TextShould be your checklist in Checklist Text format

* - Due to Jira limitation the issue summary column is a mandatory field during import. Empty value means "no actual update, please".

Importing

  1. Navigate to your Jira settings → External System Import → CSV.
  2. Proceed with importing your CSV file normally.

  3. During Fields step select respective fields for columns. Leave all Map field value unchecked.

    IMPORTANT: The "Map field value" checkbox option must remain unchecked for "Checklist Text" field. There is a known bug in Jira which causes new-lines to be removed and ends up mapping all content in one line instead of multiple lines as the CSV. More information about the workaround for this is here.

  4. After successful import, your issues should have checklists updated:



You must use External System Import admin page. Very similar functionality is provided on the Issue Navigator page under Import issues from CSV, but it allows creating new issues only instead of updating existing ones.  

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Troubleshooting

Should you stumble upon any problems with the import, please let us know and we will help you.