How can I remove issues from a prod jira backup for import into a dev instance?

[Guy Matz]

I would like to take a backup of my prod server and import it into a dev instance, but I don't want the issues.  I only need the workflows, custom fields, etc.  I've been able to take the xml files from the backup and remove the issues using XML tools, - e.g. XPath, etc - but that didn't remove enough.  I think I need to know more about the schema or in order to get everything out that I want out.  Any advice?

[Chris Dunne]

If you just want to import the configuration from prod to dev then I suggest using one of the plugins in the marketplace.

https://marketplace.atlassian.com/plugins/com.awnaba.projectconfigurator.projectconfigurator/server/overview

https://marketplace.atlassian.com/plugins/com.botronsoft.jira.configurationmanager/server/overview

[Guy Matz]

Oops!  Should have mentioned: I need this functionality for the cloud version!

[Joe Pitt]

The safest way is to import the xml and then delete the issues manually. If you don't want any of the projects I believe deleting the project will delete all the issues in it.

[Guy Matz]

I need to avoid that intermediate step of restoring, because the restore 'taint working with the size of my backup!