Bulk Edit Issues from CSV

[Abby O_Connell]

Hello! I am trying to bulk add information to 5 Jira Fields for over 100 stories. These stories are already created, so I do not want to create any additional. The columns of my CSV file has the Issue Key, and all the jira field I'd like to map to. I did a test and when I go to "Bulk Create Setup" and upload the CSV file, it ends up creating a new story. Is there a way to edit the existing stories instead of creating new ones as I do not want to lose some of the information in the current stories. Thanks!

[Chris Palmer]

We had an issue importing issue updates from a CSV file and we finally discovered that in order to make it work, we had to switch to the old experience in the External System Import area in the system admin settings. This was the only way we could get it to bulk update, match the Issue Key, etc. 

[Mary Jennings]

You can try using Skyvia if you need more flexibility in mapping CSV fields to existing Jira issues. It allows you to update records without creating new ones, ensuring that your current data remains intact. You can find more details here.

[Cassie the Jira Mechanic]

@Abby O_Connell 
Yes, you can only import updates via the Admin cog setting in Jira Cloud > System > External System Import > CSV.

[Dan Tombs]

Hey @Abby O_Connell 

You can absolutely do this. Take the export as normal and make your edits. Then unfortunately, this will require an admin. But your system admin will be able to run the import from the admin console and have it update issues.

There are two methods for importing issues but on the admin one can update issues.

[Abby O_Connell]

Thanks Dan! Do you have documentation on how to do this as an admin? 

[Dan Tombs]

@Abby O_Connell 

https://support.atlassian.com/jira-cloud-administration/docs/import-data-from-a-csv-file/

[Abby O_Connell]

Thanks Dan! I did try to follow the "Updating existing issues" section, but it ended up creating a new story. Will this change once I get admin access? 

[Marc - Devoteam]

Hi @Abby O_Connell 

Yes, if you need to be admin to achieve an import to update issues, otherwise just new issue will be created on an import.

[Abby O_Connell]

Hi Marc! I gained admin access and just tried to bulk edit the issues again, but it still created a new issue. This is what I see on the screen 

[Marc - Devoteam]

Hi @Abby O_Connell 

You need to map issue key to the table in your CSV where the issue key is mentioned, to accomplish updating existing issues.

So in you CSV you should have a column with the existing issue keys

[Abby O_Connell]

Hi Marc! I do have that. The above rows show the columns in my CSV file (ASV Name..). When I click the drop-down next to "Issue Key," there is no option for this. 

[Marc - Devoteam]

Hi @Abby O_Connell 

Are you starting the import from the Jira System settings

[Abby O_Connell]

I'm working from my company's system, so I do not see Jira import wizard. Is that necessary? 

[Marc - Devoteam]

Hi @Abby O_Connell 

Do you have a "cog wheel" next to your profile picture?

Select the "cog wheel" and choose System

And then choose the option "External System Import" 

If you don't have these options you have not been granted Jira Administrator rights