Map data from a CSV file

When you map data in Jira Work Management, you can connect the information in your import columns to the issue fields in your project. This allows you to customize how the data is presented and organized. For instance, you can map the dates from your CSV file to the "Start date" or "End date" for an issue on your business project.

To map your data, simply preview the CSV import columns and adjust the data mapping in the preview screen before creating your project. This gives you the flexibility to tailor your project to your specific needs and ensure that your data is accurate and relevant.

Map columns to fields

After uploading your CSV file, you’ll see a dynamic preview table for the first 30 rows of data in your CSV.

This table is where you can map the column data to fields for how you want them to appear in the business project. We’ll create an issue in your new business project for each row of data.

The first row of the table is where you can map your data, and the second row of the table is where you can see the headers for the data from your CSV file.

1. Most of the data from your file will be mapped automatically based on your column’s name and existing Jira field names. You’ll need to double-check the columns are mapped correctly.

2. To map data to a field, select Map to a field in the first row of the preview table.

3. From the dropdown select the field type that best maps to the data of that column. From the dropdown, you can choose to exclude data from your import, create a custom field for specific information, or map data to Jira fields or previously created custom fields.

Note: At least one of the mapped fields must contain data for the issue’s summary field.

Import dates and times

To import date and time data in Jira, adjust the date and time format options to match the CSV file and specify the date format used in the file using Java SimpleDateFormat syntax. Jira will read the dates and times based on the language and region preferences set in the CSV.

Custom fields

Use custom fields in Jira Work Management to track and manage additional information specific to your team or organization's needs.

Jira provides a set of standard fields that can be used for most purposes, but custom fields allow you to capture and report on data that is unique to your workflow or business processes. Custom fields can be created for various types of data, such as text, numbers, dates, and dropdown lists, and can be added to screens, issue types, and projects as needed. With custom fields, you can enhance your instance's flexibility and tailor it to your team's requirements, improving data accuracy and helping you make informed decisions. Learn more about custom fields

Tips for creating custom fields

• Limit the number of custom fields in your import.

• Avoid duplicating names of existing custom fields or standard Jira fields

• Use generic names for custom fields that can be reused in other places e.g. Objective instead of Marketing Objective

Map column data to a custom field

1. Select Map to a field in your preview table for the column where you want to create a custom field.

2. From the dropdown select Create a custom field, then select the field type that best fits with your column field.

Importing to multi-select custom fields

Your CSV file can contain multiple entries for the one Multi Select Custom Field. For example:

This will populate the Multi Select Custom Field with multiple values.

Importing cascading choice custom fields

You can import values to a cascading choice custom field using the following syntax:

The '->' separator allows you to import the hierarchy.

Exclude column data from your import

If you come across unwanted or irrelevant data during the import process in the preview screen, you have the option to exclude the corresponding column from the import.

Select Exclude column data from your import from the field mapping dropdown to exclude data columns.

Once columns have been deliberately excluded from the dropdown you’ll also see that from the columns dropdown above your preview table. If you accidentally exclude a column that you want to bring back into the import, simply select the column heading from the dropdown again.

Tips for importing CSV data into fields

The following are some helpful tips along with a list of the system fields and custom fields that we currently support in Jira Work Management import.

Character limits

Jira Work Management has character limits for certain fields. Any data that exceeds the limit will be trimmed and excluded from the import. By keeping these character limits in mind when importing data into Jira Work Management, you can ensure that your information is accurately and completely represented in your project.

The following are the character counts for each field type.