Creating Huge Number of Options for Multi-Select List fields in Jira Data Center
Platform Notice: Data Center Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the Data Center platform.
Note that this KB was created for the Data Center version of the product. Data Center KBs for non-Data-Center-specific features may also work for Server versions of the product, however they have not been tested. Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.
*Except Fisheye and Crucible
Summary
Important Note: Please be advised that having 100s of options in a Multi-Select List custom field is not advised due to known performance issues such as:
Please only use this method for testing and keep number of options in a Multi-Select List custom field to the lowest possible range.
Solution
Problem
When creating a custom multi-select list, it could be difficult if we need to manually create the options for a huge number of options. For example, a custom multi-select list for Country could contain more than 100 options.
Workaround
Import the custom field via CSV Import. See Importing data from CSV.
Format for the Muti-Select List
1
2
Summary,Multi Select,Multi Select,Multi Select
Sample issue,Value 1,Value 2,Value 3When using this method, it would create an issue as Summary field is required for CSV import. So it is recommended to create a Test Project so it won't mess up the production project.
Create a Test project
> System > External System Import
Choose CSV
Choose File > Choose your CSV
Next
Select the project you create on Step 1 > Next
You could create a new custom field or match it with your existing custom field.
ℹ️ Please note that this option is only provided if you Import the CSV using the External System Import (Administration >> System >> External System Import). Using Issues >> Import issues from CSV won't provide the option to create a new custom field.
Map Summary to Summary field
Next
Begin Import
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