Exported issues are not in the correct format
Platform Notice: Cloud and Data Center - This article applies equally to both cloud and data center platforms.
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
When a user opens the exported CSV file in Excel, the data does not appear to be formatted correctly. Please refer to the following screenshot as an example:
Environment
File open on end-user workstations like: Windows, Mac, Linux
Diagnosis
When a CSV file is not opened with a dedicated program designed to handle and format such files, it may not be user-friendly or easily readable.
Cause
To open a CSV file, a specific program should be used; otherwise, the data may not be readable. If the end-user device does not automatically open the file with an appropriate program that can effectively format the data, it may become unreadable. For instance, if the file opens in a text editor that is not equipped to format CSV files, the data may appear disorganized and difficult to understand.
Solution
Before beginning, ensure that the file is present or has been downloaded to the end-user's device.
To open a CSV file correctly, one of the following is required:
Microsoft Excel
Google Spreadsheet (an online Excel alternative)
Another program capable of processing and formatting CSV files
Microsoft Excel
Please ensure that the file is downloaded and available on your workstation before you proceed.
File > Open and select the CSV file.
If you can't find the file you need to open, you may have to choose "Text Files (*.prn, *.txt, *.csv)" for the type of file to open. Then, Excel will show the data in a new worksheet.
Google Spreadsheet
Please ensure that the file is downloaded and available on your workstation before you proceed.
You can quickly open a Google Spreadsheet by going to https://sheets.new. Alternatively, you can open your Google Drive, click 'New' at the top left, and choose 'Google Spreadsheet'.
Click on 'File', then 'Import'.
Choose the 'Upload' tab.
In the 'Import File' window, check the box that says "convert text to numbers, dates, and formulas".
Finally, click 'Import data'.
Take away points
Remember, once the file is on your device, the Atlassian system can't control how it's processed. Your company's IT team is the best contact for help with setting up your workstation so CSV files open with the right program.
If you've followed these steps and the file still doesn't look right, you should contact Atlassian support.
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