Import issue from CSV does not keep the spacing between the paragraph sections
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
When importing an issue that does contain a description using multiple lines and spaces, the formatting is not preserved and the spacing between the paragraph sections is lost.
Diagnosis
Using CSV import from the top menu (Issues -> ‘Import Issue from CSV');
When mapping the description field, check if the option 'Map field value' was checked. This field is used to modify the values of any fields' data in the CSV file before they are imported into Jira
Steps to Reproduce
Create and save a CSV file as per the documentation Importing Data From CSV
1
2
3
Summary, Description, Status
"Login fails", "This is on
a new line", OpenDo a CSV import in JIRA using the top menu (Issues -> ‘Import Issue from CSV')
Expected Results
Imported issue created with the description:
1
2
This is on
a new lineActual Results
Imported issue created with a single line at the description:
1
This is ona new lineCause
The option Map field value removes all the field formatting.
Reference: JRASERVER-46365 - New line in CSV external import in JIRA doesn't work
Solution
Workaround
Workaround #1
On the Map fields screen, map your incoming field to the appropriate Jira field, but do not tick the Map field value checkbox. Ticking this box takes you to a screen where your browser will strip out your extra formatting.
Depending on the formatting of your data and the field it's importing into, you may also want to wrap your incoming comment in {noformat} tags.
Workaround #2
If you need to adjust the value before the import and need the Map field value checkbox ticked, it is possible to create new lines by using:
\\
at the beginning of each line as per the example below:
Summary,Type,Description,Status
"next csv new line test","Bug","Atlassian
\\ Testing Issue
\\ Acceptance Criteria
\\ - Line 1
\\ - Line 2
\\ - Line 3
\\ - Line 4",To Do
Was this helpful?