Overview
The R4J Excel add-in allows you to import Jira issues into an Excel spreadsheet, modify them offline, and export the changes back to Jira. You can also create new requirements offline and export them to Jira. The requirements from entire projects or only specific subsets can be imported and exported back to Jira.
Load Jira Issues in Excel
Select Load Data under the Jira ribbon.
There are 3 available options to select Jira issues for import into an Excel spreadsheet.
Project: Select a project from the list.
Saved filters: Select the Filters tab and choose a filter from the list.
JQL: Select the JQL tab and enter a JQL query. The expression can be validated before proceeding.
Select Next.
Select the Jira fields to include in the import. Key, Project key, Issue Type and Summary are required for the import. (The choice of fields is saved for future sessions.)
Select Finish.
After downloading the data, the Jira issues are displayed in the worksheet - for example:
The headers have a color scheme that identifies read-only versus modifiable fields:
Dark Gray: read only
Light Gray: editable
Create new Jira issues
The simplest way to create new issues is to use a worksheet in which existing issues have already been downloaded. To create a new issue, add a row with the desired values in the columns, leaving the Key column empty.
(If you don’t intend to use the worksheet to update issues or to create links between new issues and existing issues, you may delete the rows for existing issues and use the worksheet as a template for creating new issues.)
Values for Project Key, Issue Type and Summary are required. If the project configuration has other required fields and values are not provided, the Results dialog indicates the errors after the attempt to upload.
In case you want to export issues to Jira from scratch, follow these steps:
Prepare an Excel worksheet with the following required table headings: Key, Project Key, Issue Type, Summary. Depending on your project configuration, additional fields may be required. Add additional optional fields as needed.
Fill the table with the the new values for the issues to be created, leaving the Key column empty.
Select Upload Data.
A summary of the results of the operation (including any errors) is then displayed.
Update Jira issues
Load the Jira issues to be updated. Make sure the desired fields are selected for import.
Modify the fields of the issues you want to update.
Optionally, use the Check option to review the cells that have been changed. Modified fields are marked with a yellow background.
Select Upload Data.
A summary of the operation (including any errors) is then displayed.