What is a Jira Backlog?

A Jira backlog is a dynamic list of tasks, commonly referred to as issues, which a team intends to work on within a project's lifespan. This list serves as the primary source for creating, storing, and managing tasks that teams are currently working on, planning to tackle in the near future, or considering for future attention based on their priority. The backlog operates as a central framework for defining and organizing a team's work throughout various iterations of a project.

In addition to task management, the Jira backlog facilitates the prioritization process through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing teams to effectively sequence their work. It also provides features for assigning issues to specific sprints, epics, and versions, thereby offering a comprehensive tool for managing complex projects. The backlog is essential in Scrum and Kanban methodologies, where it supports different functions such as sprint planning for Scrum and future task visualization in Kanban.

As a core element of Jira's project management capabilities, the backlog is seamlessly integrated into the software. Whether using a Scrum or Kanban approach, teams can access the backlog through the project's sidebar or by selecting "Issues" to view all issues and filters. The Jira backlog is more than just a list; it's a strategic tool for teams to efficiently manage their project workflows and ensure that all tasks are addressed in order of significance and aligned with project goals.

How to Export Jira Backlog to a CSV File

Using Advanced Issue Search

You can export issues from the Advanced Issue Search screen in Jira. To do this, you must first create a filter to retrieve the issues you wish to export. Once the filter is set, you can use either the Excel or Export buttons to export the issues. However, it is important to note that this method does not provide a built-in solution for exporting issues directly from the backlog dashboard.

Exporting with JQL

Another method to export your backlog is to use Jira Query Language (JQL). You can export filtered issues from the "Issues" section by crafting a JQL query that selects the desired issues from your backlog. While there are various answers online on how to filter backlog issues with JQL, none of them perfectly replicate the filtering of the backlog baseboard. A simple, albeit crude, solution is to filter issues by issue names, which can be extracted from the HTML source code of the backlog dashboard.

Python Scripting

If you're looking for a more automated solution, you can use a Python script to copy the elements from the backlog dashboard and compile them into a file. Additionally, a Python script can be employed to extract issue names for the purpose of using the aforementioned "dumb solution." Once you have a list of issues, various CSV combiner tools can be utilized to merge these issues into a single CSV file.

Streamline Your Workflow with Sourcetable for Jira Backlog Management

Managing your Jira backlog can be a time-consuming task, especially when dealing with the export of CSV files and the subsequent import into another spreadsheet program. However, with Sourcetable, you can elevate your productivity and efficiency. Sourcetable's ability to sync your live data from a variety of applications and databases, including Jira, allows you to bypass the cumbersome process of exporting and importing data manually.

Utilizing Sourcetable for your Jira backlog management comes with a host of benefits. The platform's seamless integration with Jira means your data is automatically pulled into a familiar spreadsheet interface, which is updated in real-time. This not only saves precious time but also ensures that your data is always current, providing an accurate foundation for decision-making and project management. Additionally, Sourcetable's interface is designed to facilitate automation and business intelligence, which further streamlines your workflow and enhances your ability to analyze data effectively.

Common Use Cases

• J

  
  Use case 1: Exporting Jira backlog for migrations
• J

  
  Use case 2: Creating detailed reports by exporting Jira backlog in smaller batches
• J

  
  Use case 3: Analyzing SLA reporting data by exporting Jira Service Management fields
• J

  
  Use case 4: Managing large backlogs by exporting more than 1000 issues at once
• J

  
  Use case 5: Documenting issue histories including transitions and comments by exporting to CSV

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I export issues from the Jira backlog to CSV?

To export a Jira backlog to CSV, navigate to the Issues and Filters page, create a filter for the items in the backlog, and select Export to CSV at the top right of the page.

What should I do if I have more than 1000 items in my Jira backlog to export?

If there are more than 1000 items in the backlog, add more criteria to the filter to reduce the number of items in the set before exporting.

Can I export issues directly from the backlog dashboard?

Exporting issues from the backlog dashboard directly is not natively supported in Jira; however, you can use a Python script or the Better Excel Exporter Jira app to export the backlog programmatically.

What if I am not comfortable with scripting to export my Jira backlog?

If scripting is not your forte, you can use the Better Excel Exporter Jira app, which is integrated into the backlog view of Jira, to export the backlog to Excel from within Jira.

Where do I find the export function for exporting my Jira project issues?

The export function can be found on the Advanced Issue Search screen, accessible from the Issues section of the left side navigation in Jira.