How to export Jira comments to Excel or CSV
Jira Cloud can include comments in a CSV export. Here is the built-in path, what the file looks like, and when a cleaner layout is worth an app.
Option 1: built-in Export Excel CSV (all fields)
- Go to Filters (or Issues search) and run the JQL or open the saved filter for the issues you need.
- Open the Export (or more actions) menu.
- Choose Export Excel CSV (all fields). Do not use current fields or filter fields if you need comments: those options usually omit the Comment columns.
- Open the CSV in Excel or Google Sheets.
Each comment typically appears in its own Comment column, in chronological order. Cells often combine author, timestamp and body in one string. Issues with many comments make the sheet very wide.
What to expect from the native file
- Comments are not a list column you can add in the issue navigator. You get them only through the all-fields CSV path (or an app).
- UTF-8 encoding: Jira exports UTF-8. Older Excel builds may garble non-English text unless you import via Data, From Text/CSV and pick UTF-8.
- Readability: author, time and text are usually packed into one cell per comment, which is awkward for audits, handoffs or customer reports.
- Size limits: large result sets may hit your site's export caps. Split with JQL (project, created date, or key ranges). See exporting more than 1,000 issues.
Option 2: a cleaner Excel, CSV or PDF layout
If stakeholders need readable comment history (author, time and text in separate columns), native Excel or PDF, custom fields, attachment links or a schedule, an export app helps. Pledona Export for Jira exports a JQL search, saved filter or selection to Excel, CSV or PDF with comments included, optional attachment links or an attachments ZIP, reusable field templates and recurring exports delivered in Jira. It runs entirely on Atlassian Forge with no outside network calls, is free for up to 10 users, then $1.50 per user per month through Atlassian, and is pending Atlassian Marketplace review.
Frequently asked questions
Does Export Excel CSV (current fields) include comments?
Usually no. Use Export Excel CSV (all fields) so Comment columns are included. Current fields and filter fields follow the columns on screen, and Comment is not a normal navigator column.
Why are my Comment columns empty or missing?
You may have chosen current fields instead of all fields, or the issues truly have no comments. Also confirm you opened the CSV with UTF-8 so the cells are not garbled.
Can I get author, timestamp and comment text in separate columns?
The built-in all-fields CSV often packs those into one cell per comment. Apps such as Pledona Export can produce cleaner Excel layouts with comments structured for reading and reporting.
Does this work for Jira Service Management?
Yes. The same Filters search and Export Excel CSV (all fields) path works for Jira Software and Jira Service Management Cloud. Respect privacy: only export comments your role is allowed to see.