How to migrate test cases from CSV or TestRail into Jira
Whether your test cases live in a spreadsheet or in TestRail, the first step is the same: get them into a clean CSV. Then choose where they should live in Jira.
Step 1: export your test cases
- Spreadsheet: one row per test case with columns such as title, section or folder, priority, preconditions, steps and expected result. Save as CSV with UTF-8 encoding.
- TestRail: open the test suite or project's test cases and use the export option to CSV (TestRail also offers XML). Include the section, steps and expected result columns. Check the file in a spreadsheet before importing.
Option 1: import as regular Jira issues (free)
- Ask a Jira admin to create a work type (issue type) such as Test in your project.
- Go to Settings > System > External system import > CSV (or the project's import option, depending on your permissions) and upload the file.
- Map title to Summary, steps and expected results to Description or custom fields, priority to Priority and the section to a label or component.
This is free and simple, but each test case becomes a plain issue. Steps become text, there are no test runs or pass/fail history, and test cases mix with your stories and bugs in boards and reports.
Option 2: import into a test management app
Proofline imports test cases from CSV or Excel into its own test library, kept separate from your issues. It understands multi-row steps (one row per step), nested folders from section paths, and the column layouts of TestRail and Zephyr Essential exports. After import you can link cases to stories, build test cycles and import CI results. Proofline runs on Atlassian Forge, is free for up to 10 users and is pending Atlassian Marketplace review.
Migration checklist
- Do a test import of 20 cases before the full file.
- Fix encoding problems (accents, CJK) by saving as UTF-8.
- Keep the original TestRail case IDs in a column or label so you can trace old references.
- Decide who owns cleanup of duplicates and obsolete cases before you migrate, not after.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import test cases into Jira without an app?
Yes. The built-in CSV importer can create issues of a Test work type, with steps in the description. You do not get test runs, results history or structured steps.
How do I keep TestRail step formatting?
Export steps as separate rows or columns and use an importer that understands multi-row steps, such as Proofline. The plain Jira CSV importer puts steps into text fields.
Will imported test cases count toward Jira issue limits?
With the built-in importer each test case is a Jira issue. With Proofline, test cases are stored in the app and are not Jira issues.