Import issues into Planio via CSV files¶

This is a guide on how you can import tasks, issues, tickets or stories from Comma Separated Values (CSV) files using the importer in Planio. You'll be able to move data between different software packages easily. For instance, you could plan a project in Microsoft Project, and then you could import all the tasks into Planio as issues.

• Table of contents
• Import issues into Planio via CSV files
  • Preparing the CSV file
  • Importing the CSV File
  • Import issue relations
    • Issue hierarchies
    • Issue relations
    • Importing the CSV file

There are two steps to this process. First, you need to prepare a CSV file for import. Second, you have to carry out the import. We’ll cover both in this guide.

Preparing the CSV file¶

You need to export your tasks, issues or tickets in the CSV format. You can save most Excel sheets as CSV files by clicking on File -> Save As… and then selecting Comma Separated Values as the format from the drop-down menu.

Your CSV file can have the following headers. You’ll find a sample CSV file here: example.csv.

Please note: You may also import issue relations. This topic is covered below.

Importing the CSV File¶

Now, you have a CSV file ready for import. The next step is to import it into Planio. You’ll find the button for the Import on the issues page in the sidebar.

Then, select your CSV file using the file picker.

On the next page, you can select options for importing the CSV File

First you have to select a target project for the import. Then, you have to map the values from the CSV files to issue fields in Planio. You can select each value from the drop-down menu beside each attribute. You’ll also see a file content preview further down, so you can make sure you’re importing the right data.

Once you’re done assigning the values to each field, you can click on import to start the import.

If you encounter any issues, you'll see a page with the errors and the import will not be carried out. You can restart the import once you've fixed the problems in the CSV file.

If all goes well, you’ll see a list of the imported issues.

That's how you can import tasks, issues, bugs or stories into Planio using the CSV importer.

Import issue relations¶

The issue import may also set up issue hierarchies as well as any other issue relation supported by Planio. You may store the relationship information in dedicated columns within your CSV file.

Issue hierarchies¶

Issue hierarchies may be specified via a parent issue column. Each issue may have exactly on parent issue. To reference already existing issues within your projects, you may use the issue number with a # in front, e.g. #13. To reference issues, which are part of the same CSV, you may either use the row number or you may specify a special "Unique ID" column, which contains the reference text.

Referencing existing issues

Issue #13 would have been created before the import.

Referencing new issues via row number

Please note, that numbering starts with the first non-header row.

Referencing new issues via Unique ID column

Please be aware, that the unique ID may not start with a # sign. Otherwise it would be mistaken for a reference to an existing issue.

Issue relations¶

Planio supports the following issue relations:

• Related to
• Duplicates / Duplicated by
• Blocks / Blocked by
• Copied to / Copied from
• Precedes / Follows

Each issue may be part of many relations, although there are logical restrictions, e.g. an issue cannot block a preceding task. Each relation type should be presented in a different column within the CSV. You may reference other issues using the same three techniques mentioned above. Multiple relations of the same type should be separated by comma.

Please be aware, when using a dedicated Unique ID column, that said ID may not contain commas, since that is used as a separator.

For the follows and precedes relation, you may also add the delay incorporated.

Example defining relations with delay

The booster may only be attached after the firmware was upgraded and after the paint dried for two day.

Importing the CSV file¶

Follow the steps described above. When mapping the values from the CSV files to issue fields in Planio, you may also define, which CSV column contains defines which issue relation. When selecting a column for Unique ID, it is assumed, that you're using these value to reference other issues. If that mapping is left blank, it is assumed that row numbers are used.

The rest of the import works as described above.