How to Migrate from Jira to Linear (Step-by-Step)
Migrating from Jira to Linear can be a complex process, but with a clear plan, you can ensure a smooth transition and simplify workflows for your developers. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to migrate your data safely and efficiently.
Pre-Migration Checklist
- Backup Jira data (Export as CSV/JSON): Before starting the migration process, export your Jira data as a CSV or JSON file to ensure you have a backup in case anything goes wrong. This can be done by going to Settings > Data Management > Export.
- Create Linear account (Trial/Paid): Sign up for a Linear account, either trial or paid, to prepare for the migration.
- Map your fields (e.g., “Deal Name” in Jira = “Opportunity” in Linear): Take the time to map your fields from Jira to Linear to ensure a smooth transition. For example, if you have a field called “Deal Name” in Jira, you may want to map it to the “Opportunity” field in Linear.
- Inform your team of downtime: Notify your team of the planned migration and expected downtime to minimize disruptions.
Method 1: The “One-Click” Importer (If available)
Linear may have a native import tool that allows for a one-click migration from Jira. To check if this feature is available:
- Log in to your Linear account and navigate to Settings > Import.
- Look for a Jira import option and follow the prompts to initiate the migration.
- If the one-click importer is available, it can significantly reduce the migration time, from several hours to around 30 minutes for 1,000 records.
Method 2: Manual CSV Export/Import (The Reliable Way)
If the one-click importer is not available, you can use the manual CSV export/import method:
- Export from Jira: Go to Settings > Data Management > Export and select the CSV option. For a dataset of 1,000 records, this step typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Clean the Data: Open the exported CSV file in Excel and remove any empty rows to ensure data integrity. This step can take around 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of your dataset.
- Import to Linear: Navigate to Settings > Import > CSV in your Linear account and follow the prompts to upload your cleaned CSV file. The import process can take around 15-30 minutes for 1,000 records, depending on the complexity of your data.
- Map Fields: Ensure that the columns in your CSV file match the fields in Linear perfectly to avoid any data discrepancies.
Critical: What DOESN’T Transfer?
When migrating from Jira to Linear, some data may not transfer automatically, including:
- Notes: These may need to be manually copied and pasted into Linear or transferred via API.
- File attachments: These will need to be manually uploaded to Linear or transferred via API.
- Activity logs: These may not be transferred at all, so it’s essential to review and document any critical activity logs before migrating. To transfer these items manually, you can use the Linear API or a third-party integration tool. For example, you can use the Linear API to create a script that transfers notes and file attachments from Jira to Linear.
Post-Migration Testing
After completing the migration, it’s crucial to verify that all data has been transferred correctly:
- Verify record counts: Ensure that the number of records in Linear matches the number of records in Jira (e.g., 500 leads in Jira should equal 500 leads in Linear).
- Check standard and custom fields: Review both standard and custom fields to ensure that all data has been mapped correctly and is visible in Linear.
FAQ
Q: How long does this take? A: The migration time will depend on the size of your dataset. For 1,000 records, the manual CSV export/import method can take around 1-2 hours, while the one-click importer can take around 30 minutes. For 10,000 records, the manual method can take around 5-10 hours, while the one-click importer can take around 2-3 hours.
Q: Will I lose my SEO/History? A: When migrating from Jira to Linear, you may lose some SEO history, as Linear may not retain the same URL structure as Jira. However, you can minimize the impact by setting up redirects from your old Jira URLs to your new Linear URLs. Additionally, Linear provides a feature to import historical data, which can help retain some of the SEO history. To minimize the loss of SEO history, it’s recommended to set up redirects and import historical data as soon as possible after the migration.
By following these steps and considering the potential limitations, you can ensure a successful migration from Jira to Linear and simplify workflows for your developers. Remember to test thoroughly after the migration to ensure that all data has been transferred correctly and that your team can start working efficiently in Linear.