How to copy attachments in Jira: a comprehensive guide

Introduction

If you work with Jira regularly, you’ve probably faced the challenge of copying attachments from one issue to another. Whether you’re managing software development tasks, tracking bugs, or handling customer requests, moving attachments between issues efficiently is essential. In this guide, we will explore how to copy attachments in Jira using built-in methods, highlight their limitations, and introduce a more efficient way with Elements Copy & Sync.

How to copy attachments in Jira natively

Jira does not provide a built-in “Copy Attachments” feature. However, there are a few workarounds you can use:

Method 1: Manual download & upload

1. Open the source Jira issue.
2. Navigate to the “Attachments” section.
3. Download the attachments to your computer.
4. Open the destination issue where you want to clone the attachments.
5. Select “Add Attachment” and upload the files.

Pros:
✔ Simple and does not require additional configuration.
✔ Works for all Jira users.

Cons:
✖ Time-consuming, especially for multiple attachments.
✖ Risk of missing files or uploading incorrect versions.

Method 2: Clone the issue

1. Open the issue with the attachments.
2. Click More > Clone.
3. Select “Clone Attachments.”
4. Click “Create.”

Pros:
✔ Faster than manual download & upload.
✔ Ensures attachments remain linked to the issue.

Cons:
✖ Does not work when moving attachments to an existing issue.
✖ Requires deleting unnecessary cloned tickets.

Method 3: Jira Automation rules

You can set up Jira automation rules to clone attachments when issues transition between statuses.

1. Go to Project Settings > Automation.
2. Click Create Rule and set a trigger (e.g., “When an issue is updated”).
3. Add an action: Edit issue fields and select “Attachments.”
4. Configure the rule to copy attachments from one issue to another.

Pros:
✔ Works automatically for defined workflows.
✔ Saves time compared to manual methods.

Cons:
✖ Complex setup; requires Jira admin access.
✖ May not cover all use cases

Limitations of native Jira methods

While the above methods can work, they come with significant drawbacks:

🚫 No direct clone feature – Users must manually download and upload files.
🚫 Workflow dependency – Jira automation works only within predefined workflows.
🚫 No bulk attachment cloning – If you need to clone multiple attachments across multiple issues, it quickly becomes a tedious task.
🚫 Higher risk of errors – Manual handling increases the chances of missing or misplacing files.

For teams dealing with large volumes of attachments, a more efficient and reliable solution is necessary.

A better way: Copy attachments in Jira with Elements Copy & Sync

Elements Copy & Sync is a powerful Jira add-on that allows users to clone attachments seamlessly between issues without manual work.

How it works

The app will allow you to automate the process of cloning attachments between Jira issues with simple, no-code configuration.

Follow the steps

1. Install the Elements Copy & Sync App
   • Go to Atlassian Marketplace and install the app.
2. Set up a recipe
   • Create the rule: When an issue is created, transitioned, or updated, attachments from a source issue should be copied.
3. Select the fields to copy
   • Choose to clone attachments along with other issue fields like comments, links, or assignees.
4. Sync attachments automatically
   • Unlike Jira’s native options, the app doesn’t just copy attachments once—you can configure it to sync attachments between linked issues. This means that if new attachments are added to the source issue, they will automatically be copied to the target issue, ensuring both stay up to date.
5. Test & automate the process
   • Run a test to ensure that your configuration is correct. Once confirmed, the rule will work automatically whenever the trigger conditions are met.

Read documentation on how to copy an issue with all its comments and attachments

Why use Elements Copy & Sync?

✔ Automated – No need to manually download and upload attachments.
✔ Bulk clone – Move multiple attachments across multiple tickets instantly.
✔ Sync attachments – Keep attachments up to date between linked issues effortlessly.
✔ Works across projects – Clone attachments even between different Jira projects.
✔ No-script configuration – Set up rules easily with a user-friendly interface.
✔ Reduces human errors – Ensures files are copied and updated accurately every time.

Learn how to clone Jira issues and keep them in sync in Jira Cloud

Conclusion

Copying attachments in Jira is a frequent requirement, but native methods can be time-consuming and error-prone. Elements Copy & Sync offers a faster, more reliable solution by automating the process and ensuring attachments are transferred seamlessly. The configuration is simple and quick, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.

💡 Try the app for free on the Atlassian marketplace!