---
title: "Restoring Jira Data Center project exports in Jira Cloud"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/SUPPORT/3301572609/Restoring%20Jira%20Data%20Center%20project%20exports%20in%20Jira%20Cloud"
format: markdown
---
This article explains the compatibility of Configuration Manager for Jira (CMJ) Data Center project snapshots with Jira Cloud. 

It clarifies that CMJ Cloud currently does not support issue and attachment data import from Data Center snapshots and provides a workaround for restoring archived projects after migrating to Cloud.

### Environment

- **Product:** Configuration Manager for Jira (CMJ)
- **Version:** All versions
- **Platform:** Jira Data Center to Jira Cloud migration

### Problem

Users who have archived Jira Data Center projects by taking CMJ "Project with issues" snapshots and deleting the projects from their DC instance may find they cannot directly restore these projects into Jira Cloud.

The primary concerns are:

- CMJ Data Center export files (`.zip`) containing issue and attachment data are not compatible for direct import into Jira Cloud.
- CMJ Cloud does not currently have a **Project with Issues** snapshot type; it only captures project configuration elements (workflows, screens, custom fields, schemes, permissions, boards, etc.).
- There is no native way within Jira Cloud to fully export and restore project data (issues and attachments) using CMJ to clean up artifacts and restore them later.

### Cause

CMJ Cloud snapshots are currently limited to project configuration only. 

The architecture of Jira Cloud differs from Data Center, and CMJ Cloud doesn't support migrating or restoring issue-level data using snapshot uploads.

### Workaround

While a direct restoration is not possible, you can restore archived projects by following these steps:

#### Restoring archived Data Center snapshots to Jira Cloud

1. **Restore to Data Center:** Restore the CMJ Data Center snapshot (including issues and attachments) into a temporary or existing Jira Data Center environment.
2. **Migrate to Cloud:** Use the **Cloud Migration Tool (CMT)** in conjunction with **Configuration Manager for Jira (CMJ) Cloud** to migrate the restored project from the Data Center instance to your Jira Cloud instance.

#### Managing projects in Jira Cloud

Since Jira Cloud does not currently support full project snapshots (configuration + issues) for archival/restoration purposes:

> 📝 **Backup recommendation:** Before deleting a project in Jira Cloud, ensure that its data is backed up using Jira's native backup tools or stored in an alternative archival system. CMJ Cloud cannot currently restore the project's issues from a configuration-only snapshot.