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Modern Importer Exporter for Confluence - User Guide

🚀 Introduction​

Modern Importer & Exporter for Confluence is a powerful app that enables seamless export and import of Confluence content across spaces. Whether you need to migrate content between instances, create backups, or share content with external teams, this app provides enterprise-grade functionality with an intuitive interface.

Key Benefits​

  • Multi-format support: Export/import in ADF JSON, ADF XML, and HTML formats
  • Bulk operations: Handle multiple pages and blog posts simultaneously
  • Individual actions: Quick export/import for single content items
  • Unicode support: Full support for international characters and languages
  • Professional UI: Clean, tab-based interface following Atlassian Design System
  • Real-time feedback: Progress tracking and detailed error reporting

✨ Features Overview​

🔄 Bulk Operations (Global Page)​

  • Multi-space selection: Choose content from multiple Confluence spaces
  • Content browsing: View and select pages/blog posts with detailed information
  • Batch export: Export multiple items in organized ZIP files
  • Batch import: Import multiple files with conflict resolution
  • Progress tracking: Real-time progress updates during operations

⚡ Individual Content Actions​

  • Right-click export: Export any page or blog post directly from context menu
  • Quick import: Import content to replace or append to existing pages
  • Auto-detection: Automatically detects content type (page vs blog post)
  • Format selection: Choose export formats with checkbox interface
  • Import modes: Override existing content or append to it

📁 File Management​

  • Smart compression: Single ZIP files for multi-format exports
  • Organized structure: Space-based folder organization in exports
  • Unicode filenames: Proper handling of international characters
  • Conflict resolution: Automatic title renaming for duplicate content

🏁 Getting Started​

Installation​

  1. Install the app from the Atlassian Marketplace
  2. The app will be available in two locations:
    • Global Page: Apps → Modern Importer & Exporter for Confluence
    • Content Actions: Right-click menu on any page or blog post

First Use​

  1. Navigate to Apps → Modern Importer & Exporter for Confluence
  2. You'll see a tab-based interface with Export and Import tabs
  3. Start with a small test export to familiarize yourself with the interface

📤 Bulk Operations​

Accessing Bulk Operations​

  1. Go to Apps → Modern Importer & Exporter for Confluence
  2. Use the tab interface to switch between Export and Import

Export Process​

Step 1: Select Spaces​

  1. Click the Space Selection dropdown
  2. Choose one or more spaces containing content to export
  3. Wait for content to load (you'll see a loading indicator)

Step 2: Select Content​

  1. Browse the content table showing pages and blog posts
  2. Use checkboxes to select items you want to export
  3. View details like title, type, space, and modification date
  4. Use "Select All" for bulk selection

Step 3: Choose Formats​

  1. Select export formats using checkboxes:
    • ADF JSON: Native Atlassian Document Format (recommended)
    • ADF XML: XML representation of ADF
    • HTML: Web-compatible format
  2. Multiple formats will be packaged in a single ZIP file

Step 4: Export​

  1. Click the Export button
  2. Monitor progress in the progress indicator
  3. Download will start automatically when complete
  4. Files are organized by space in the ZIP archive

Import Process​

Step 1: Upload Files​

  1. Switch to the Import tab
  2. Use the file uploader to select files
  3. Supported formats: JSON, XML, HTML, Markdown
  4. Multiple files can be uploaded simultaneously

Step 2: Select Target Space​

  1. Choose the destination space from the dropdown
  2. Ensure you have write permissions to the selected space

Step 3: Import​

  1. Click the Import button
  2. Monitor progress and view detailed results
  3. Review success/error counts and any conflict resolutions

⚡ Individual Content Actions​

Accessing Content Actions​

  1. Navigate to any Confluence page or blog post
  2. Right-click to open the context menu
  3. Select Export & Import

Export Individual Content​

Step 1: Choose Export Tab​

  1. The Export tab will be selected by default
  2. Content type and title are automatically detected

Step 2: Select Formats​

  1. Use checkboxes to select desired formats:
    • ADF JSON, ADF XML, HTML
  2. Multiple formats create a single ZIP download

Step 3: Export​

  1. Click the Export button (shows selected formats)
  2. Download starts automatically
  3. Filename includes content title and timestamp

Import to Individual Content​

Step 1: Choose Import Tab​

  1. Switch to the Import tab
  2. Content information is displayed at the top

Step 2: Upload File​

  1. Use the file picker to select a file
  2. Supported formats: JSON, XML, HTML, Markdown
  3. File information is displayed after selection

Step 3: Choose Import Mode​

  • Override: Completely replace current content
  • Append: Add imported content to the end

Step 4: Import​

  1. Click the Import button
  2. Review warning messages for override mode
  3. Content is updated immediately

📋 Supported Formats​

Export Formats​

FormatDescriptionUse Case
ADF JSONNative Atlassian Document FormatBest for re-importing to Confluence
ADF XMLXML representation of ADFIntegration with XML-based systems
HTMLWeb-compatible formatViewing in browsers, web publishing

Import Formats​

FormatDescriptionNotes
JSONADF JSON filesNative format, best compatibility
XMLADF XML filesConverted to ADF for import
HTMLWeb formatBasic conversion to ADF
MarkdownMarkdown filesConverted to ADF with basic formatting

� Current Limitations​

📊 Performance Limits​

  • Batch Size: Recommended maximum of 100 items per export operation
  • File Size: Individual import files should be under 10MB for optimal performance
  • Memory Usage: Large operations (500+ pages) may require multiple batches
  • Concurrent Operations: One export/import operation at a time per user session

📁 Content Restrictions​

  • Attachments: Not included in exports (page content only)
  • Comments: Page comments are not exported/imported
  • Page History: Only current version is exported
  • Permissions: Page/space permissions are not preserved during import
  • Macros: Complex macros may not render perfectly in HTML export

🔧 Technical Constraints​

  • Browser Timeout: Operations longer than 10 minutes may timeout
  • ZIP Size: Generated ZIP files are limited by browser memory (typically 500MB-1GB)
  • API Rate Limits: Confluence API rate limits may slow large operations
  • Network Dependency: Operations require stable internet connection

🌐 Format Limitations​

  • HTML Export: Basic formatting only, complex layouts may be simplified
  • Markdown Import: Limited formatting support compared to native ADF
  • XML Processing: Large XML files (>5MB) may process slowly
  • Image Handling: Embedded images in imports may not display correctly

🔒 Permission Requirements​

  • Export: Requires "View" permission on source spaces
  • Import: Requires "Add Page" permission on target spaces
  • Space Access: Cannot export from restricted spaces without proper access
  • Admin Features: Some operations may require space admin rights

⏱️ Operation Constraints​

  • No Cancellation: Currently cannot cancel operations in progress
  • No Scheduling: Operations are manual only (no automated exports)
  • Session Dependent: Closing browser tab interrupts operations
  • Single User: Operations are per-user, not shared across team

💡 Workarounds & Best Practices​

💡 Workarounds & Best Practices​

📈 Handling Large Operations​

  • Break into batches: Export 50-100 pages at a time instead of entire spaces
  • Use space-by-space approach: Export each space separately for better control
  • Monitor memory usage: Close other browser tabs during large operations
  • Stable connection: Use wired internet for operations over 1000 pages

📁 File Size Management​

  • Compress before import: Use external tools to compress large files before upload
  • Split large imports: Break large content sets into multiple smaller files
  • Test file limits: Try importing small files first to verify format compatibility
  • Use ADF JSON: Most efficient format for large content transfers

🔧 Technical Workarounds​

  • Attachment handling: Export attachments separately using Confluence's built-in tools
  • Permission preservation: Document permissions before import, reapply manually
  • Complex macros: Review and update macro content after HTML imports
  • Large images: Optimize images before importing content with embedded media

📤 Before Exporting​

  • Test with small batches first to understand the process (start with 10-20 pages)
  • Check batch size limits - keep exports under 100 items for best performance
  • Check permissions on source spaces
  • Plan your export structure - consider space organization
  • Choose appropriate formats based on your use case

📥 Before Importing​

  • Backup existing content if using override mode
  • Backup existing content if using override mode
  • Check file size limits - keep individual files under 10MB
  • Verify target space permissions - ensure write access
  • Review file formats - JSON works best for Confluence
  • Test with non-critical content first

📁 File Management​

  • Use descriptive filenames for better organization
  • Keep exports organized by date and purpose
  • Verify downloads before deleting source content
  • Document your migration process for future reference

⚡ Performance Tips​

  • Limit batch sizes for large exports (50-100 items recommended)
  • Monitor browser memory - close unnecessary tabs during operations
  • Use stable internet connection for large operations
  • Monitor progress indicators and don't interrupt processes
  • Break large operations into smaller, manageable chunks

🔧 Troubleshooting​

Common Issues​

Export Problems​

Issue: Export fails with "Permission denied"

  • Solution: Verify you have read access to the selected spaces
  • Check: Space permissions in Confluence settings

Issue: Large exports timeout

  • Solution: Reduce batch size, export in smaller chunks
  • Tip: Use space-by-space exports for very large datasets

Issue: Downloaded ZIP is corrupted

  • Solution: Retry export, check internet connection stability
  • Alternative: Try exporting individual formats separately

Import Problems​

Issue: Import fails with "Invalid format"

  • Solution: Verify file format is supported (JSON, XML, HTML, Markdown)
  • Check: File isn't corrupted or truncated

Issue: Content appears garbled after import

  • Solution: Ensure original export used UTF-8 encoding
  • Note: The app handles Unicode properly for new exports

Issue: Import creates duplicate pages

  • Solution: Use override mode or manually resolve conflicts
  • Tip: Check existing page titles before importing

Getting Help​

  1. Check error messages - they provide specific guidance
  2. Review progress logs - detailed information about failures
  3. Test with simple content - isolate complex formatting issues
  4. Contact support - provide error messages and steps to reproduce

❓ FAQ​

General Questions​

Q: What's the maximum number of pages I can export at once? A: We recommend batches of 50-100 pages for optimal performance. Larger batches may timeout or consume excessive browser memory.

Q: What's the maximum file size for imports? A: Individual import files should be under 10MB for best performance. Larger files may process slowly or fail to upload.

Q: Can I export/import attachments? A: Currently, the app focuses on page content only. Attachments are not included in exports/imports. Use Confluence's built-in export for attachments.

Q: Are page permissions preserved during import? A: No, permissions are not exported/imported. You'll need to set permissions manually after importing content.

Q: Can I cancel a long-running export? A: Currently, operations run to completion and cannot be cancelled. Plan your exports in manageable batches to avoid long wait times. Q: Can I export content from multiple spaces at once?

A: Yes! Use the bulk export feature to select multiple spaces and export their content together. Keep batches under 100 items for best performance. A: ADF JSON preserves all Confluence formatting and is best for re-importing. HTML is for viewing in browsers or web publishing.

Q: Can I schedule automatic exports? A: Currently, exports are manual. Consider using Confluence's built-in backup features for automated backups.

Technical Questions​

Q: What's the maximum file size for imports? A: The app handles files up to several MB. For very large content, consider breaking into smaller files.

Q: Does the app preserve page permissions? A: No, permissions are not exported/imported. You'll need to set permissions manually after import.

Q: Can I export/import attachments? A: Currently, the app focuses on page content. Attachments are not included in exports.

Troubleshooting Questions​

Q: Why do some characters appear as question marks? A: This indicates encoding issues. The app uses UTF-8 encoding - ensure your source content supports Unicode.

Q: Can I cancel a long-running export? A: Currently, operations run to completion. Plan your exports in manageable batches.

Q: What happens if I close my browser during an operation? A: The operation will be interrupted. You'll need to restart the export/import process.

📞 Support​

For additional support:

  • Check the error messages for specific guidance
  • Review this user guide for best practices
  • Contact your Confluence administrator for permission issues
  • Report bugs with detailed steps to reproduce
  • email: service#ngpilot.com

Last Updated: January 2026