Creating Buffers
Buffers are polygons generated based on distances from input vector features. They can be generated using the Buffer tool, with constant distances or values within the input layer’s attribute table.
Included in this tutorial:
Accessing the Buffer tool and reviewing its parameters
Running the tool and reviewing results
Software version in examples: QGIS 3.84 Prizren
Tutorial Data: The tutorial includes demonstration with sample data available here.
Credits: L. Meisterlin (2026)
Related Tutorials:
The Buffer Tool
Accessing the Buffer tool
You can find the Buffer tool by clicking through the main menu under Vector > Geoprocessing Tools > Buffer. Alternatively you can navigate through or search the Processing toolbox.
the Buffer tool in the main menu
the Buffer tool in the Processing toolbox
The Buffer tool’s parameters
Running the buffer tool requires only a few basic parameters. These are…
Input layer: Specify the vector features around which buffer polygons will be generated.
Distance: Specify the buffer distance and its units.
Alternatively, you can choose to use a variable or an attribute value to customize the buffer distance per input feature by clicking on the Data-Derived Override button to the right of the Distance options.
There are a handful of additional output options:
The Segments, End cap style, Join Style, and Miter Limit options allow you to specify the geometries are curved and how they are treated when they meet. The tool’s description panel provides more detail on each.
The Dissolve result checkbox option allows you to dissolve overlapping buffers in the output.
As usual, you can choose to output a temporary layer or specify where to save the buffer polygon layer (and what to name it). You can also choose whether to include the new buffer layer within the current map project.
the Buffer tool’s parameters with example inputs
Running the tool with an example
Using the inputs demonstrated in the image above, we create buffers polygons around input point features at a constant distance of 0.25 miles.
Because the inputs are point features, the output comprises circular polygon features surrounding each input point. Notice that the input attributes are maintained within the buffer layer’s attribute table.
results of the example buffer operation with attributes