Creating a New Vector Dataset
This tutorial walks through the process of creating a new vector dataset from scratch within QGIS, using the New Shapefile Layer tool as an example.
Included in this tutorial:
Accessing the Create Layers tools
The New Shapefile Layer tool parameters
New Vector Datasets (example results)
Software version in examples: QGIS 3.40.5-Bratislava
Credits: D. Wexler & L. Meisterinlin (2025)
Related Tutorials:
Accessing the Create Layers Tools
To create a new vector dataset, access the tools to create a new layer. You will find these tools within the main menu by clicking through Layer > Create Layer. There you will find multiple layer options (geopackage layer, shapefile layer, etc.) In this tutorial, we will demonstrate with a New Shapefile Layer.
Alternatively, you can also access this tool in the Data Source Manager Toolbar.
accessing the New Shapefile Layer tool from the main menu
New Shapefile Layer tool button on the Data Source Manager toolbar
The New Shapefile Layer Tool Parameters
The New Shapefile Layer tool’s parameters allow you to specify the geometry and attribute fields of the shapefile layer you will create. The tool’s parameters include…
The basic information:
File Name: Here you can set a name for your new feature class and select an output directory by clicking on the three dots [...] to the right of the file name. In our example (below) we name our shapefile layer “test_points.”
File Encoding: You can specify the file’s encoding. The default UTF-8 is generally sufficient. (It is a standard character encoding.)
Geometry information:
Geometry Type: This option allows you to select the geometry type for your feature class. You are able to select Point, Multipoint, LineString, or Polygon.
Additional Dimensions: You can specify whether your dataset will include Z and M Values (dimensions).
Dataset CRS: From the dropdown menu you can select the coordinate reference system (CRS) for your new shapefile layer. The dropdown includes the CRS of the current map project as well as others represented in the layers of the project. Alternatively, you can browse the list of built-in CRS options by clicking the button to the right of the dropdown menu.
TIP: If you are creating this new layer for digitizing at local and regional scales, it is recommended to use a projected coordinate system for improved precision and consistency.
Attribute information:
To create fields in the new layer’s attribute table, you will specify the Name, data Type, Length, and Precision of each attribute field.
When one field’s information is entered, click “Add to Fields List.” This will populate the Fields List at the bottom of the dialogue box.
If you need to make changes, you can highlight a field within the Fields List and click “Remove Field.”
NOTE: As always, you can add additional fields to an existing attribute table later.
New Shapefile Layer dialogue box
Once you have finished click “OK”. Your empty dataset should now appear on the Layers panel.
New Vector Datasets (example results)
The resulting datasets will appear “empty” because they do not include any features (yet). As a result, you will see the new layers in your layer’s panel but they contain no features that would appear in your Map View.
different geometry types for newly created shapefiles
The image at right depicts four newly created shapefile layers, listed in the Layers Panel with their respective geometry icons.