Creating Attributes for Digitized Features

Vector data is composed of two sides: geometry and corresponding attribute information. This tutorial describes how to create attributes for features that you have digitized in QGIS.

Included in this tutorial:

• Option 1: Creating Attributes while Digitizing

• Option 2: Adding in the Attribute Table

Software version in examples: QGIS-LTR 3.44.10-Solothurn

Credits: Sally Kaye and L. Meisterlin (2026)

Related Tutorials:

• Creating New Vector Datasets

• Digitizing Points

• Digitizing Lines

• Digitizing Polygons

• Adding and Calculating Fields in an Attribute Table

In QGIS, attributes can be created both while digitizing features and after digitizing.

Option 1: Create while Digitizing

If you have created attribute fields in the process of creating a new vector dataset, you can input attribute information while digitizing features for that dataset. 

When you have finished digitizing a point, line, or polygon feature, you will be prompted to enter attribute information for existing fields. Type directly into the text box(es) and click OK to commit attributes. 

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typing in the Feature Attributes dialogue box while digitizing

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Option 2: Add in the Attribute Table

If attributes are not filled in or fields are not added during digitization, attribute information can also be created after the digitization process. If a field needs to be added, you can do this through the Attribute Table or in Layer Properties. 

See: Adding and Calculating Fields in an Attribute Table

To edit attributes, open the Attribute Table by right-clicking the layer name > Open Attribute Table. Click the pencil icon to toggle editing mode on, then double-click an attribute table box to type in attribute information directly. When you are done, click Save edits and the pencil icon again to toggle editing mode off. 

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adding attribute information to digitized features within the attribute table