Creating a New Layer from Selected Features
This tutorial covers creating a new vector dataset from selected features.
Included in this tutorial:
Exporting selected features to a new feature class (vector dataset)
Additional options including specifying the CRS and attributes of the exported dataset
Software version in examples: QGIS-LTR 3.40.5-Bratislava
Tutorial Data: The tutorial includes demonstration with sample data available here.
Credits: Sally Kaye and L. Meisterlin (2025)
We first review the basics of exporting a new vector dataset, then quickly cover the most common of additional available options.
Basics: Exporting Selected Features to a New Vector Dataset
To export selected features from one dataset into a new vector dataset, right-click on the selected layer’s name in the Layers Panel, then click through Export > Save Selected Features As… to open the Save Vector Layer As dialogue.
By default, saving features from any layer with an active selection will trigger the Save only selected features option. This means that the newly saved vector dataset will only include the features that are currently selected within the map project.
Click the three dots icon to the right of the File name text box and to specify a name and destination for the new dataset. (The Save Layer As dialogue box is demonstrated below on MacOS. The options will appear slightly different if working on a different operating system, but should be familiar to you.)
The demonstration below includes the basics described above: accessing the Save Vector Layer as… dialogue and specifying the Save As options.
exporting selected features to a new layer
NOTE: In the demonstration above, we save the new vector dataset in the Esri shapefile format. The first option of the dialogue box (called Format) offers several other options.
Additional options for exporting
Several additional options are available within the Save Vector Layer as… dialogue box. This section review three of the most common.
export options in the Save Vector Layer As dialogue box
CRS Options
The CRS of the new dataset will default to that of the source layer.
If you would like to export the new dataset with a different CRS, select from the dropdown menu’s list of recent CRSs or click the CRS icon to select from a full searchable list of built-in CRS options.
Attribute Options
By default, all attribute fields will be copied over to the new layers.
Any fields not needed or wanted in the new layer can be unchecked within the Select fields to export and their export options. (Click the arrow to the left of the heading to expand the list.)
Add the New Dataset to the Current Map
The Add saved file to map checkbox defaults to checked, meaning the new layer will be added to the open map canvas. If unchecked, the new layer will save to the designated container but will not open in the map canvas.