Converting Vector Features to Rasters
This tutorial demonstrates accessing and using the Rasterize tool in QGIS to produce a new raster layer from an input vector dataset.
Included in this tutorial:
Accessing the Rasterize tool
Reviewing the tool’s parameters and options
Running the tool and examining results, with an example
Software version in examples: QGIS 3.34 Prinzen
Tutorial Data: The tutorial includes demonstration with sample data available here.
Credits: L. Meisterlin (2025)
The tutorial includes an example: rasterizing point features using a standardized value for each input feature.
Accessing the Rasterize tool
You can access the Rasterize tool by clicking through Raster > Conversion > Rasterize (Vector to Raster) in the Main Menu.
the Rasterize tool in the Main Menu
Alternatively, you can navigate through (or search) the Processing Toolbox, wherein you will find the same tool within the GDAL tools > Vector Conversion > Rasterize (vector to raster).
the Rasterize tool in the Processing Toolbox
Rasterize Parameters and Options
In the Rasterize tool dialogue box includes the expected parameters as well as some advanced options. The standard inputs include…
Input layer: The vector features you wish to rasterize, with a checkbox option to convert only features that are currently selected.
Different options for output raster values:
Field to use for a burn-in value: Specify if output raster cell values should be assigned based on values within the vector attribute table.
A fixed value to burn: If all feature locations should be assigned a particular value in the corresponding raster cell locations, specify that assigned value here.
A checkbox option to Burn value extracted from the “Z” values of the feature.
Assign a specified nodata value to output bands: Here, you can optionally assign a specific value to output raster cells that do not overlap with input features. (This parameter is found below the options related to the output raster’s spatial characteristics.)
Within the Advanced Parameters, you will find the options to specify the Output data type for the raster’s values.
Options relating the output raster spatial characteristics:
Output raster size units: Whether the resolution should be measured in the units of the coordinate reference system (CRS) or in pixels.
Width/Horizontal resolution and Height/Vertical Resolution: the dimensions of the output raster cells in the units specified above (either georeferenced units or pixels).
Output extent: You can specify the output extent (the processing extent) for the output raster based on layers within the current project, a map layout, a bookmarked view within the project, the current map canvas extent, or by drawing an extent rectangle on the canvas.
Output file options: At the bottom of the dialogue, you will find options for naming and saving the output as a temporary file or as a standalone file, along with a checkbox option to add the raster to the current project after running the tool.
the Rasterize dialogue box with example parameters
the Advanced Parameters of the Rasterize dialogue box showing the Output data type option
Examining Example Results
The results of the example shown in the images above are provided below. Notice that all output raster cells overlapping input point features have the same value (1) whereas regions of the output without input features have a value of zero.
the example point input features
the example raster output