Single Symbols for Vectors
This tutorial covers default symbology for vector layers and demonstrates how to change and save Single Symbol properties.
Included in this tutorial:
Single Symbols, by default
Preset symbols in the Project Styles Gallery
Formatting custom symbols
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)
Single Symbols, by default
By default, QGIS will apply a Single Symbol to all features in a vector layer.
The default colors, however, are arbitrary. In this tutorial, we will not manipulate the approach—we will keep a single symbol for all features in the layer—but we will change the colors and sizes of these symbols.
QGIS assigns a single symbol by default
Formatting a symbol
Preset symbols in the Project Styles Gallery
Under Project Styles (in the Layer Properties dialogue, under Symbology), QGIS offers a number of preset size/color/shape symbology options you might be interested in using. The demonstration below shows the gallery of point symbols. Similar galleries are offered for other vector file types.
You can make changes to a default symbol’s color, size, opacity, and rotation from the Single Symbol page.
CAUTION: While often helpful, be careful if you rely on symbol presets. Maps are never made for a universal audience, and most symbols do not carry universal meaning.
scrolling through the gallery of preset symbols
Custom symbols
A Single Symbol can be further customized by clicking Simple Marker under Marker (at the top of the Single Symbol options dialogue). From the resulting menu of options, you can change a symbol’s size, color, outline color and width, anchor point, and shape.
TIP: Custom symbols can be saved to reuse as Default symbols by clicking Save Symbol… at the bottom right of the window.
Example 1: Points
In the example below, we change the fill color of each symbol. We also change the overall size and shape of the symbol. (There are several other options to explore.)
Notice the preview area of the window in the top left corner. Here you can preview changes made to the symbol before applying those changes to the layer.
Changes are not applied to the map canvas until you click Apply at the bottom of the window or click OK to both apply changes and close the layer properties window.
changing symbol properties for point features
Example 2: Polygons
In the example below, we change the format properties of a single symbol applied to polygon features. Here, we want make the polygon fill transparent and change the outline color and width.
For polygon layers, the default single symbol is called Simple Fill. Click “Simple Fill” next to “Symbol layer type” to open a dropdown menu and view other symbol options. In this example, we choose “Outline: Simple Line,” then change the stroke weight and color.
changing symbol properties for polygon features