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Vector file formats supported in ArcGIS and QGIS

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • Jul 3
  • 2 min read

Vector data is essential to the representation of real-world characteristics in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including buildings, roads, boundaries, and more. Points, lines, and polygons make up vector data, which is frequently utilized for accurate mapping and geographical analysis. A variety of vector file formats are supported by two of the most popular GIS platforms, ArcGIS (from Esri) and QGIS (an open-source substitute), allowing experts to work with a variety of datasets effectively.


What Are Vector Data Formats?


In addition to attribute data, vector data formats use geometry (point, line, and polygon) to record spatial information. They are essential for location-based services, resource management, and urban planning because they are effective at storing distinct features.


List of vector formats supported by ArcGIS and QGIS
List of vector formats supported by ArcGIS and QGIS

Common Vector Formats in GIS


The most popular and frequently supported vector formats in ArcGIS and QGIS are listed below:


  1. Shapefile (.shp)


  • Support for ArcGIS: ✅ Complete backing

  • Support for QGIS: ✅ Complete backing

  • Esri created this legacy format, which is still in use today. Consists of three files at minimum (.shp,.shx, and.dbf), with more files like.prj optional.


  1. GeoJSON (.geojson, .json)


  • Support for ArcGIS: ✅ Read and Write

  • Support for QGIS: ✅ Complete backing

  • Web-friendly and lightweight, this format is perfect for web maps and vector data sharing.


  1. KML/KMZ (.kml, .kmz)


  • Support for ArcGIS: ✅ Read and Write

  • Support for QGIS: ✅ Complete backing

  • Utilized in geospatial data visualization, it was created for Google Earth.


  1. File Geodatabase (.gdb)


  • Support for ArcGIS: ✅ Complete native format support

  • Support for QGIS: ✅ Read/Write (limited GDAL editing support)

  • Large dataset storage is optimized, and complicated topologies and relationships are supported.


  1. GML (Geography Markup Language)


  • Support for ArcGIS: ✅ Read (via the extension for data interoperability)

  • Support for QGIS: ✅ Complete backing

  • Format for exchanging geographic data that is based on XML.


  1. SpatiaLite (.sqlite, .db)


  • Support for ArcGIS: ❌ Limited

  • Support for QGIS: ✅ Complete backing

  • SQLite database geographical extension, frequently utilized in embedded or mobile GIS.


  1. CSV with Coordinates (.csv)


  • Support for ArcGIS: ✅ Complete support (via Add XY Data)

  • Complete compatibility with QGIS (Layer > Add Layer > Add Delimited Text Layer)

  • Converting tabular data with latitude and longitude to spatial layers is simple.


Interoperability Tips


  • Users of ArcGIS frequently depend on its built-in .gdb format for scalability and performance.

  • Open formats like .geojson, .gpkg, or .shp are preferred by QGIS users due to their compatibility and versatility.

  • For both platforms, GeoPackage (.gpkg) is strongly advised because of its complete support and small size.


For efficient workflows and teamwork, it is essential to know which vector file formats are supported by both enterprise-grade ArcGIS and open-source QGIS. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each format—from shapefiles to geodatabases—helps maximize the storage, exchange, and analysis of geographical data.


For more information or any questions regarding ArcGIS and QGIS, please don't hesitate to contact us at


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