Shapefile vs GeoJSON: Full Comparison
Shapefile and GeoJSON are the two most common geospatial vector formats. Shapefile is the legacy desktop GIS standard while GeoJSON is the modern web-native choice. Knowing the differences helps you pick the right format for your project.
Bottom line
Use GeoJSON for web mapping, APIs, and modern GIS tools. Use Shapefile when working with legacy desktop software or receiving data from government agencies that still deliver SHP bundles.
Shapefile vs GeoJSON: feature comparison
| Feature | Shapefile | GeoJSON |
|---|---|---|
| File structure | Multiple files (.shp, .dbf, .shx, .prj) | Single .geojson file |
| Human readable | No (binary) | Yes (plain JSON) |
| CRS support | Any via .prj file | WGS 84 (EPSG:4326) by default |
| File size | Compact binary | Larger (JSON overhead) |
| Max field name length | 10 characters | Unlimited |
| Web browser support | No | Yes (native) |
| QGIS / ArcGIS support | Full | Full |
ShapefileWhen to use Shapefile
- Sharing data with government agencies or legacy GIS workflows
- Desktop GIS analysis in ArcGIS or QGIS
- Datasets where compact binary storage matters
GeoJSONWhen to use GeoJSON
- Web mapping with Leaflet, Mapbox, or MapLibre
- REST APIs and GeoJSON-native pipelines
- Any context where human-readable format matters
Convert between Shapefile and GeoJSON
Frequently asked questions
Q.Can I convert Shapefile to GeoJSON for free?
Yes. Maparz converts Shapefile to GeoJSON instantly with no signup. Upload your .shp (with .dbf, .shx, .prj) and download the result in seconds.
Q.Does GeoJSON support multiple geometry types in one file?
Yes — a GeoJSON FeatureCollection can mix Points, LineStrings, and Polygons. Shapefile files contain only one geometry type per file.
Q.Which is smaller — Shapefile or GeoJSON?
Shapefile is typically smaller because it uses binary encoding. GeoJSON uses plain text JSON which adds overhead, especially for complex geometries.