Convert Shapefile to GeoPackage Online — Free & Instant
GeoPackage is the modern, OGC-endorsed replacement for Shapefile. Converting your Shapefile to GPKG removes the 2 GB size limit, the 10-character field name restriction, and the multi-file fragility of Shapefiles. A single .gpkg file contains your data, is fully compatible with QGIS and ArcGIS Pro, and can hold multiple layers.
Converter
When to convert Shapefile to GeoPackage
- Migrating legacy Shapefile archives to a modern, single-file format
- Sharing data with field teams using QGIS or ArcGIS Field Maps
- Storing multiple related layers in a single portable file
- Working with large datasets that exceed the Shapefile 2 GB limit
How to convert Shapefile to GeoPackage
- 1
Upload your Shapefile
Drop your .shp or ZIP bundle on the upload zone.
- 2
Select GeoPackage
Click the GeoPackage button in the format selector.
- 3
Convert
Click Convert. The .gpkg file downloads automatically.
- 4
Open in QGIS
In QGIS, use Layer > Add Layer > Add Vector Layer and point to the .gpkg file.
About Shapefile format
Shapefile (SHP) is the de-facto standard vector format developed by Esri. A shapefile is actually a collection of at least three files: .shp (geometry), .dbf (attributes), and .shx (index). Despite its age, it remains the most widely-supported format across GIS desktop software including ArcGIS and QGIS. Shapefiles support points, lines, and polygons but are limited to 2 GB in size and 10-character field names. When sharing shapefiles, always bundle them into a .zip archive.
Strengths
- +Universal compatibility with all GIS software
- +Stable, well-documented format
- +Supported natively by QGIS, ArcGIS, GRASS
About GeoPackage format
GeoPackage (GPKG) is a modern, open standard format defined by the OGC that stores geospatial data in a single SQLite database file. It supports both vector and raster data, multiple layers per file, field name lengths up to 64 characters, and virtually any coordinate reference system. GeoPackage is endorsed by the OGC as the preferred replacement for Shapefile. It is supported by QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, GDAL, and PostGIS. Its SQLite base makes it portable and queryable without a server.
Strengths
- +Single file containing multiple layers
- +No field name length limit
- +Supports vector and raster in one file
- +SQLite-based — portable and queryable
Frequently asked questions
Why should I switch from Shapefile to GeoPackage?
GeoPackage is a single file, supports field names longer than 10 characters, has no 2 GB size limit, and is an official OGC standard actively maintained for the future of GIS.
Does QGIS support GeoPackage natively?
Yes. QGIS has full read and write support for GeoPackage and recommends it as the default project data format.
Can ArcGIS open GeoPackage files?
ArcGIS Pro supports GeoPackage natively from version 1.3. ArcMap (legacy) requires an interoperability extension.
Does the GeoPackage contain my attribute data?
Yes. All attributes from the Shapefile .dbf are preserved with their original column names.