Shapefile to GeoJSON Converter

Convert Shapefile (.zip with .shp, .dbf, .shx, and optional .prj) to GeoJSON. Many open data portals still distribute data as Shapefiles—this tool converts them to web-friendly GeoJSON format.

What is Shapefile?

Shapefile is a vector data format developed by ESRI for GIS software. Despite being called a "file," it's actually a collection of multiple files:

• .shp — Geometry data (points, lines, polygons)
• .dbf — Attribute data (properties for each feature)
• .shx — Shape index (for quick lookups)
• .prj — Projection information (coordinate system)

How to Convert

1. Create a .zip file containing your Shapefile components (.shp, .dbf, .shx, and ideally .prj)
2. Drag and drop the .zip file or click to browse
3. Preview the converted GeoJSON on the map
4. Download the GeoJSON file

Why Convert to GeoJSON?

• Web-friendly: Works with Leaflet, Mapbox, Google Maps, and other web mapping libraries
• Human-readable: JSON format is easier to inspect and debug
• No special software: Can be edited with any text editor
• Widely supported: Works with modern web APIs and JavaScript libraries
• Single file: Unlike Shapefile's multiple files, GeoJSON is one file

Important Notes

Coordinate Systems

• If your .zip includes a .prj file, coordinates will be properly reprojected to WGS84 (standard for web maps)
• Without a .prj file, coordinates are used as-is (commonly WGS84 for open data)

File Size

• Shapefile is often more compact than GeoJSON
• For web use, consider using TopoJSON for polygon datasets
• Use GeoJSON Minifier to reduce coordinate precision

Attributes

• All attribute data from the .dbf file becomes GeoJSON properties
• Field names are preserved
• Data types are converted to JSON equivalents

Common Use Cases

• Government open data: Census boundaries, zoning maps, infrastructure
• Environmental data: Watersheds, protected areas, habitat maps
• Transportation: Roads, transit routes, bike lanes
• Research data: Field surveys, sampling locations, study areas

FAQs

Do I need all the Shapefile components? You need at least .shp, .dbf, and .shx. The .prj file is highly recommended for correct projection.

What if my Shapefile uses a custom projection? Include the .prj file and the tool will reproject to WGS84 (web standard).

Can I convert large Shapefiles? Yes, but the preview may show a subset. The download always contains the full dataset.

Is my data uploaded? No—all conversion happens in your browser. Your files never leave your device.

See Also

• Back to All Converters
• GeoJSON ↔ TopoJSON
• GeoJSON Minifier — Reduce file size after conversion