Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.SHP
File Type
Shapefile
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .shp file format
A shapefile is a popular geospatial vector data format for geographic information systems (GIS) software. It is developed and regulated by Esri as a mostly open specification for data interoperability. A shapefile spatially describes geometry as points, lines, and polygons, representing geographic…
File extension
.SHP
File type
Shapefile
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .shp file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .shp.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .shp file?
File extension details and usage information
A shapefile is a popular geospatial vector data format for geographic information systems (GIS) software. It is developed and regulated by Esri as a mostly open specification for data interoperability. A shapefile spatially describes geometry as points, lines, and polygons, representing geographic features like roads, rivers, and land parcels. It is important to note that a 'shapefile' actually comprises multiple files, typically at least three: .shp (the main file containing the feature geometry), .shx (an index file that speeds up spatial queries), and .dbf (a dBase table storing attribute data associated with each feature). Other optional files, such as .prj (projection information), .sbn and .sbx (spatial index), and .xml (metadata), can also be part of the shapefile set. Shapefiles are widely used for storing and exchanging geospatial data due to their simplicity and compatibility with various GIS applications. However, they have limitations, such as a 2GB size limit and lack of support for storing topology within the file structure.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .shp files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .shp files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .shp file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .shp file.
Why can't I open a .shp file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .shp format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .shp files
To open a .shp file, use software that supports this file format.
- ArcGIS Pro
- QGIS
- Global Mapper
- Manifold System
- AutoCAD Map 3D
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .shp file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.