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.qgz

QGIS Compressed Project

Maps & GPS

QGZ is QGIS’s compressed project format for layer references, styling and layouts. It does not necessarily contain every external SHP, GeoPackage or image; inspect the project together with actual datasets.

Main use
Store layer setup, styling and layouts
Data type
Binary data
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

QGIS

Preserve the original and inspect a working copy in a compatible application.

  1. Open a project copy in QGIS.
  2. Inspect unavailable-layer notices and data sources.
  3. Check map, CRS and layouts, then save a working copy.
Inspect the received file and its requirements

Establish dependencies and settings before proceeding.

  1. Inspect relative placement of QGZ and referenced data.
  2. Identify QGIS release, plug-ins and authentication requirements.
  3. Check availability of online layers.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Missing-layer warnings: locate correct datasets and update paths.
  • Empty map on another PC: inspect dataset delivery.
  • Basemap absent: inspect endpoint, permission and connectivity.
  • Layout differs: compare fonts, QGIS releases and extents.

QGZ → map PDF / project-and-data handoff

  1. Export layout PDF for viewing; organize referenced data as well for editing handoff.
  2. Check layers, CRS, legend, scale and external-connection requirements.

PDF is not the underlying data/analysis environment, and QGZ alone is not a complete dataset.

Compressed packaging is not data completeness

Even with project/auxiliary data inside QGZ, layers can remain external references. For offline or cross-PC use, inspect and test those dependencies.

Source for these steps：QGIS project · Working with Project Files / QGIS project · Opening Data

Worked example: checks before handoff

Example: organize QGZ and GPKG together, then test using only the copied folder to expose missing dependencies.

Source for these steps：QGIS project · Working with Project Files / QGIS project · Opening Data

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / methodPurpose and preserved information
.qgzStore layer setup, styling and layouts
GPKG / PDFGPKG stores data and PDF distributes map appearance.
QGZ → map PDF / project-and-data handoffPDF is not the underlying data/analysis environment, and QGZ alone is not a complete dataset.

Handling and security

Review source paths, authentication/internal URLs and precise location information before sharing.

Questions and answers

How does QGS differ?

QGS is uncompressed project XML; QGZ is a compressed project structure.

Why is the file small?

Large geographic datasets may be referenced externally.

Does opening the project prove all data exists?

It can open with missing external layers; inspect data sources and warnings.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
QGIS Compressed Project
Steward / specification
QGIS project
MIME type
Consult the producer or delivery system. The extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources

  • Software documentationWorking with Project Files

    QGZ/QGS, external layers and project saving.

    QGIS project · Link checked：
  • Software documentationOpening Data

    Loading geographic datasets as layers.

    QGIS project · Link checked：