QGIS
Also called qgis desktop, quantum gis
Desktop GIS. Shapefiles and GeoPackages live here. The process is qgis.exe. It is not Google Earth.
What you need to know
QGIS is desktop GIS. It is not Google Earth.
qgis.exe opens shapefiles and GeoPackages. Earth Pro is a globe. Maps is a website.
- What is it?
- Desktop GIS
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is QGIS?
QGIS edits and analyzes vector and raster layers. Earth Pro spins a globe. A .shp plus .dbf plus .shx is a shapefile QGIS opens. Earth does not replace that.
If you have never used it
If you need to open a shapefile or GeoPackage, QGIS is the free desktop GIS. Download it from qgis.org. Google Earth Pro is a globe viewer, not this analysis tool. Google Maps is a web map, not a desktop GIS.
What is it used for?
The files GIS people email. Google Earth KML is a different, simpler path.
CRS, buffers, joins. Earth Pro is not a processing toolbox.
Cartography from layers. A Maps screenshot is not a QGIS layout.
Who is it for?
- Students in a GIS class
- People handed a .gpkg or shapefile
- Anyone who opened Earth and could not edit attributes
Current status
QGIS (2002) is a current desktop gis from QGIS. The vendor still points Windows users at https://qgis.org/download/.
How old is it?
QGIS (once Quantum GIS) has been around since 2002. Current 3.x releases are the Windows desktop app. ArcGIS is Esri's commercial sibling, not Earth.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| qgis.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|---|
| qgis-bin.exe | Binary on some Windows builds |
Startup components
QGIS does not need to start with Windows.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\QGIS <version>\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Opened the layer in Earth and lost attributes
KML is a down-convert. Stay in QGIS for the GeoPackage or shapefile.
Missing .shx or .dbf next to a .shp
A shapefile is several files. QGIS will fail if the sidecar files are gone. Earth will not fix that.
Getting unstuck
Install from qgis.org/download
Standalone or OSGeo4W. Both are official. Skip "ArcGIS QGIS crack" packs.
Set the layer CRS before you blame the install
Layers in the wrong projection look "broken" on the canvas. docs.qgis.org covers CRS.
Use the Processing Toolbox, not Earth, for buffers
That is QGIS analysis. Earth Pro measurement is a different tool.
Alternatives
Google Earth Pro is a globe. ArcGIS Pro is commercial GIS. Maps is not desktop GIS.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | qgis.org/download/ Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | docs.qgis.org/ Vendor support |
| Official site | qgis.org/download/ Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
Large rasters want RAM and disk. A discrete GPU helps the map canvas. Any current Windows PC QGIS lists will open small shapefiles.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- QGIS official site · Vendor product page
- QGIS help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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