Shapefile to GeoJSON converter
Upload your Shapefile file and get GeoJSON in a couple of minutes: osm2cdr reads the geometry of your file and hands you a ready GeoJSON straight away. Processing runs on our servers, the result is ready to download as soon as it finishes, and files up to 50 MB are supported. And if you have no file of your own, or need a fresh map of an area, osm2cdr builds GeoJSON straight from the OpenStreetMap map: you simply pick an area on the map, choose the GeoJSON format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data — with layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How Shapefile differs from GeoJSON
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shapefile | .shp | GIS | ArcGIS, QGIS, spatial analysis, cartography |
| GeoJSON | .geojson | GIS | Web mapping, geodata exchange via API, Leaflet/Mapbox visualization, analytics |
How to get GeoJSON on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the GeoJSON format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready GeoJSON file
GeoJSON format properties
| Extension | .geojson |
| Type | GIS |
| Purpose | Web mapping, geodata exchange via API, Leaflet/Mapbox visualization, analytics |
When you need GeoJSON
The main scenario is simple: you already have a Shapefile file — upload it and osm2cdr returns GeoJSON, ready to use in a dedicated program (editing, printing, analysis, embedding in a project). The alternative is for when you have no file at hand or need a fresh map of an area: the same GeoJSON is then built straight from up-to-date OpenStreetMap data for your chosen area, split into layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
What changes when going Shapefile → GeoJSON
Drop in a Shapefile file and osm2cdr reads its geometry and returns GeoJSON; and with no file of your own, the same GeoJSON is built straight from the OpenStreetMap map for your chosen area. Either way the data model changes. Going Shapefile → GeoJSON preserves both geometry and attributes; only the container model changes — a single file versus a set, the supported field types and the format limits. Such a switch is usually made for compatibility with a specific tool. osm2cdr delivers GeoJSON straight from OpenStreetMap data, with no intermediate Shapefile file.
Upload your own Shapefile file → GeoJSON
No need to hunt for a third-party converter anymore: drop your Shapefile file in the form above and osm2cdr will read the geometry and hand you a ready GeoJSON. Files up to 50 MB are supported; processing runs on our servers and the result is ready to download as soon as it finishes.
FAQ: Shapefile → GeoJSON
Can I upload my Shapefile file?
Yes, now you can: upload your Shapefile file right on this page and osm2cdr will read the geometry and convert it to GeoJSON. Files up to 50 MB are supported. If the data comes from OpenStreetMap, you can skip the upload entirely — we'll export the map straight into GeoJSON.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to GeoJSON on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the GeoJSON format and download the result.
Which programs open GeoJSON?
The GeoJSON format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the GeoJSON format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online Shapefile → GeoJSON converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source Shapefile file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds GeoJSON with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate Shapefile file.