Question 1

How do I open a shapefile online?

Accepted Answer

Drag a .shp (or a .zip containing the .shp/.shx/.dbf/.prj) onto Maptinker, or use the upload button. It draws on a map instantly — no account, no install. A lone .shp with no .dbf renders as geometry only.

Question 2

Do I need an account or any software?

Accepted Answer

No. Maptinker runs in your browser, so there's nothing to install and no account to create. It sets no tracking cookies, and we never sell or share your data.

Question 3

What file formats can I view?

Accepted Answer

Shapefile (.shp and zipped .zip), GeoJSON (.geojson/.json), FlatGeobuf (.fgb), GPX, KML and KMZ, and lat/lon CSV or TSV.

Question 4

Can I convert a shapefile to GeoJSON in the browser?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Load any supported file and export it as GeoJSON, CSV, FlatGeobuf, or a Shapefile ZIP. The conversion runs client-side for most files.

Question 5

Do I need QGIS or ArcGIS?

Accepted Answer

No. Maptinker runs in any modern web browser. You can view, color by attribute, filter, measure distance and area, edit attributes, join a CSV of values, and export — without installing desktop GIS software.

Maptinker — Shapefile & GeoJSON Viewer