Shapefile Sidecar Files (.shp, .dbf, .shx, .prj)
Understand the required sidecar files for Shapefile datasets and how to upload them together to avoid missing geometry, attributes, or CRS.
Many “Shapefile problems” are actually “missing sidecar file” problems. A Shapefile dataset is usually a small set of files that belong together.
Required files (most common)
.shp— geometry.dbf— attribute table (fields and values).shx— geometry index.prj— coordinate reference system (recommended)
If you upload only the .shp file, the dataset may fail to load or show missing attributes.
Best practice: upload as one zip
If your dataset has multiple files, the simplest approach is:
- Put all files in one folder
- Zip the folder
- Upload the single
.zipto the viewer
Open Shapefile online: /open-shapefile-online/
Related
- Tutorial: /blog/how-to-open-shapefile-online/