How do I download OpenStreetMap data for a specific area?

Drag a rectangle on the map to select your area, tick the layers you need such as roads or buildings, then press Query selected area. The tool asks the Overpass API for that bounding box and lets you download the result as GeoJSON. Everything runs in your browser.

Is this tool free and does it need an account?

It is free and needs no account. Queries go directly from your browser to the public Overpass API, so there is no signup, no API key, and no server in between holding your data.

Why does the query time out on large areas?

Overpass is a shared public service with a per-query time budget. A city-sized box returns quickly, but a whole country at once will exceed the limit. Select a smaller area, or fewer layers, and the query will complete.

What is the difference between GeoJSON and OSM data?

OpenStreetMap stores data as nodes, ways, and relations with numeric references between them. GeoJSON stores geometry directly as Point, LineString, and Polygon. This tool converts OSM elements into GeoJSON features and keeps the original OSM tags as properties.

Are closed ways exported as polygons or lines?

A closed way becomes a Polygon only when it carries area-like tags such as building, landuse, or natural. A closed way without those tags stays a LineString, so roundabouts are not turned into filled discs.

Can I get buildings as polygons?

Yes. Tick the Buildings layer and closed building outlines are exported as GeoJSON Polygon geometry, including relations used for buildings with courtyards.

Does this replace the Overpass Turbo export?

It covers the common case: pick an area, pick layers, get GeoJSON. If you need a custom Overpass QL query with filters this tool does not expose, use Overpass Turbo directly. This tool shows the exact query it runs so you can copy it there.

OSM Download Tool — Export OpenStreetMap Data as GeoJSON

What this tool does

It turns a map selection into a downloadable OpenStreetMap extract. Draw a bounding box, choose which feature types matter, and the tool builds the Overpass query, converts the response into GeoJSON, and shows it on the map before you save it.

How to use it

Drag on the map to draw your area — the rectangle previews live as you drag. Tick layers on the left, press Query selected area, then download. Clearing the selection and drawing a new box replaces the previous one.

What you get

A standard GeoJSON FeatureCollection. Each feature keeps its original OSM tags as properties alongside osm_id and osm_type, so attributes like road names, building heights, or shop types survive the export.

Geometry handling

Nodes become Points, open ways become LineStrings, and closed ways with area tags become Polygons. Relations — such as buildings with courtyards or administrative boundaries — are exported from their member geometry.

Keep areas realistic

Overpass is a shared public service, so very large bounding boxes or many layers at once will time out. A neighbourhood or city district returns in seconds; a whole country does not. The tool warns you before that happens.

Privacy

There is no backend. Your browser queries Overpass directly and the GeoJSON is assembled locally, so the area you select is never stored by this site.

Frequently asked questions

How do I download OpenStreetMap data for a specific area?: Drag a rectangle on the map to select your area, tick the layers you need such as roads or buildings, then press Query selected area. The tool asks the Overpass API for that bounding box and lets you download the result as GeoJSON. Everything runs in your browser.
Is this tool free and does it need an account?: It is free and needs no account. Queries go directly from your browser to the public Overpass API, so there is no signup, no API key, and no server in between holding your data.
Why does the query time out on large areas?: Overpass is a shared public service with a per-query time budget. A city-sized box returns quickly, but a whole country at once will exceed the limit. Select a smaller area, or fewer layers, and the query will complete.
What is the difference between GeoJSON and OSM data?: OpenStreetMap stores data as nodes, ways, and relations with numeric references between them. GeoJSON stores geometry directly as Point, LineString, and Polygon. This tool converts OSM elements into GeoJSON features and keeps the original OSM tags as properties.
Are closed ways exported as polygons or lines?: A closed way becomes a Polygon only when it carries area-like tags such as building, landuse, or natural. A closed way without those tags stays a LineString, so roundabouts are not turned into filled discs.
Can I get buildings as polygons?: Yes. Tick the Buildings layer and closed building outlines are exported as GeoJSON Polygon geometry, including relations used for buildings with courtyards.
Does this replace the Overpass Turbo export?: It covers the common case: pick an area, pick layers, get GeoJSON. If you need a custom Overpass QL query with filters this tool does not expose, use Overpass Turbo directly. This tool shows the exact query it runs so you can copy it there.

Where to go next

Studio viewer — open the downloaded GeoJSON to inspect attributes and geometry.
GeoJSON to Shapefile — convert the extract for QGIS or ArcGIS.
Exporting from Overpass Turbo — the manual workflow, and how it compares with this tool.
Country boundaries — ready-made administrative polygons per country.
GeoJSON viewer — check the file before importing it elsewhere.
Bounding box tool — get just the coordinates for an area, in several formats.