The original version of this document is located at https://docs.qfield.org/how-to/projects

Project selection

QField has a file selector that allows to open a project from the device locally. To open files from the cloud see QFieldCloud .

You have to import project folders or individual datasets into the app-dedicated storage location <drive>:/Android/data/ch.opengis.qfield/files/QField where it has unrestricted read/write access. With that behavior importing from external SD cards or providers that work with remote files (e.g. Google Drive) are supported as well.

Import and open local project

📱 Fieldwork

When going to Open local files (via Menu button > Open) you will see a set of new folders named “QField files directory”, “Imported datasets”, and “Imported projects” as well as a drop-down menu accessible via a bottom-right plus button.

The drop-down menu lists the means to import projects and datasets: import project from folder, import project from ZIP (archive), and import (individual) dataset(s).

Import project from folder or ZIP archive

When importing a project from a folder or a ZIP archive, you will be asked to grant permission for QField to read the content of a given folder on the device’s storage via a system folder picker. When the folder or the archive is selected, QField copies the content (including its sub-folders) into the app’s ‘Imported projects’ location. You can then open the project from there.

Re-importing a given folder through the drop-down menu action will overwrite preexisting projects given an identical folder name. That allows you to be able to update projects.

Import datasets

You can also import individual datasets. You will be asked to select one or more files via a system file picker, which will be copied into the “Imported datasets” folder. You have to ensure that all sidecar files are selected when importing (e.g. a shapefile dataset would require you to select the .shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj, and .cpg files).

Favorite directories

In the first screen of the file selector, there is a section showing the
favorite directories. To add a directory to the favorites, long click in
the file selector on the directory name. To remove an entry from the
favorites, long click on the entry in the favorites list.

Retrieve modified projects and datasets

🖥️ Desktop preparation

Imported projects and datasets can be accessed directly using a USB cable. The location on storage is displayed in the top navigation bar when opening a local file.

On most devices plugged into a computer via USB cable connection, the path will be <drive>:/Android/data/ch.opengis.qfield/files/ where you will find both the “Imported Datasets” and “Imported Projects” folders within which your edited content will be located.

Send to

📱 Fieldwork

You can share and send the datasets straight from QField using Android APIs. This allows for the sending of edited datasets directly to third party apps (Gmail, Drive, Dropbox, Nextcloud, your favourite messenger app, etc.).