Splitting shapefile into separate files for each feature using QGIS

Question

I have a polyline shapefile with about 20 kinds of roads.

I would like to know how can I create automatically a vector file for each one.

I am aware of how to do it using ArcGIS Desktop - see Exporting feature class into multiple feature classes based on field values using ArcGIS Desktop?

How do I do it using QGIS?

Answer 1

In QGIS 2.8.1 there's a tool in the Vector menu that can split a dataset based on an attribute.

Look in Vector > Data Management Tools > Split Vector Layer...

It's a basic tool that should work if you don't want to resort to plugins or tools in Processing; unless they offer additional functionality you need.

Answer 2

Plugin won't work on QGIS 3 and higher

QGIS has a plugin called ShapefileSplitter, which does this.

Answer 3

Use 'Split Vector Layer' in the Vector General Toolbox

This tool will allow you to split a vector layer based on an attribute column. It splits the data into separate shapefiles for each unique attribute in the column.

Answer 4

On the processing toolbox of QGIS, if you go the example scripts of the Scripts section. You'll find the script called "Split vector layer by attribute". That'll do what you need.