Another option is to use the ["Random selection"](https://docs.qgis.org/latest/en/docs/user_manual/processing_algs/qgis/vectorselection.html#random-selection) tool for selecting N *random* features. <!-- language: pyqgis --> import processing layer = iface.activeLayer() processing.run("qgis:randomselection", { 'INPUT' : layer, 'METHOD' : 0, 'NUMBER' : 5 -- specify a number here }) To get more information about this algorithm, please run the following command `processing.algorithmHelp("qgis:randomselection")` in the Python Console (<kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>Alt</kbd>+<kbd>P</kbd>). ---------- **References:** - [PyQGIS Developer Cookbook » 21. Cheat sheet for PyQGIS](https://docs.qgis.org/latest/en/docs/pyqgis_developer_cookbook/cheat_sheet.html#cheat-sheet-for-pyqgis)