Using Print Layout Function in QGIS to Create Maps
In this tutorial is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Print Layout in QGIS to create a map.
The Print Layout function in QGIS is a powerful tool that enables users to prepare print maps with multiple map views, labels, legends, and other elements.
The tutorial is aimed at beginners who are new to QGIS and want to learn how to create maps using the Print Layout function. I have provided clear and concise instructions, along with screenshots, to help users understand each step of the process.
The tutorial begins with the basics, such as opening QGIS and loading the layers that you want to include in your map. It then walks users through each step of the process, including how to add a map, customize it, add multiple map views, labels, legends, and export the final product.
By the end of this tutorial, you should be able to create a map using the Print Layout function in QGIS, with multiple map views, labels, and legends.
You will also gain a better understanding of the different customization options available in QGIS and how to use them to create maps tailored to their specific needs.
1. Open QGIS
First, open QGIS and load the layers that you want to include in your map.
In this example I am mapping a subset of Census Tracts so that’s what is loaded in.
2. Open the Print Layout
Click on the 'Project' menu and select 'New Print Layout'. This will open a new window called the 'Layout Manager'.
Click the white space to activate the map layout canvas, then select the Item Properties to set the map dimensions (e.g., Letter for 8.5” x 11” maps)
3. Add the Map
In the new Print Layout window toolbar, click on the 'Add Item' button and select 'Add Map'.
Click and drag a rectangle on the print layout where you want to insert the map. You can resize the map by clicking on the white white boxes along its edges and dragging them.
4. Customize the Map
Once you've added the map to the print layout, you can customize it by right-clicking on it and selecting 'Item Properties'. Here you can change the extent of the map, the scale, the projection, and other options.
You can activate the ‘Move item content’ tool to adjust the content within the map view window:
For example, this map view is zoomed in on these polygons instead of showing the full extent of the data
5. Add Multiple Map Views
If you want to add multiple map views to your print layout, repeat the above steps to add a new map. You can change the extent and scale of each map view to display different areas of your data.
The layout above has 2 maps, 1 main map and 1 inset map
6. Add Labels
To add labels to your map, click on the 'Add Label’ button. Click and drag a rectangle on the print layout where you want to insert the label. Double-click on the label to edit its text and customize its appearance.
The labels in this case are really just text objects, not feature labels like the name implies. You can customize the text parameters in the Item Properties window.
To show feature labels, you need to go back to the map view, not the layout manager, and turn on the “show labels” option for the specific layer:
7. Add Legends
To add a legend to your map, click on the 'Add Legend' button.
Click and drag a rectangle on the print layout where you want to insert the legend. Customize the legend by selecting the layers you want to include and changing the legend style.
8. Export the Map
Once you've finished customizing your print layout, you can export it as an image or a PDF by clicking on the 'Export as Image' or 'Export as PDF' buttons in the Layout Manager.
That's it! With these steps, you should now be able to create a map using the Print Layout function in QGIS. This is just a general overview of the Print Layout designer, so feel free to explore and experiment with different settings to create the perfect map for your needs.
