How to Rename a Column in QGIS

Quick summary

In QGIS, you can rename a column without editing the raw data by using the Refactor Fields tool inside the Processing Toolbox. This non-destructive method creates a new layer with your updated field name, preserving the original dataset.

Steps

1. Open the Processing Toolbox from the right-side menu in QGIS.
2. In the search bar, search for and select Refactor Fields.
3. Choose your shapefile or dataset in the Input Layer field.
4. In the table of fields, find the column you want to rename, then click and edit the name in the Field name column.
5. Click Run to apply the changes.
6. A new layer will be added — open its Attribute Table to verify the renamed column (e.g., id → ID).