How to Rename a Field in QGIS Attribute Table

Updated on:

June 8, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to rename an attribute field in QGIS using the Processing Toolbox.

Quick summary

To rename a field in a QGIS attribute table, use the built-in Rename Field tool found in the Processing Toolbox — no manual editing required. This method creates a new output layer with the updated field name, keeping your original data intact.

Steps

Select a layer in the Layers panel to set it as the active layer.
Go to the Processing Toolbox search bar, then search for and select 'Rename Field'.
In the dialog box, choose the layer where the attribute is located.
Select the field to be renamed in the attribute table.
Enter your new field name in the input box.
Click 'Run' to execute the rename operation.
Click the newly created layer and open its Attribute Table to confirm the field name has changed.

📌 Why this matters

QGIS is a leading open-source GIS platform used by geospatial analysts, urban planners, and data scientists worldwide. Renaming fields in the attribute table is a fundamental data management task that ensures datasets meet naming conventions required for analysis, exports, and integrations. The Processing Toolbox's Rename Field tool provides a non-destructive, repeatable workflow that preserves original data while producing clean, correctly labeled output layers. Mastering this feature helps QGIS users maintain data integrity and streamline geospatial workflows.

Your product deserves an interactive demo

Start free