FREE TOOL

QGIS: free software for making and analysing maps

By AiCoN | Published 14 October 2026 | Sources checked 14 October 2026

QGIS says its software is, and always will be, free of charge from QGIS.org. It makes and analyses maps on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Official visual example

QGIS map project showing Lisbon contours, OpenStreetMap roads and layer styling — “Basic QGIS map project” by Tim Sutton, QGIS Hub, uploaded 16 July 2025. The resource is labelled CC0. OpenStreetMap data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, as credited by the source; terrain uses the DGT CDD Downloader plugin. Original screenshot unaltered, displayed smaller. Screenshot software version is not verified; this is not an AiCoN map or installation test. Official source. Open original 2560 × 1550 image. Media checked 23 October 2026. Independent guide, not sponsored.

What it is

QGIS is free map-making and map-analysis software. Its homepage describes "spatial visualization and decision-making tools for everyone" and says it can create maps, edit map layers and analyse spatial data. People use it for things like making maps from data, such as survey points or boundaries. It is not an AI tool. We included it because it is a free tool from an official source.

Is it free?

Yes. The download page says: "Our software is, and always will be, available free of charge if downloaded from QGIS.org." The homepage says QGIS is licensed under GNU GPLv2+ and is "Free and Open Source software, forever".

Which devices

The download page says QGIS is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. We did not check what the Android and iOS versions can do.
The page shows the current version as QGIS 4.2.3, released 2026-09-25, and a long-term release, 3.44.15, "for those who value stability". It says to pick the long-term release if you are unsure.

Privacy and data

QGIS's privacy policy says that when QGIS checks for news updates it records the date (rounded to the day), QGIS version, operating system and your country, worked out from your IP address, which it says is immediately discarded.
It says no persistent or personally identifiable information is stored, and that you can turn off the news feed feature in QGIS.
A separate plugin analytics dashboard records minimal data when you download a plugin.

India

We found no India-specific statement or age limit on the pages we read.

AiCoN checkRead QGIS's homepage, download page and privacy policy on 14 October 2026. We did not install or test it. It is professional software and may take time to learn.

Frequently asked questions

Is QGIS free?

Yes. Its download page says it is free of charge from QGIS.org.

Which version should I get?

The download page says the long-term release is for people who value stability, and to pick it if you are unsure.

Is it AI?

No. It is mapping software. We included it because it is a free tool from an official source.

Sources: QGIS, Download, Privacy policy, Trademark guidelines. Checked 14 October 2026. Independent guide, not affiliated. No standalone QGIS logo is used. The source-credited map illustration above does not imply endorsement.

Official screenshot record and QGIS download page rechecked 23 October 2026. The download page still lists QGIS 4.2.3 and LTR 3.44.15, and recommends LTR if unsure. The screenshot is an illustrative older project, not evidence of either current version. Other claims retain their original source-check date. Original publication date is unchanged.