How can I import a GeoPDF file as a layer in QGIS 3?

If you drag and drop a GeoPDF into QGIS, because there is a raster layer, QGIS will try and rasterise the whole file, which takes a long time.

If you just want the vector layers - well, unfortunately there seems to be a problem with that particular GeoPDF (and others with the same date?)! The GDAL library claims not to be able to open it.

However, in general, you should be able to go to Layer -> Add Vector Layer, select the PDF and click Add. You will get a dialogue like the following: You can then select the layers you want to add from the dialogue.

I used the Dennis, MA map, with QGIS 3.12.1

You can do similar via the command line using

ogr2ogr -f sqlite pdf.sqlite MA_Dennis_OE_N_20120522_TM_geo.pdf

Here's a workaround...

You can drag and drop the GeoPDF (such as this) in QGIS. It works but very slow, around 10 minutes to load the file. I do not understand why it's so slow.

Once loaded use the QGIS menu Layer > Save As... to export the file in GeoTIFF. Very very slow about one hour to export. Again I do not understand why it's so slow... the file is only 32.2 MB.

Once exported in GeoTIFF remove the GeoPDF file and the GeoTIFF is usable and very fast to manipulate like any GeoTIFF.

Done with QGIS 3.14.0