How to create polygons with straight lines and right angles in QGIS?

Question

When creating a polygon, how do I do it so that the lines are straight (90, 0 degrees, etc.) and when I create corners they can be right angles?
For instance, how do I create a perfect square or rectangle?

underdark · Accepted Answer

For QGIS 3: See ahmadhanb's answer.

Original answer:

Check the CadTools plugin. It offers orthogonal line tools. Here's what the help says:

SadeckGEO · Answer

Another solution is you use the plugin azimuth and distance.
http://geotecnologias.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/criando-poligonal-por-azimute-e-distancia-qgis/

Kurt · Answer

the CadTools plugin should do what you want. there is also an tutorial: http://www.catais.org/qgis/cadtools/   (especially look under "orthogonal digitzing")

Smerla · Answer

I tried the suggested solutions but found the CADTools plug-in a bit too complicated to get a quick hang of it. Besides, this is a rather simple task.

Instead I found the plug-in Rectangles Ovals Digitizing￼ by Pavol Kapusta. The name is rather self explanatory and it works excellently. You can draw shapes from centre or by extent.

Machiel Huizenga · Answer

In order to create polygons or lines with specified lenghts en angles you need to enable the advanced digitizing panel. (View--panels-advanced digitizing)

Just add vector layer (lines or polygons) start editing and add feature. In the advanced editing window you can specify the angles and/or distances. To finish the sketch, click right mouse.

Mohamad Reza Salehi Sadaghiani · Answer

I tried the CADtools but I found it a bit complicated. Besides, this is a rather simple task.Instead I found the plug-in Quantum Aided Design(cad like commands in QGIS). The name is rather self explanatory and it works excellently. You can draw/edit/copy/ trim or offset etc..

https://plugins.qgis.org/plugins/qad/

ahmadhanb · Answer

There is a Shape Digitizing toolbar in which has an option to add rectangle using different methods:

To show the toolbar, right-click the main menu and select Shape Digitizing toolbar

I am using QGIS 3.4.

Matthias Kuhn · Answer

No plugin needed
In addition to the Shape Digitizing Toolbar it's also possible to add right angles through the Advanced Digitizing Tools.
Activate the  Advanced Digitizing Tools and lock the angles to 90° .
Have a look at the documentation of the advanced digitizing tools for what else is possible.
With QGIS 3.14 the last missing bit was added and it is now possible to snap to the currently digitized feature which makes it possible to finalize an object with a right angle. Note the keyboard shortcuts to lock the angle which are shown in the demo video below.

How to create polygons with straight lines and right angles in QGIS?

8 Answers

No plugin needed

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