In our previous articles, we saw how to structure an efficient working environment in QGIS using bookmarks, template projects, the Layer Menu from Project plugin, and PyQGIS scripts.
Today, we are taking an essential step forward: making this environment portable so that it can be used offline, on the move, in training, or in the field.
Why a portable environment?
- Work from any computer without installing anything
- Conduct on-site QGIS training, even without an internet connection
- Share a complete QGIS configuration with a colleague or partner
- Always have the right tools, data, styles, and templates at your fingertips
What a portable QGIS environment contains
A clearly organized directory that can be copied to a USB key, external drive, or synchronized folder (e.g., Nextcloud, Dropbox, Git):
QGIS_Portable/
├── QGIS_Portable_Windows/ ← portable version of QGIS (optional)
├── Data/ ← SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage layers, etc.
├── Styles_QML/ ← custom styles
├── Template_projects/ ← reference QGIS .qgz projects
├── Dynamic_layers/ ← source projects for Layer Menu
├── PyQGIS_scripts/ ← utility or automation scripts
├── Files/ ← tutorials, PDFs, documentation
└── Start.html ← home page or user guide
Step 1: Create a well-structured root folder
Create a QGIS_Portable/ folder containing:
- your data: preferably in GeoPackage format (avoids .shp dependencies)
- your .qml files associated with styles (named like the layers)
- your model projects saved with relative paths
- your scripts: .py format, commented and tested
- a README.md file or HTML page with startup instructions
Tip: use relative paths in your projects (Preferences > Options > General > Store relative paths)
Step 2: Test the environment from another computer
- Copy your QGIS_Portable/ folder to a USB stick or external drive
- Plug it into another computer (without a connection if possible)
- Open a .qgz project from the Projects_template/ folder
- Check that all layers are displayed, styles are loaded, and scripts are working
If there is a problem: open the Data Sources tab to correct broken paths.
Option: embed QGIS itself (portable Windows version)
- Download the portable version of QGIS for Windows: portable version 3.44
- Extract everything into QGIS 3.44.0/
- Add a shortcut QGIS 3.44.0/launch_qgis_portable.bat to your home page
- Double-click: QGIS starts without installation or admin rights
Ideal for classroom training without administrator rights.
Option: synchronize via Nextcloud or Git
If you are working in a team:
- Create a shared Nextcloud folder: GIS/Environment_QGIS/
- Or a Git repository (if you know how) with scripts, templates, and documentation.
- This way, everyone can work from the same base, wherever they are.
Remember to version your .qgz projects and .qml styles to avoid loss or conflicts.
Bonus: a user-friendly startup interface
Add a Startup.html or dashboard.html file with:
- A summary of available projects
- Links to PDF files
- A button to launch QGIS (Windows only)
- A mini welcome map (if you include Leaflet or MapLibre)
In summary
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Local data | Work offline |
| Styles + template projects | Consistency and time savings |
| Scripts + plugin Layer Menu | Modularity and automation |
| Portable QGIS | Total nomadism (optional) |
| Synchronization | Collaborative work |
