---
title: "How to print and show vector tiles in QGIS via MapTiler plugin | Guides | Maps apis | Maps platform"
description: "Print high-resolution vector maps in QGIS using MapTiler plugin."
---

> For AI agents: a documentation index is available at [/llms.txt](https://docs.maptiler.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending .md to any URL.

# How to print and show vector tiles in QGIS via MapTiler plugin

Do you need fully customizable base maps for QGIS? Do you need to print a map that you created in MapTiler? After reading this article you will know how to do it via the MapTiler plugin. Load a map of the entire world with one of many ready-to-use map styles, customize map styles to suit your needs, or create new ones from scratch. Print vector maps based on OpenStreetMap data in high resolution with all the cartographic options that QGIS offers.

The plugin is open source. To report an issue or suggest an improvement, [open an issue on GitHub](https://github.com/maptiler/qgis-maptiler-plugin/issues).

_These are minimum versions of QGIS required by the MapTiler QGIS plugin:_

_\- MapTiler QGIS plugin version 1.0 requires QGIS 3.14 or newer._  
_\- MapTiler QGIS plugin version 2.0 requires QGIS 3.16 or newer._  
_\- MapTiler QGIS plugin version 3.0 requires QGIS 3.24 or newer._  
_\- MapTiler QGIS plugin version 3.2 requires QGIS 3.26 or newer._

_To display predefined map styles from MapTiler, you need a MapTiler account with either:_

_\- valid API key for MapTiler QGIS plugin version 2.0 and 1.0_  
_\- valid Credentials with Token for MapTiler QGIS plugin version 3.0 and newer._

## Installation

QGIS is a cross-platform GIS application. Follow the instructions on the [QGIS website](https://qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html "https://qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html") to download and install it.

![](./4410423358737_52a085b958.png)

**Installing the plugin is straightforward:**

1.  Open QGIS
2.  Click on the menu _Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins…_
3.  Search for _Maptiler_
4.  Click on the _Install Plugin_
5.  Restart QGIS
6.  MapTiler icon appears in Browser panel

![](./4410415745809_1b5d66c934.webp)

### Installing fonts

The maps from MapTiler use various fonts. If you don’t have them installed, you might get warnings like these in QGIS:

![readme\_09.png](./4449503658129_3b63530887.webp)

If you want to display these maps in QGIS, you need to have these fonts installed on your system. QGIS will use a default font if a font is not installed on your system.

A list of fonts used in maps at MapTiler can be found at [MapTiler fonts](https://api.maptiler.com/fonts.json).

### Upgrading the plugin

You can upgrade to the latest version from _QGIS Plugin menu_. Just search for _MapTiler_ plugin on the _Installed_ tab and click on the _Upgrade Plugin_ button.

Your plugin settings will be carried over to the new version. All the maps added using the older version of the plugin will persist on the list of maps in the _Browser_ menu.

After upgrading the plugin, you will have to add the new default maps (e.g. OpenStreetMap and Terrain RGB) from the _Add new map_ menu. Right-click on the MapTiler heading in the _Browser_ menu to access this.

## Authentication

### MapTiler QGIS plugin versions 1.0 and 2.0

To use predefined map styles from MapTiler, you need to add your key in the Account window by right-clicking on _MapTiler → Account…_You can find your API key in MapTiler administration web page, in the section _Account_ → _API Keys_.

![](./4410408244625_c723ed204c.png)

### MapTiler QGIS plugin version 3.0

The new version of the plugin uses Tokens. To get one, go to your MapTiler _Account_ page, and click _Credentials_ on the left of the interface. Click on the _New Credential_ button and copy the token (keep this token private – treat it the same way as a password).

![readme\_11.png](./4437305780881_0c7ed3aa0e.webp)

In QGIS add your Token in the Account window by right-clicking on _MapTiler → Account…_Token will be stored in QGIS Authentication database.

![readme\_08.png](./4437322093201_38c042c349.png)

### Adding vector map from MapTiler

Once you have added your key or token, you can click on MapTiler in the QGIS Browser panel. An expanded list will show you the most popular map presets.

![](./4410415746321_876aaa580a.png)

You can add more maps from MapTiler. Just right-click on _MapTiler → Add a new map… → MapTiler_ and select any map from MapTiler.

![](./4410408245009_4e7d66df4c.png)

### Adding own StyleJSON

MapTiler plugin offers predefined maps but it is not limited just to them. If you want to add your own map it is easy as well. First, prepare the URL of your StyleJSON. For your maps hosted at MapTiler, you will find this StyleJSON URL on the map detail page.

Then right-click on the _MapTiler plugin → Add a new map… → From URL_ add the name of the map and paste copied StyleJSON URL. Your own map will be added to the list of maps in the MapTiler plugin.

![](./4410423362449_1537ed4815.webp)

### Customize a style in MapTiler

If you like any of MapTiler maps but want to customize them to better fit your needs, there is an easy way to do it. Right-click on a map and select _Customize in Cloud_. Read other articles that cover how to customize a map.

-   [Set the map in your language](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-design/change-language-in-a-map)
-   [How to make custom map design in MapTiler](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-design/editor/)
-   [How to build a map that is easy to read for users from a specific country](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-design/change-language-in-a-map)
-   [Make your own map design in MapTiler](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/map-design/editor/)

Once you have a perfect map style, you can simply publish your map. Copy URL to its StyleJSON and add it to QGIS using _MapTiler plugin → Add a new map… → From URL_

![](./4410415747601_cbb6fb0a5f.webp)

### Adding raster map

If you want to add any of the maps from MapTiler as raster tiles, simply right-click on the map and select _Add as Raster_. By default raster tiles 512x512 will be added.

![](./4410423363729_680ea00d31.webp)

You can also add raster tiles to any of your maps via the MapTiler plugin. Instead of copying the StyleJSON URL (which we use for vector maps), we use the TileJSON URL for raster tiles.

On the detail page of the map you want to add, you find URL links to TileJSON for both to raster tiles 256x256 and raster tiles 512x512. Copy TileJSON and paste it into _MapTiler plugin → Add a new map… → From URL_ and paste URL link to TileJSON to URL field.

![](./4410415748753_41caa0b193.webp)

### Export & printing

Once you have your map in QGIS, you can easily export it. You can export to PNG, PDF, or DXF. Select _Project → Export/Import → Export map to…_ You can choose DPI, scale, extent, and others to get your map in high resolution.

![](./4410423364369_e7ead18b0e.png)

If you need a serious cartographic high-quality map use QGIS Print Composer (_Project → New Print Layout…_). Explore the full power of QGIS and use the complete cartographic suite to add a grid, north arrow, scale bar, overview, and many more. Configure page setup, DPI, extent, and export map to PNG, SVG, or PDF.

![](./4410415749649_748997278e.webp)

### Attribution/terms

All maps must contain MapTiler and OpenStreetMap attribution. For printing terms please read the [Cloud terms](https://www.maptiler.com/cloud/terms/). For custom, print plans [contact our Sales team](https://www.maptiler.com/#contact).

## Conclusion

MapTiler plugin is an open-source project with its code on [GitHub](https://github.com/maptiler/qgis-maptiler-plugin/). It is the easiest way to add vector tiles map to QGIS. Users can add their own map styles, or customize predefined map styles via Map Designer tool on Cloud. This tool is also perfect for desktop printing of maps from MapTiler.

## Useful links

[MapTiler Terms](https://www.maptiler.com/cloud/terms/#permitted-use-only)  
[Download QGIS](https://qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html)  
[MapTiler QGIS Plugin](https://www.maptiler.com/qgis-plugin/)  
[MapTIler maps to QGIS - video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYNVwGHOCAg)  
[Introduction to QGIS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAbOR_E2xtI)  
[QGIS - Print composer](https://docs.qgis.org/2.8/en/docs/user_manual/print_composer/print_composer.html)  
[QGIS - Map Composer 3.16](https://docs.qgis.org/3.16/en/docs/training_manual/map_composer/map_composer.html)  
[QGIS - Map Composer 3.4](https://docs.qgis.org/3.4/en/docs/training_manual/map_composer/map_composer.html)  
[Introducing MapTiler QGIS plugin - News](https://www.maptiler.com/news/2020/06/say-hello-to-the-new-qgis-plugin/)  
[Vector tiles in QGIS 3.14 - News](https://www.maptiler.com/news/2020/06/vector-tiles-in-qgis-3-14/)  
[MapTiler QGIS plugin on GitHub](https://github.com/maptiler/qgis-maptiler-plugin/)