Convert TAB to GPKG Online - Free & Fast

What is TAB?

MapInfo TAB is the native read/write format for MapInfo Professional, storing vector layers with geometry, attributes, styling rules, and projection information in a set of files that together form a complete map layer.

What is GPKG?

GeoPackage (GPKG) is an open, standards-based, portable SQLite format for storing vector features, tiled map overlays, and attribute data in a single file, designed as a modern replacement for the Shapefile by the Open Geospatial Consortium.

When Should You Use TAB vs GPKG?

TAB vs GPKG: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: TAB relies on lossless compression whereas GPKG uses lossless compression.
• •Neither format changes compression philosophy — both are lossless compression — so any size differences are due to encoding efficiency, not a shift in quality approach.
• •How transparency is handled: GPKG supports transparency, so alpha information is preserved during conversion.
• •TAB files are typically 10KB to 2GB depending on layer complexity while GPKG files range 10KB to several GB depending on feature density
• •TAB is optimized for mapinfo gis projects, cadastral mapping, desktop spatial analysis while GPKG is designed for mobile gis, offline mapping, portable geospatial data exchange — choose based on your specific workflow needs

Advantages of TAB

• ✓TAB uses lossless compression tailored for MapInfo GIS projects, cadastral mapping, desktop spatial analysis.
• ✓TAB is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
• ✓TAB files are bit-for-bit perfect, preserving every pixel and sample for professional work.
• ✓TAB integrates seamlessly with all major creative tools and workflows.

Advantages of GPKG

• ✓The lossless nature of GPKG means file sizes stay reasonable while handling Mobile GIS, offline mapping, portable geospatial data exchange efficiently.
• ✓From mobile devices to enterprise servers, GPKG is recognized and supported everywhere.
• ✓The trade-off for GPKG's perfection is larger files — but for archival work, it is worth every megabyte.
• ✓GPKG is a first-class citizen in all major software ecosystems, from creative suites to development environments.

Common Use Cases for TAB to GPKG Conversion

Industry Applications

Best Practices for TAB to GPKG Conversion

• →When converting TAB to GPKG: confirm the coordinate reference system (CRS / projection) is preserved or explicitly reprojected
• →Keep attribute tables and feature metadata intact — GPKG should retain all fields from TAB
• →Check geometry types (point, line, polygon) map cleanly between the two formats
• →Verify that z/elevation values and topology survive the conversion when working with terrain data
• →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
• →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Troubleshooting TAB to GPKG Conversion

• !GPKG features land in the wrong place after TAB to GPKG → verify the CRS/projection; mismatched coordinate systems shift geometry
• !Attribute columns missing in GPKG → some GIS formats have field name length or type limits; rename or cast columns first
• !TAB to GPKG drops the z/elevation dimension → pick a target format that supports 3D geometry
• !GPKG file won't open in your GIS app → confirm the format version and any required sidecar files (e.g. .prj, .shx) are present

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