### Attribute table

The attribute table displays features of a selected layer. Each row in the table represents one map feature with its attributes shown in several columns. The features in the table can be searched, selected, moved or even edited. By default the attribute table is a separate window. If you opened it and cannot see it anymore, it is most likely hidden under the main QGIS window. You can make it also a docked window, by checking Open attribute table in a dock window in Settings > Options > General.

The number of table features is printed on its header.

Selecting
Sorting
Searching
Field Calculator

#### Selecting

Rows can be selected by clicking on the row number on the left side of the row. Selecting a row doesn't change the current cursor position. Multiple rows can be marked by holding the Ctrl key.
A continuous selection can be made by holding the Shift key and clicking on several row headers on the left side of the rows. All rows between the current cursor position and the clicked row are selected.

#### Sorting

Each column can be sorted by clicking on its column header. A small arrow indicates the sort order (downward pointing means descending values from the top row down, upward pointing means ascending values from the top row down).
Use Move selected to top button to sort selected rows and display them in first table rows. To show selected records only, use the check box Show selected records only.

#### Searching

For a simple search by attributes on only one column the Look for field can be used. Select the field (column) from which the search should be performed from the drop down menu and hit the Search button.
For more complex searches use the Advanced search. This button opens the Query Builder and allows you to select table features matching a SQL-like WHERE clause.

#### Field Calculator

The Field Calculator button in the attribute table allows to perform calculations on basis of existing attribute values or defined functions, e.g. to calculate length or area of geometry features.
The results can be written to a new attribute column or it can be used to update values in an already existing column.
You have to bring the vector layer in editing mode, before you can click on the Field calculator icon to open the dialog.