QGIS: 2 layers using different CRS

Question

I am trying to draw a map of tree protection orders locally. I have a .shp file which uses CRS: EPSG 4326. I can add this to a project and see something that looks sensible, but with no context of roads etc. I then try to add a basemap layer of OpenStreetMap, which uses CRS: EPSG 3857. I realise I need to change one or other of these so they are both using the same CRS, but am failing this step.

Please be gentle in your replies as I have very little QGIS experience and this is my first project. I am using QGIS v3.28.0

I have tried:

• converting OpenStreetMap to EPSG 4326. This gives a squished map, which is to be expected. But when I add the TPO.shp file as a vector layer, nothing shows up
• converting TPO.shp layer to EPSG 3857. This causes it to disappear and despite lots of panning and 'zoom to layer', I cannot find it. I can then add the OpenStreetMap layer which looks normal, but I can't see the TPO.shp layer.

Answer 1

You don't need to change anything, that's what QGis is for (amongst other things). Provided it knows the projection of all the layers it can reproject them into the projection (CRS) of the project which is shown in the lower right hand corner of the tool bar.

So do nothing to the data and all will be well.