How to Open KML Files

KML files contain information about geographic location, notation, and image overlays. Since KML files are largely geographical in nature, only specific programs will open and access these files and their information. Google Earth is a popular and highly suggested tool to open KML files. This wikiHow teaches you how to open KML files in Google Earth with both Mac and PC as well as the Google Earth app available for both Android and iOS devices.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Software

  1. Image titled Open KML Files Step 1
    1
    Download and install Google Earth Pro for desktop from https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. Your download should begin automatically once you click “Download Earth Pro on desktop”. Using this method, you don’t have to worry about using a specific browser for the program to work, and it works for both PC and Mac.
    • The downloader will automatically detect the operating system you are using and download the appropriate file.
    • You’ll have to agree to the terms before continuing.
  2. Image titled Open KML Files Step 2
    2
    Click the downloaded file to launch the Google Earth Pro Installer. You’ll find this file in the Downloads folder of your file browser. It’ll take a few moments for the program to install.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Open KML Files Step 3
    3
    Open Google Earth Pro. You’ll find this either in your Start Menu or Applications folder.
  4. Image titled Open KML Files Step 4
    4
    Click the File tab. You’ll find this in the upper left corner of the main menu toolbar.
  5. Image titled Open KML Files Step 5
    5
    Click Open. Your file browser will open.
  6. Image titled Open KML Files Step 6
    6
    Navigate to and double-click on your KML file to open it. Your KML file will load in Google Earth and you can view all its information there.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Google Earth in Chrome

  1. Image titled Open KML Files Step 7
    1
    Go to https://earth.google.com/web/ in Chrome. Google Earth will launch in your Chrome web browser. This method allows you to use Google Earth without downloading anything; however, only the device you save your KML data to will be able to access that KML information.
    • For example, if you use Google Earth in Chrome from your work computer, if you move to the software version of Google Earth on your home computer, your KML data will not load.
  2. Image titled Open KML Files Step 8
    2
    Click ☰. You’ll find this in the upper left of your web browser.
  3. Image titled Open KML Files Step 9
    3
    Click the settings icon
    Android 7 Settings
    .
  4. Image titled Open KML Files Step 10
    4
    Click the switch to the ON position
    Android 7 Switch On
    next to Enable KML import.     This will allow you to import KML files.
  5. Image titled Open KML Files Step 11
    5
    Click Save. The pop-up “Settings” menu will disappear.
  6. Image titled Open KML Files Step 12
    6
    Click the bookmark or “My Places” icon. You’ll find this icon is 5th down from the ☰ icon and above the share icon.
  7. Image titled Open KML Files Step 13
    7
    Click Import KML File. You’ll see this in the “My Places” tab that slides out from the left. You can choose to open a file from your local storage or Google Drive.
  8. Image titled Open KML Files Step 14
    8
    Navigate to and double-click your KML file to select it. You’ll see the file previewed to the right in the animated window.
  9. Image titled Open KML Files Step 15
    9
    Click Save. This KML file and all its information will be saved to the “My Places” area of Google Earth.
    10. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using the Mobile Google Earth App

  1. Image titled Open KML Files Step 16
    1
    Open Google Earth. This app icon looks like an orb with waves of different shades of blue and white inside. You can find this app in either your app drawer, on your Home screen, or by browsing.
  2. Image titled Open KML Files Step 17
    2
    Tap ☰. You’ll see this in the top left corner of your screen.
  3. Image titled Open KML Files Step 18
    3
    Tap My Places. This is the third option down on the list.
  4. Image titled Open KML Files Step 19
    4
    Tap Import KML file. You’ll see this at the bottom.
  5. Image titled Open KML Files Step 20
    5
    Navigate to and tap on your KML file to open it. The file will load to your map.
    6. Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Open BIN Files
How to
Open BIN Files
How to
Change a Word Document to JPEG Format
Open DLL Files
How to
Open DLL Files
Open a DAT File
How to
Open a DAT File
Extract a Gz FileHow to Extract a GZ File on Windows, Linux, Mac, & Mobile
Compress Large Files
How to
Compress Large Files
Create a TXT File on Mac
How to
Create a TXT File on Mac
Make an ICO File
How to
Make an ICO File
Scan Documents4 Simple Ways to Scan and Save Documents
Turn a Voice Memo Into an MP3How to Turn a Voice Memo Into an MP3 (iPhone, Mac, Windows)
Open 7z FilesHow to Open 7z Files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone
Open RAR Files
How to
Open RAR Files
Open a .Zip File Without Winzip
How to
Open a .Zip File Without Winzip
Highly Compress Files with 7zip
How to
Highly Compress Files with 7zip
Advertisement

About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA
Written by:
Darlene Antonelli, MA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been viewed 67,219 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 3
Updated: June 24, 2019
Views: 67,219
Categories: File Manipulation
Article SummaryX

1. Go to https://earth.google.com/web/ in the Chrome web browser.
2. Click the three line menu.
3. Click the Settings icon.
4. Click the switch to the ON position next to "Enable KML import".
5. Click the Bookmark icon.
6. Click Import KML File.
7. Navigate to and double-click your KML file.
8. Click Save.

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement