Use this kml file viewer online to view kml file data or KMZ exports from Google Earth on an interactive map — instantly, in your browser, with no software required. Inspect placemark attributes, change feature colours, switch basemaps, and export your data as GeoJSON.
The Easiest Way to Open KML File Online Without Google Earth
KML and KMZ files are everywhere — exported from Google Earth projects, downloaded from government data portals, generated by GPS devices and hiking apps, or shared by colleagues who use Google Maps for collaborative mapping. But to view them, you have traditionally needed Google Earth installed, which is a 500 MB+ download that not every computer has. This kml online viewer changes that: drag your file into the browser, and your data appears on an interactive map within seconds.
The tool supports both formats natively. KML files are parsed directly as XML. KMZ files are automatically unzipped in the browser and the inner KML is extracted and rendered — no server, no upload, no waiting. Points appear as clickable circle markers, lines as paths, and polygons as filled shapes. Click any feature to see its name, description, and extended data attributes in a popup. Switch between four basemaps (Street, Topo, Satellite, Dark) to give your data the right context, then export everything as GeoJSON for use in web mapping projects.
KML Data from Google Earth — A Practical Example
Google Earth is the most common source of KML files. If you have ever saved a placemark in Google Earth, marked up a site boundary, or created a route in My Maps, you can export that work as KML and view it here. The workflow is simple: in Google Earth Pro, right-click your saved place or folder and choose "Save Place As"; in My Maps, use the export menu to download as KML. The resulting file captures your entire project — all placemarks with their names, descriptions, and coordinate data. Either way, this kml visualizer displays the result identically once uploaded.
The descriptions in Google Earth placemarks often contain HTML tables or rich text created in the placemark editor. This viewer strips the HTML markup and displays the plain text content in the popup, making the information readable regardless of how it was formatted in Google Earth. Extended data fields (the simple table format) are shown as key-value rows below the description. That is exactly the kind of cleanup a good kml file reader should handle automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the viewer support KML with embedded icons and styles?
Partial support. The togeojson library reads the KML's IconStyle, LineStyle, and PolyStyle definitions and stores their colour values as GeoJSON properties. However, this viewer applies a uniform colour to all features via the colour picker — the original per-feature KML styles are not individually rendered. This is a deliberate design choice to keep the tool simple and consistent. If you need per-feature colours from the original KML, consider opening the file in QGIS which reads KML styles fully. Embedded base64 icons inside KMZ files are also not rendered — placemarks with custom icons appear as circle markers instead.
What types of features can a KML file contain?
KML can represent a wide range of geographic elements. Placemarks are individual point features — pins on a map — and can carry a name, description, and extended data attributes. LineString elements store routes, paths, borders, or any linear feature. Polygon elements store filled areas such as regions, land parcels, or study zones. Folders and Documents are used to organise placemarks into named groups or layers. GroundOverlay and ScreenOverlay allow image tiles to be pinned to the map, but these are not rendered by this viewer. MultiGeometry combines multiple geometry types in a single placemark. NetworkLink references external KML files — not supported in this browser tool.
Can I view KML files created from Google Maps?
Yes. Google Maps lets you create custom maps and export them as KML. In Google Maps, open "My Maps" (mymaps.google.com), open a map, click the three-dot menu next to the map title, and choose "Export to KML/KMZ". The exported KML file contains all your custom markers, routes, and areas, and can be uploaded directly to this viewer. Note that Google Maps-specific features like custom icons or category colours will appear as plain circle markers here, but the geometry and names are fully preserved.
Is my KML data uploaded to a server?
No. This tool processes your file entirely inside your browser. When you select a .kml file, it is read using the browser's FileReader API and converted to a GeoJSON layer using JavaScript running locally on your device. When you select a .kmz file, it is unzipped in the browser using the JSZip library — again, no data leaves your computer. The only network requests this tool makes are for the map tile images, which send tile coordinates to tile servers like CARTO and Esri — not any of your KML data. This makes it safe to use with confidential project data, sensitive locations, or proprietary Google Earth files.
Can I view multiple KML files at the same time?
Currently the viewer displays one KML or KMZ file at a time. Loading a new file replaces the previous layer on the map. If you need to overlay multiple KML files, merge them in Google Earth before exporting (create a parent Folder containing multiple sub-folders and export the parent). Alternatively, convert each KML to GeoJSON using the "Download GeoJSON" button and then load both files in a tool like geojson.io or a Leaflet project that supports multiple layers.
What is the maximum file size this viewer can handle?
Because processing happens in your browser, the practical limit depends on your device's RAM and CPU. Plain KML files up to around 20-30 MB load quickly. Larger KML files (50-150 MB) will work but may cause a noticeable delay and temporarily freeze the browser tab while parsing. KMZ files need to be unpacked first, so a 10 MB KMZ might expand to a 50 MB KML internally — account for this when estimating memory use. Very large files (over 200 MB) may exceed browser memory limits. For large datasets, consider simplifying the geometry in QGIS (Vector > Geometry Tools > Simplify) before uploading.
How do I get GPS tracks into KML format?
Most GPS devices and apps can export in KML or GPX format. On a Garmin device, connect via USB and use Garmin BaseCamp to export as KML. On a smartphone, apps like Strava, OsmAnd, Komoot, and Google Maps Timeline all offer KML export options. If your GPS data is in GPX format, you can convert it to KML using a free tool like GPS Visualizer (gpsvisualizer.com) or QGIS. Alternatively, OnlineMapMaker's GPX Viewer tool can display .gpx files directly with an elevation profile — no KML conversion required.
What is the difference between KML and GeoJSON?
Both formats store vector geographic data — points, lines, and polygons with attributes — but they have different strengths. KML is XML-based and was designed around Google Earth's rich feature set (tours, time animations, 3D extrusion, network links, camera views). GeoJSON is a JSON-based standard designed for web mapping — it is compact, natively supported by every JavaScript mapping library, and can be rendered directly in GitHub. For modern web applications, GeoJSON is generally preferred. This tool can convert your KML to GeoJSON via the "Download GeoJSON" button, making it easy to move data from Google Earth into web mapping workflows.
Why is my KML not displaying any features?
Several things can cause this. (1) The KML may use NetworkLink to reference an external URL — browser tools cannot fetch remote KML data for security reasons. (2) The file might contain only GroundOverlays (image tiles) rather than vector placemarks — those are not rendered here. (3) The KML could use a custom icon or camera definition but no actual geometry. (4) The coordinate order may be swapped — KML uses longitude, latitude order so if features appear far from their expected location, the source data may have latitude and longitude reversed. (5) The file has malformed XML — try opening it in a text editor and looking for unclosed tags or invalid characters.
What is the difference between KML and KMZ?
KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based text format for storing geographic data — points, lines, polygons, and their associated attributes. It was originally developed by Keyhole Inc. and later acquired by Google, becoming an Open Geospatial Consortium standard. KMZ is simply a KML file compressed into a ZIP archive. KMZ files are smaller and can also bundle embedded images or icons used by the KML. This viewer handles both: .kml files are read as text, and .kmz files are automatically unpacked to extract the inner KML before parsing. The geographic features and attribute data are identical either way.
How do I export a KML file from Google Earth?
In Google Earth Pro (desktop): right-click on any placemark, folder, or My Places item in the left panel and choose "Save Place As". Select .kml or .kmz as the format and save to your computer. In Google Earth for the web (earth.google.com): open a project, click the three-dot menu next to a project name, and choose "Export as KML file". On an Android or iOS device using the Google Earth app, use the share function to export as KML. Once you have the file, drag it directly into this viewer.
Understanding KML Feature Types in This KML Viewer
A KML file can contain several types of geographic features. Understanding what each one represents helps you make sense of what you see on the map. This kmz kml online viewer renders every one of these feature types automatically:
- Placemark (Point) — The most common KML element. A single named location with a latitude and longitude, shown here as a circle marker. May include a name, description (plain text or HTML), and extended data fields.
- LineString (Path) — A sequence of connected coordinates forming a route, road, border, or any linear feature. Used for GPS tracks, hiking routes, river centrelines, or transport corridors.
- Polygon (Region) — A closed shape defining an area. Used for administrative boundaries, land parcels, protected zones, study areas, or any geographic region. May have an outer boundary and inner holes.
- Folder / Document — Organisational containers that group multiple placemarks. This viewer merges all features from all folders into a single layer — all placemarks remain clickable regardless of folder structure.
- MultiGeometry — A single placemark that contains multiple geometry types, for example a point and a polygon together. This viewer renders each component geometry separately.
Common Use Cases
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Hiking Routes & GPS Tracks
View walking, cycling, or skiing routes exported from apps like Komoot, Wikiloc, or OsmAnd. Overlay your track on the Topo basemap to see elevation context alongside your planned or completed path.
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Presentations & Reports
Load your KML data, pick a colour that matches your brand or report theme, switch to the basemap that best tells your story, and screenshot the result for a polished map image without layout software.
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Google Earth Projects
Export any Google Earth project, saved place, or My Maps layer as KML and view it on a clean, distraction-free web map. Share the URL so colleagues can view the data without needing Google Earth installed.
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Site & Project Boundaries
Engineers, architects, and environmental consultants frequently receive site boundary KML files from clients or planning portals. Drop the KML here to instantly see the boundary on satellite imagery without opening GIS software.
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Travel Itineraries & Trip Planning
Build a KML in Google Earth marking hotels, attractions, and daily routes, then view it on a clean map for an itinerary overview. Share the KML file with travel companions so everyone can reference the plan.
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KML to GeoJSON Conversion
Convert any KML or KMZ file to GeoJSON format with one click. The exported GeoJSON works directly in Leaflet, Mapbox GL JS, deck.gl, GitHub's map preview, QGIS, and all modern web mapping tools.
Watch: KML KMZ Viewer in Under a Minute
Prefer to watch instead of read? This short walkthrough covers uploading a KML or KMZ file and viewing its placemarks and shapes on the map.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Tool Loads with Empty World Map
The KML Viewer opens with a clean, interactive world map and a sidebar containing the upload zone, layer info, colour picker, basemap selector, and action buttons. No account or installation is required — the tool runs entirely in your browser.
Step 2
Upload Zone Ready for KML or KMZ
Drag a .kml or .kmz file directly onto the dashed drop zone, or click it to open a file browser. KMZ files (ZIP archives containing a KML) are automatically unpacked and the inner KML is parsed. Both formats are fully supported — a quick kml file open online step with no conversion required.
Step 3
KML Features Appear on the Map
Within seconds your KML placemarks, routes, and areas are rendered as an overlay on the map. Points appear as circle markers, lines as paths, and polygons as filled shapes. The map automatically zooms to fit the full extent of your data.
Step 4
Click a Feature to See Its Data
Click any placemark, line, or polygon on the map to open a popup showing the feature's name, description, and any extended data attributes stored in the KML. This is especially useful for inspecting Google Earth projects with annotated placemarks.
Step 5
Change Feature Colour Instantly
Use the colour picker or choose from the preset palette to restyle all features at once. The colour applies to point fill, line stroke, and polygon fill simultaneously, making it easy to match your colour scheme or improve contrast against the basemap.
Step 6
Topo Basemap for Terrain Context
Switch to the Topo basemap to see elevation contours and terrain shading. This is ideal for hiking routes, GPS tracks, and geographic study areas where understanding the landscape beneath the data is important.
Step 7
Satellite Imagery as Background
Overlay your KML data on high-resolution satellite imagery from Esri. Compare Google Earth placemarks and boundaries against real-world land use, vegetation, infrastructure, and building footprints.
Step 8
Dark Basemap for High Contrast
The Dark basemap creates a vivid, presentation-ready look. Teal or bright-coloured feature overlays stand out sharply against the dark background — great for screenshots, slide decks, or reports.
Step 9
Export Your Data as GeoJSON
Click "Download GeoJSON" to convert the entire KML dataset to a modern, web-ready GeoJSON file. All feature geometries and attribute data are preserved. The resulting .geojson file works directly in Leaflet, Mapbox GL JS, QGIS, GitHub map previews, and most GIS tools.
Step 10
Zoom to Features Resets the View
If you have panned away or zoomed into a detail, click "Zoom to Features" to instantly snap the map back to the full extent of your KML data. Works at any time, regardless of which basemap is active.
What Is KML and Why Is It Used for Geographic Data?
KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language, named after Keyhole Inc., the company that created Google Earth before Google acquired it in 2004. The format was later standardised by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and remains one of the most widely recognised geographic data formats in the world, largely because of Google Earth''s huge user base. Any modern kml file reader — including this one — can open the format without needing Google's own software.
Under the hood, KML is plain XML — human-readable, self-describing, and editable in any text editor. A KML file describes placemarks (points), paths (lines), and regions (polygons) using geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude), and can attach descriptive text, HTML content, extended data tables, and even embedded images to each feature. This makes it particularly well-suited for annotated maps — field survey results, travel routes with notes, documented site boundaries, or educational content about geographic features.
KMZ is the compressed ZIP version of KML. It is smaller for distribution and can bundle additional resources (custom icons, embedded images) that the KML references. This viewer handles both transparently: upload either format and the features are displayed identically.
Related Tools
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors, drawn with Protomaps (hosted by KONAKTIVE), with CARTO as the fallback. Topographic map: OpenTopoMap. Satellite imagery: Esri. KML reading: @tmcw/togeojson. KMZ unpacking: JSZip. Map rendering: Leaflet. Your files are read in your browser and are never uploaded to a server.
