How to open a .kml file
Quick, free ways to open KML on any system.
A .kml file is a Keyhole Markup Language. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads KML yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .kml file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .kml. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Google Earth or QGIS.
- On Mac, use Google Earth or QGIS.
- On Linux, try Google Earth or QGIS.
- Still stuck? Convert the .kml to GeoJSON, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .kml files
Windows
- Google Earth
- QGIS
- VS Code
macOS
- Google Earth
- QGIS
- VS Code
Linux
- Google Earth
- QGIS
- VS Code
Web
- Google My Maps
- Google Earth web
!
Before you open it: Safe. KML is map data in XML. It can reference external images and network links, so only open KML from sources you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .kml file?
Almost always because no installed app understands KML. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open a KML file?
Open it in Google Earth, import it into Google My Maps, or load it in QGIS. A text editor shows the underlying XML.
What is the difference between KML and KMZ?
KMZ is simply a zipped KML, often bundling the icons and images the KML references. Rename a KMZ to .zip to see what is inside.