Open and View KML Files in Google Earth

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A quick & easy guide to using KML files in Google Earth

Co-authored by Yaffet Meshesha and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: May 6, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Using Google Earth in Chrome
|
• Using Google Earth Desktop
|
• Using the Google Earth Mobile App

|Show more |Show less

KML files contain information about geographic location, notation, and image overlays. To open KML files, you'll just need Google Earth. This wikiHow article teaches you how to open KML files in Google Earth on your Mac, PC, Android, iPhone, or iPad.

Quick Steps

1. Open Google Earth on your computer or your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
2. Create a new project or open an existing one.
3. Select Import KML file.
4. Double-click or tap your file to open your KML file in Google Maps.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Google Earth in Chrome

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1. 
   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.
2. 
   2
   Click + New. It's in the panel on the left side of your screen. If you don't see the panel, click the arrow that's pointing right to slide the panel out.
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3. 
   3
   Select Local KML file. The second option lets you create a blank file or import one that will open your file manager so you can find it in your local storage.

   • Click Import in your file manager to open a KML file in Google Maps in Chrome.
   • If the KML file is in your Google Drive, select Open from Drive instead.
   • Once you make your selection, you can use the web browser to view the KML file.
   • Click the three-dot menu next to your project's name and select Export as KML file if you want to save your own.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Google Earth Desktop

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1. 
   1
   Open Google Earth Pro. You’ll find this either in your Start Menu or Applications folder.

   • If you don't have Google Earth Pro, download and install it for free 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.
2. 
   2
   Click the File tab. You’ll find this in the upper left corner of the main menu toolbar.
3. 
   3
   Click Open. Your file browser will open.
4. 
   4
   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.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using the Google Earth Mobile App

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1. 
   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 your app drawer, home screen, or by searching.

   • If you do not have Google Earth, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store
     
     or the App Store
     
     for Android, iPhone, or iPad.
2. 
   2
   Tap +. It's in the panel at the bottom of your screen labeled "Your projects." If you don't see the panel, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open it.
3. 
   3
   Select Local KML file. This will allow you to open the locally stored file on your phone or tablet.

   • If you already have a KML file imported in your Drive, select Open from Drive.
4. 
   4
   Select Import. Your phone's storage will open so you can select the file to import.
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Tips

• Older KML files won't import properly in the app or online, so you'll have to use the desktop app if you find any that import with errors.
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• Opening the KML file in Excel isn't something you can easily do.
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