Import KML into an Earth project or a local KML file

To view, analyze, and share Google Earth information, use Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files. These files store geographic data and content related to Google Earth. Learn more about KML files.

To upload a KML or KMZ file to Google Earth, upload your file into an Earth project or open it as a local KML file. An Earth project is stored in Google Drive, while a local KML file is stored in your computer’s browser storage.

For web and mobile, Earth projects and local KML files on Google Earth support different levels of simple KML files. To work on complex KML files, use Google Earth Pro on desktop.

Learn about Earth projects and local KML files.

Import a file into an existing Earth project

You can import a simple KML or KMZ file from an older version of Google Earth to an existing Earth project.

Important: You can only import a file into an existing Earth project if you’re signed in.

To import the file into an existing Google Earth project:

1. On your computer, open Google Earth.
2. In the home screen, click an existing project.
3. At the top left, click File Import file to {Project name}.
   • To add a file from Google Drive, click Import from Drive.
   • To add a file directly from your computer, click Upload from device.
4. Select the file you want to import.

After you select the file you want to import, it’ll automatically be added to an existing Earth project.

Tip: If you aren’t redirected to Google Earth home screen, to go to home screen, click Earth .

Import a file into a new Earth project

You can import a simple KML or KMZ file from an older version of Google Earth to a new Earth project.

Important: You can only import a file into a new Earth project if you’re signed in.

To import the file into a new Google Earth project:

1. On your computer, open Google Earth.
2. At the top left, click New Import file to project.
   • To add a file from Google Drive, click Import from Drive.
   • To add a file directly from your computer, click Upload from device.
3. Select the file you want to import.

After you select the file you want to import, it’ll automatically create a new project saved in Google Drive.

Tip: If you aren’t redirected to Google Earth home screen, to go to home screen, click Earth .

Open local KML files in Google Earth

You can open a simple KML or KMZ file from an older version of Google Earth as a local KML file. To open local KML files in Google Earth:

1. On your computer, open Google Earth.
2. At the top left, click New Open local KML file.
3. Select the KML file you want to open.

After you select the file you want to open, it’ll automatically save to your local KML files.

Tips:

• You can open local KML files in Google Earth even if you're not signed in.
• If you aren’t redirected to Google Earth home screen, to go to home screen, click Earth .

Import other file formats

Aside from a simple KML or KMZ file, you can also import other file formats into Google Earth. To import other file formats into Google Earth:

1. Open Google Earth Pro on desktop.
2. Import the file you want.
3. On your computer, download the KML file from Google Earth Pro.
4. Open Google Earth.
5. Import your file into Google Earth.

Tip: To convert file format, use an online file converter. Additional file type support is coming soon.

 

Tips:

• Before you import your KML file, apply the appropriate style in the original source. In Google Earth, styling is still feature by feature. Another alternative is to update your file in Google Earth Pro.
• To use more complex KML files, use Google Earth Pro for Desktop.
• Learn how to use KML features.

Report a problem

If you encounter issues when you import files, tell us about the problem.

Related resources

• Learn about Earth projects and local KML files
• Manage your projects on the Google Earth home screen