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. To import the file into an existing Google Earth project:

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Earth app Google Earth.
  2. In the home screen, tap an existing project.
  3. At the bottom, tap More and then Import KML / KMZ to project.
    • To add a file from Google Drive, tap Import from Drive.
    • To add a file directly from your device, tap Upload from device.
  4. Select the file you want to import.
  5. To return to the map and open the file, tap Back Back.

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

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. To import the file into a new Google Earth project:

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Earth app Google Earth.
  2. At the bottom right, tap New.
    • To add a file from Google Drive, tap Import file to project from Drive.
    • To add a file directly from your device, tap Import file to project from device.
  3. Select the file you want to import.
  4. To return to the map and open the file, tap Back Back.

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

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 iPhone or iPad, open the Google Earth app Google Earth.
  2. At the bottom right, tap New and then Open local KML file.
  3. Select the KML file you want to open.
  4. To return to the map and open the file, tap Back Back.

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

 

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.

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