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.

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

For web and mobile, 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.

For more information about using KML in projects, see About Google 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 project.

To import the file into an existing 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 will automatically be added to an existing Earth project.

To go to the home screen, click Earth Google Earth logo.

Import a file into a new project

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

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 will automatically create a new project saved in Google Drive.

To go to the home screen, click Earth Google Earth logo.

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 will automatically save to your local KML files.

To go to the home screen, click Earth Google Earth logo.

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.

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.