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How to Open KML Files

KML files contain information about geographic location, notation, and image overlays. Since KML files are largely geographical in nature, only specific programs will open and access these files and their information. Google Earth is a...

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Software

  1. images 1 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 1 of How to Open KML Files
    Download and install Google Earth Pro 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.
    1. The downloader will automatically detect the operating system you are using and download the appropriate file.
    2. You'll have to agree to the terms before continuing.
  2. images 2 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 2 of How to Open KML Files
    Click the downloaded file to launch the Google Earth Pro Installer. You'll find this file in the Downloads folder of your file browser. It'll take a few moments for the program to install.
  3. images 3 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 3 of How to Open KML Files
    Open Google Earth Pro. You'll find this either in your Start Menu or Applications folder.
  4. images 4 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 4 of How to Open KML Files
    Click the File tab. You'll find this in the upper left corner of the main menu toolbar.
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    Images 5 of How to Open KML Files
    Click Open. Your file browser will open.
  6. images 6 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 6 of How to Open KML Files
    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.
Method 2 of 3:

Using Google Earth in Chrome

  1. images 7 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 7 of How to Open KML Files
    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; however, only the device you save your KML data to will be able to access that KML information.
    1. For example, if you use Google Earth in Chrome from your work computer, if you move to the software version of Google Earth on your home computer, your KML data will not load.
  2. images 8 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 8 of How to Open KML Files
    Click ☰. You'll find this in the upper left of your web browser.
  3. images 9 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 9 of How to Open KML Files
    Click the settings icon
    images 10 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 10 of How to Open KML Files
    .
  4. images 11 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 11 of How to Open KML Files
    Click the switch to the ON position
    images 12 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 12 of How to Open KML Files
    next to Enable KML import. This will allow you to import KML files.
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    Images 13 of How to Open KML Files
    Click Save. The pop-up 'Settings' menu will disappear.
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    Images 14 of How to Open KML Files
    Click the bookmark or 'My Places' icon. You'll find this icon is 5th down from the ☰ icon and above the share icon.
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    Images 15 of How to Open KML Files
    Click Import KML File. You'll see this in the 'My Places' tab that slides out from the left. You can choose to open a file from your local storage or Google Drive.
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    Images 16 of How to Open KML Files
    Navigate to and double-click your KML file to select it. You'll see the file previewed to the right in the animated window.
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    Images 17 of How to Open KML Files
    Click Save. This KML file and all its information will be saved to the 'My Places' area of Google Earth.
Method 3 of 3:

Using the Mobile Google Earth App

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    Images 18 of How to Open KML Files
    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 either your app drawer, on your Home screen, or by browsing.
    1. If you do not have Google Earth, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store
      images 19 of How to Open KML Files
      Images 19 of How to Open KML Files
      or the App Store
      images 20 of How to Open KML Files
      Images 20 of How to Open KML Files
      .
  2. images 21 of How to Open KML Files
    Images 21 of How to Open KML Files
    Tap ☰. You'll see this in the top left corner of your screen.
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    Images 22 of How to Open KML Files
    Tap My Places. This is the third option down on the list.
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    Images 23 of How to Open KML Files
    Tap Import KML file. You'll see this at the bottom.
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    Images 24 of How to Open KML Files
    Navigate to and tap on your KML file to open it. The file will load to your map.
    1. To view the map, tap the back button
      images 25 of How to Open KML Files
      Images 25 of How to Open KML Files
      .
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