KML and KMZ files are widely used to store and share geographic information such as placemarks, lines, paths, polygons, folders and map overlays. If you receive one of these files from a colleague, download one from a GIS website, or create one in another mapping application, Google Earth Pro provides a convenient way to open and view the information on its 3D globe.
One important point is that, in Google Earth Pro, KML and KMZ files are normally opened using File → Open, rather than the File → Import command used for some other data formats such as CSV files. Google's documentation confirms that vector files are opened through File → Open, while imported vector data appears in the Places panel under Temporary Places.
The reference material supplied for this article also highlights the use of KML/KMZ for vector features, image overlays and time-based geographic information.
What Are KML and KMZ Files?
KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is a file format used to describe geographic features that can be displayed in applications such as Google Earth.
A KML file can contain information such as:
- Points and placemarks
- Lines and paths
- Polygons
- Folders and organised layers
- Styles and labels
- Ground overlays
- Time-related information
KMZ is a compressed form of a KML-based dataset. It can package the KML information together with supporting resources, making it convenient for sharing geographic projects.
For example, a KMZ file can contain geographic features as well as image resources used by an overlay.
Step 1: Prepare the KML or KMZ File
First, locate the KML or KMZ file on your computer.
If the file was downloaded as a ZIP archive, extract it first if necessary. Make sure you are working with the actual .kml or .kmz file.
For large or complex datasets, it is also useful to keep the original file unchanged as a backup before editing it.
If you also need to create KML and KMZ files, see our guide on How to Create KML and KMZ Files in Google Earth Pro, where we explain how to do it step by step.
Step 2: Open Google Earth Pro
Launch Google Earth Pro on your computer.
Once the 3D globe is displayed, you can open your geographic file.
Go to:
File → Open
Then browse to the folder containing your KML or KMZ file.
Select the file and click Open.
Google's current help documentation confirms that Google Earth Pro supports importing vector information containing points, lines, paths and polygons through the file-opening workflow.
Step 3: Check the Imported Data
After the file opens, Google Earth Pro displays the geographic information in the 3D viewer and places the imported data in the Places panel.
Zoom and rotate the globe to check whether the features appear in their expected locations.
For example, a KML file containing water-supply project locations may display several placemarks, while a boundary dataset could display polygons around different areas.
If the information does not appear immediately, check the Places panel and make sure the relevant item is enabled.
KML vs KMZ: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | KML | KMZ |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .kml | .kmz |
| Geographic information | Yes | Yes |
| Can contain points, lines and polygons | Yes | Yes |
| Can package supporting resources | Less convenient | Yes |
| Convenient for sharing | Yes | Often more convenient |
| Compressed package | No | Yes |
The important practical difference is that KMZ packages KML-based information and supporting resources into a compressed file, which can make it convenient for sharing complete datasets.
Once you have completed this process, you may also want to learn How to Import Shapefiles into Google Earth Pro, if you need to view in Google Earth canvas also to save in KML and KMZ.
How to Organise Imported Layers
If your KML or KMZ contains many features, organisation becomes important.
Use folders in the Places panel to group related information. For example, a water-supply project could contain separate groups for:
- Water sources
- Pipelines
- Storage tanks
- Pump stations
- Administrative boundaries
Keeping related features together makes a large Google Earth project easier to navigate and edit.
How to Edit Imported Features
After opening a KML or KMZ file, you can often modify the geographic features within Google Earth Pro.
Depending on the feature, you may be able to change:
- Name
- Description
- Icon
- Line colour
- Line width
- Polygon colour
- Transparency
- Altitude settings
For example, a polygon representing a project area can use a transparent fill so that satellite imagery remains visible underneath.
This is particularly useful when preparing a map for visual inspection or presentation.
Temporary Places vs My Places
A common mistake is to assume that opening a KML or KMZ automatically means the file has been permanently saved in Google Earth Pro.
Google's documentation explains that imported data can appear in Temporary Places. If you want to keep the information available in future sessions, you should move or save it appropriately in My Places.
This distinction is important when working on a project over several days.
How to Save Modified KML or KMZ Data
After editing your imported information, you can save it for future use.
Select the relevant place or folder and use the save option to store the geographic information on your computer. Google documents the ability to save placemarks, shapes, tours and other geographic information to the computer.
For a collection of geographic features and supporting resources, KMZ can be a convenient format for sharing the finished dataset.
For additional information and the latest guidance, see the official Google Earth Help documentation on Import & change map data.
Common Problems When Opening KML or KMZ Files
The file does not open
Check that the file has a .kml or .kmz extension and has not been renamed incorrectly.
The file opens but features are missing
The KML may contain features or resources that are not fully supported. Complex KML content can behave differently depending on the application and version.
The data appears in the wrong location
Check the coordinates and geographic reference information used to create the original file.
The imported data disappears after closing Google Earth Pro
Check whether the data was left in Temporary Places. Move or save it to your permanent Places collection if you want to keep it.
The file is very large
Large datasets may take longer to load and can be more difficult to manage. Splitting a very large dataset into logical folders or smaller files may make the project easier to work with.
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