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File conversion

Convert KML to KMZ

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 21, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert KML to KMZ?
Yes - KML converts to KMZ.

Open the KML in Google Earth Pro (free), right-click in My Places, and choose Save Place As with .kmz selected. No data is changed - KMZ is identical geographic content in compressed form, typically 10-20% of the original KML size.

4 programs
Also to KMZ: KLM · GDB · ECW

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert KML to KMZ?

A KMZ file bundles the KML data and any referenced images (ground overlays, custom icons) into one self-contained file, so nothing breaks when you share it. Most tools that accept .kml also accept .kmz directly, and the smaller file size is convenient for email and upload.

How to convert KML to KMZ

Google Earth Pro FREE

Open the .kml, right-click it in the My Places panel, choose Save Place As, set the format to KMZ, and save.

OkMap APP

Open the .kml file in OkMap and export it as .kmz.

RoboGEO APP

Load the .kml in RoboGEO and save as .kmz.

MAPC2MAPC APP

Open the .kml in MAPC2MAPC and export as .kmz.

Programs that convert KML

MyGeodata Cloud
OkMap
RoboGEO
MAPC2MAPC

About these formats

.KML Keyhole Markup Language

A KML file stores map data - pins, routes, polygons, image overlays - in plain XML format. The easiest way to open one is Google Earth (free desktop app or earth.google.com in a browser) or…

Open .KML details →
.KMZ Keyhole Markup Language Zipped (Google Earth)

A KMZ file is a ZIP-compressed Google Earth map - it holds placemarks, routes, polygons, image overlays and sometimes 3D models in one portable package. Open it with the free Google Earth…

Open .KMZ details →

Quality & what to watch

  • No data is changed - KMZ is the same geographic content as KML wrapped in ZIP compression; all placemarks, lines, polygons, styles, and overlays are preserved exactly.
  • The main file inside a KMZ must be named doc.kml; if you build a KMZ manually with a ZIP tool and name the file differently, Google Earth may refuse to open it.
  • If your KML references external images (ground overlays, custom icon PNGs), include them in the ZIP alongside doc.kml with relative paths so the bundled copy works when shared.

Frequently asked questions

Is KMZ just a renamed ZIP file?
Yes - KMZ is a standard ZIP archive containing doc.kml and any referenced images; you can create one with any ZIP tool by naming the archive .kmz.
Will tools that accept KML also accept KMZ?
Most do - Google Earth, GPSBabel, and most online converters handle .kmz directly without any extra steps.
How much smaller is KMZ than KML?
A KMZ is typically 10-20% of the original KML size after ZIP compression, though the exact ratio depends on the content.