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KMZ KML
File conversion

Convert KMZ to KML

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 31, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert KMZ to KML?
Yes - KMZ converts to KML.

Rename the .kmz to .zip and unzip it; the file named doc.kml inside is your converted KML. No data is lost because KMZ and KML carry identical geographic data - the difference is only compression and packaging. If the KMZ contains image overlays, they land in a files/ subfolder; keep that folder next to doc.kml.

1 programs
Also to KML: SSF · LOC · KLM

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert KMZ to KML?

KML is plain XML text, making it easier to open in a text editor, process with scripts, or import into GIS tools that support KML but not KMZ. Some older applications accept only KML. Once extracted, the KML file is fully readable and editable without any special software.

How to convert KMZ to KML

7-Zip FREE

Right-click the .kmz file, choose 7-Zip > Open archive, then drag doc.kml (and the files/ folder if present) to a destination folder - no renaming needed.

Google Earth Pro FREE

Open the .kmz via File > Open, right-click the loaded item in the sidebar, choose Save Place As, set the type to KML (.kml), and save.

MAPC2MAPC APP

Load the .kmz file in MAPC2MAPC and export as .kml.

Programs that convert KMZ

MAPC2MAPC

About these formats

.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 →
.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 →

Quality & what to watch

  • No data is lost - KMZ and KML represent identical geographic data; the conversion is purely about compression and packaging.
  • If the KMZ includes ground overlay images or custom icons, they live in a files/ subfolder inside the ZIP; keep doc.kml and the files/ folder together after extraction or overlays and icons will not display.
  • The extracted doc.kml can be renamed to any valid filename - doc.kml is just the convention used inside the archive.

Frequently asked questions

Is there any difference between the KMZ and the extracted KML?
No geographic data is different - the KML inside a KMZ is identical to a standalone KML file; the KMZ just adds ZIP compression and bundles any referenced images alongside.
Do I need Google Earth to extract the KML?
No - any ZIP tool such as 7-Zip can open a KMZ because it is a standard ZIP archive renamed with the .kmz extension.
My KMZ has image overlays - will those come through?
Yes, they extract into a files/ subfolder; keep that folder next to doc.kml so the KML can find the images by relative path.