How to Import a KML File to Google Earth

This wikiHow teaches you how to load a KML file in Google Earth. This allows you to import saved map data and view in the Google Earth mobile or browser app.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using the Google Earth App

  1. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 1
    1
    Launch the Google Earth app on your phone or tablet. Look on your home screen or in the app drawer for an icon of a blue gradient sphere on a white background.
    • If you do not have Google Earth, download it from Google Play Store on Android, or the App Store on an iPhone or iPad.
  2. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 2
    2
    Tap the 3 horizontal lines ☰. This is the menu in the top left.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 3
    3
    Tap Projects. This is the third option down, with a map pin icon.
  4. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 4
    4
    Tap Open. This is a blue button in the top right.
  5. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 5
    5
    Tap Import KML file. This will allow you to access the KML file from your device's storage or from Google Drive.
  6. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 6
    6
    Tap on a file to select it. The list at the bottom shows recent files saved on your phone or tablet.
    • Tap the 3 lines in the top left to navigate through these folders, or use the search bar to find a file by its name.
    • If you have the file saved on Google Drive, tap Drive at the top. Select the folder the file is saved in, then tap the file to load it.
  7. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 7
    7
    Tap Back to go back to the map. This takes you to a view of the loaded map file[1] .
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Computer

  1. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 8
    1
    Go to https://earth.google.com/web/ on a browser on your computer. Google Earth is supported on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, and Opera[2] .
  2. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 9
    2
    Click the 3 horizontal lines ☰. This is the menu in the top left.
  3. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 10
    3
    Click Projects. This is the third option down, with a map pin icon.
  4. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 11
    4
    Click Open. This is on the left under the image of the globe.
    • If you already have projects loaded, you will not see this option. Instead, click New project at the top.
  5. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 12
    5
    Select an option for importing the file. This depends on where you have it saved.
    • Click Import KML file from computer if the file is saved on your computer.
    • Click Import KML file from Google Drive to upload the file from Google Drive.
  6. Image titled Import a KML File to Google Earth Step 13
    6
    Select the file. Double-click on the file to open it. This will load the map into Google Earth.
    • You may need to navigate through your computer's folder, or through your folders on Drive, to find the file. You can use the search bar at the top to search by its name.
    • You will be asked if you want to allow Google Earth to store data in storage. This allows the program to save projects to your computer. It is up to you if you wish to allow or not allow this, as you may not need to save projects, or you may wish to save them to Google Drive instead.
    7. Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Get Topography from Google Earth
How to
Get Topography from Google Earth
View the Past on Google Earth
How to
View the Past on Google Earth
Use the Google Earth Flight Simulator
How to
Use the Google Earth Flight Simulator
Look at a House on Google Earth
How to
Look at a House on Google Earth
Use Google Earth
How to
Use Google Earth
Zoom in on Google Earth
How to
Zoom in on Google Earth
Measure Acreage with Google Earth
How to
Measure Acreage with Google Earth
Overlay Sectional Aeronautical Charts in Google Earth
How to
Overlay Sectional Aeronautical Charts in Google Earth
Convert Latitude and Longitude Units from Decimal Form to Degrees
How to
Convert Latitude and Longitude Units from Decimal Form to Degrees
Install Google Earth
How to
Install Google Earth
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/earth/answer/7365595?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en&oco=0
  2. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3096703?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

About This Article

KD
Written by:
Katie Double
Tech Specialist
This article was written by Katie Double. Katie Double is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has over five years of experience in technical support, IT process analysis, and quantitative research. Katie loves exploring the application of various technological tools, from data analysis and visualization to music production and performance. Though originally from Denver, Colorado, she currently resides in New Zealand. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder. This article has been viewed 9,568 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 4
Updated: May 4, 2020
Views: 9,568
Categories: Google Earth
Article SummaryX

1. Launch Google Earth.
2. Tap on the 3 lines in the top left.
3. Select Projects.
4. Tap Open.
5. Select an option for import, then select the file.

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement