A KMZ file is a zipped map file (placemarks, paths, and overlays) made for Google Earth. The easiest way to open one on Windows 10 is to install the free Google Earth Pro desktop app and double-click the file, or choose File > Open in Google Earth Pro. Without installing anything, go to earth.google.com in Chrome or Edge, click Projects > Open (or New) > Import KML file from computer, and pick your KMZ file. You can also import it into Google My Maps, or rename it to .zip to see the KML file inside.
Method 1: Open a KMZ file in Google Earth Pro (desktop)
- Download Google Earth Pro for Windows from Google’s official Earth website and install it.
- Double-click the KMZ file. If Windows asks which app to use, choose Google Earth Pro.
- Or open Google Earth Pro and click File > Open, then select the file.
The file’s contents appear under Temporary Places in the left panel. Right-click and choose Save to My Places to keep them.
Method 2: Open it in Google Earth on the web
- Go to earth.google.com in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Click Projects in the left menu.
- Click Open (or New project) and choose Import KML file from computer.
- Select your KMZ file and click Open.
Menu labels in Google Earth for web change from time to time. Look for an import or open option under Projects.
Method 3: Import it into Google My Maps
- Go to google.com/mymaps and click Create a new map.
- Under the untitled layer, click Import.
- Upload the KMZ file.
This is handy for sharing a map with others or viewing it in the Google Maps app on your phone. Very large or complex files may not import completely.
Method 4: Look inside the KMZ file
- Make file extensions visible: in File Explorer, click View and check File name extensions.
- Copy the KMZ file, then rename the copy from .kmz to .zip.
- Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
- Inside, you’ll find a doc.kml file and any images it uses. You can open the KML in a text editor, or in GIS software such as QGIS.
KMZ vs. KML
| KML | KMZ | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A plain-text map file | A compressed (zipped) KML, plus images or icons |
| File size | Larger | Smaller |
| Opens in | Google Earth, My Maps, GIS apps, text editors | Google Earth, My Maps, most GIS apps |
Troubleshooting
- Windows opens the file with the wrong app. Right-click it, choose Open with > Choose another app, pick Google Earth Pro, and check Always use this app.
- Nothing appears on the map. Check that the layer is turned on in the left panel, and double-click it to fly to its location.
- Import fails. The file may be damaged or very large. Try Google Earth Pro, which handles bigger files than web tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a KMZ file without Google Earth?
Yes. Google My Maps, QGIS, and many other mapping apps can open KMZ files. You can also rename it to ZIP to get the KML inside.
Can I convert KMZ to another format?
Yes. In Google Earth Pro, right-click the imported item and choose Save Place As to save it as KML. GIS apps can convert it to formats like GPX or shapefiles.
Is it safe to open KMZ files?
KMZ files are map data, but they can include links and images. Only open files from people and sites you trust.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.