File Extension Database

Open KML File

File extension KML is most commonly used to refer to a Keyhole Markup Language file. KML files are primarily used to store geographical information in a standard XML format which is used by Google Earth. The KML file extension is also used to store emulator keyboard configuration information for a number of HP calculators, though these are fairly uncommon.

Keyhole Markup Language was originally created by a software company called Keyhole Inc for use with Keyhole Earth Viewer, which later became Google Earth following Google's acquisition of Keyhole Inc in 2004. The KML file format was developed specifically to store geographical information and annotations which could be overlaid on maps. KML files contain a longitude and latitude as well as place markers, polygon shapes, images and text which can be used to illustrate or label a specific place or area on a map. Additional information, such as camera angle and altitude as well as linked textured 3D objects can also be stored for use with 3D earth browsing software. KML files allow developers to create customised layers of information which can be overlaid on existing maps for illustration or abstraction purposes.

The KML format has been accepted by the Open Geospatial Consortium as an open standard for use in geographical browsers, and is currently used by a number of websites and applications including Google Earth, Google Maps, Microsoft Virtual Earth, EarthSpector GIS and Geomedia amongst others.

You can open KML files using several applications including Google Earth or Keyhole PRO, both of which are available on Windows and Mac platforms. 3D modeling software such as Blender, an open source suite of 3D creation tools, and Google Sketchup are also capable of opening KML files with the appropriate plug-ins for use with 3D geobrowsers such as Google Earth.

Typical KML application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Google Earth\googleearth.exe "%1"

Typical KML mime types:

application/vnd.google-earth.kml+xml

Frequently used application names to open KML files:

Google

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Google Earth.kmlfile

How Can I Open KML File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open KML file is to find a KML file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KML file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open KML file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as KML file opener then try to search online for "KML viewer", "application to open KML file" or "open KML file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open KML file

How Can I Open KML File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a KML file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KML file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with KML file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as KML file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open KML file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open KML file then try to search for "KML viewer", "application to open KML file" or "read KML file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read KML file

How Can I Open KML File on Android

If you downloaded a KML file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded KML file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "KML".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "KML viewer", "KML file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open KML File on iPhone or iPad

To open KML File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the KML file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "KML". This way you can find apps which can open KML files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "KML viewer" or "KML file" online in your favorite search engine.