File Extension Database

Open KMZ File

File extension KMZ is most commonly associated with a compressed Keyhole Markup Language (File extension KML) file. KMZ files are commonly used by geobrowser applications such as Google Earth to import geographical data in KML format along with associated resources.

KMZ files are Zip compressed archives which can be opened using any application with an unzipping utility. A typical KMZ file will contain a KML document, which is an XML-based representation of information which can be overlaid on 2D or 3D maps. This will include a geographical location based on longitude and latitude, as well as points, lines or text which can be used to describe or illustrate a location. KML files can also contain paths to external images or 3D textured objects which can also be used to illustrate an area or point on a map. These resources will usually be distributed in subfolders contained within the KMZ file, which can then be imported in their entirety using any geobrowsing software which supports KML.

KMZ files are self-contained, and ensure that all required resources are packaged together and that the file and folder structure is retained, making it an ideal format for the distribution of data in KML format. KMZ files are also much smaller than raw KML files due to compression, making it an ideal format for the distribution of geographical data over networks where bandwidth may be an issue.

KMZ files can be imported using any geobrowsing software which supports KML input. Popular applications which can open KMZ files include Google Earth, Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth. KMZ files which contain 3D geometry information may also be imported into Blender or older versions of Google Sketchup. You can also open KMZ file and extract its content using archiving software such as WinZip, WinRAR, WinAce or Stuffit by changing the extension to File extension ZIP, as these are both the same file format albeit with different extensions.

Typical KMZ application file locations:

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

Typical KMZ mime types:

application/vnd.google-earth.kmz

Frequently used application names to open KMZ files:

Google

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Google Earth.kmzfile

How Can I Open KMZ File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open KMZ file is to find a KMZ file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KMZ 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 KMZ 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 KMZ file opener then try to search online for "KMZ viewer", "application to open KMZ file" or "open KMZ file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open KMZ file

How Can I Open KMZ File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a KMZ file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KMZ 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 KMZ file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as KMZ file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open KMZ file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open KMZ file then try to search for "KMZ viewer", "application to open KMZ file" or "read KMZ file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read KMZ file

How Can I Open KMZ File on Android

If you downloaded a KMZ 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 KMZ 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 "KMZ".
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 "KMZ viewer", "KMZ 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 KMZ File on iPhone or iPad

To open KMZ 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 KMZ 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 "KMZ". This way you can find apps which can open KMZ 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 "KMZ viewer" or "KMZ file" online in your favorite search engine.