---
title: ".kmz file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .kmz file is a Google Earth Placemark Archive. A zipped KML map file with its icons and overlays bundled in. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/kmz/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .kmz files

**.kmz file: Google Earth Placemark Archive**

A zipped KML map file with its icons and overlays bundled in.

## What opens a .kmz file

- **Windows:** Google Earth Pro, QGIS, 7-Zip (to extract the KML)
- **macOS:** Google Earth Pro, QGIS, Archive Utility (to extract)
- **Linux:** Google Earth Pro, QGIS, unzip
- **In a browser:** Google Earth for web, Google My Maps

## What a .kmz file is

KMZ is a ZIP archive containing a KML document plus any images, icons or overlays it references, which is why maps are shared as KMZ rather than loose KML. Google Earth opens it directly, and Google My Maps imports it in a browser. Renaming to .zip and extracting gives you the plain-text KML inside.

## Converting it

A .kmz file is commonly converted to .kml, .gpx, .geojson or .shp. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .kmz
- **Full name:** Google Earth Placemark Archive
- **Category:** Data
- **MIME type:** application/vnd.google-earth.kmz
- **Created by:** Google / OGC
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .kmz file?

On Windows use Google Earth Pro; on macOS use Google Earth Pro; on Linux use Google Earth Pro. A zipped KML map file with its icons and overlays bundled in.

### What is a .kmz file?

Google Earth Placemark Archive. KMZ is a ZIP archive containing a KML document plus any images, icons or overlays it references, which is why maps are shared as KMZ rather than loose KML. Google Earth opens it directly, and Google My Maps imports it in a browser.

### Can I convert a .kmz file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .kml, .gpx, .geojson or .shp, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.csv — Comma-Separated Values](https://atoneplace.net/file/csv/)
- [.json — JavaScript Object Notation](https://atoneplace.net/file/json/)
- [.xml — Extensible Markup Language](https://atoneplace.net/file/xml/)
- [.yaml — YAML Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/yaml/)
- [.log — Log File](https://atoneplace.net/file/log/)
- [.torrent — BitTorrent Metainfo File](https://atoneplace.net/file/torrent/)
- [.dat — Generic Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/dat/)
- [.vcf — vCard Contact File](https://atoneplace.net/file/vcf/)
- [.sql — SQL Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sql/)
- [.ics — iCalendar Event](https://atoneplace.net/file/ics/)
- [.sqlite — SQLite Database](https://atoneplace.net/file/sqlite/)
- [.db — Generic Database File](https://atoneplace.net/file/db/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)