KML File

What are KML files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a KML file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your KML files.

What is a KML file?

KML files have multiple uses, and Google Earth Placemark is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Google Earth Placemark File

KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language. Keyhole Inc. initially developed the KML file format for the Keyhole mapping application. Google acquired the Keyhole company and its software in 2004. The KML file format is now used primarily by the Google Earth application, although other mapping programs have been known to use this file format as well.

KML files use an XML format to store geographic modeling information. These files contain lines, points, images, and polygons. They are used to label locations and create overlay textures and camera angles for the maps created by the mapping applications.

How to open KML files

We have identified two KML openers that are compatible with this specific type of KML file.

Programs that open Google Earth Placemark files

Last updated: August 7, 2026

All known file formats using extension .KML

While Google Earth Placemark File is a popular type of KML-file, we know of 4 different uses of the .KML file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Emu48 Keyboard Configuration

We know that one KML format is Emu48 Keyboard Configuration. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different KML openers which you will find listed below.

HP8x Emulator Layout Script

We know that one KML format is HP8x Emulator Layout Script. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Keyhole Markup Language File

Keyhole Markup Language File (.KML) stores geographic information and instructions for how that information should appear in 2D or 3D "earth browser" programs. It is an XML-based file format used to display places, images, overlayed data, paths, polygons and other geospatial features on maps. It was originally developed for use with Google Earth (formerly Keyhole Earth Viewer) and now is standardized by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) as version 2.2.

These files are created and edited either by mapping or Earth browser programs, by geographic information system (GIS) tools, or by users writing or exporting XML. They describe features like placemarks, camera viewpoints, overlays and styles, which tell the viewing software where to draw objects, what icons or colors to use, and how to present descriptive text. The typical next step after creation is opening the .KML file with an earth browser (for example Google Earth) or importing it into GIS software for display, further editing, or sharing.

Internally, .KML files begin with an XML declaration and follow the KML schema defined at version 2.2. They use the namespace "http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2" and may include Google's extension namespace prefixed "gx" for additional features such as tour controls. Coordinates are expressed in longitude, latitude and optionally altitude, using the WGS84 datum (EPSG:4326).

KML opener for Windows

We have identified one KML opener that is compatible with this specific type of KML file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of KML files. Remember, different programs may use KML files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about KML file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.