How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as KML: Complete Guide

Export Google Maps saved places to KML for Google Earth and My Maps. Step-by-step guide to convert your starred places and lists with coordinates.

February 3, 2026

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7 min read

KML is the native format for Google Earth and Google My Maps. If you want to visualize your saved places in 3D terrain, create shareable custom maps, or work with location data in GIS software, KML is a natural choice. The catch: Google doesn't export your saved places as KML directly, or even with the coordinates required to create a KML file.

This guide covers how to get your saved places out of Google Maps and into proper KML format.

What is KML?

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based format for geographic data. Originally developed for Google Earth (when it was called Keyhole Earth Viewer), KML is now an open OGC standard used across the mapping industry.

KML files can contain:

Placemarks: Individual points with coordinates, names, and descriptions
Paths: Lines connecting multiple points
Polygons: Areas with defined boundaries
Folders: Organizational structure for grouping elements
Styles: Custom icons, colors, and visual formatting

Here's what a simple KML file looks like:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">
  <Document>
    <name>My Saved Places</name>
    <Placemark>
      <name>Favorite Restaurant</name>
      <description>Best pizza in town</description>
      <Point>
        <coordinates>-73.9857,40.7484,0</coordinates>
      </Point>
    </Placemark>
  </Document>
</kml>

Why Choose KML?

Google Earth integration: KML was built for Google Earth. Your places appear with proper placemarks, balloon pop-ups, and full 3D terrain context.

Google My Maps: Import your KML to create shareable custom maps that anyone can view - useful for trip planning, sharing recommendations, or group travel.

Rich formatting: Unlike GPX (which is purely functional), KML supports custom icons, colors, descriptions with HTML formatting, and visual organization.

GIS compatibility: Professional GIS tools like QGIS and ArcGIS import KML files, making it useful for more advanced spatial analysis.

Important distinction: This guide is for exporting saved places from the Google Maps app. If you created a custom map using Google My Maps (mymaps.google.com), that has built-in KML export - see our Google My Maps export guide instead.

KML vs KMZ

You'll often see references to both KML and KMZ files:

KML: Plain text XML file, human-readable, editable in any text editor
KMZ: Compressed archive containing a KML file plus resources (custom icons, images)

For most purposes, KML is fine. Use KMZ when you have custom styling or need smaller file sizes for distribution.

The Missing Coordinates Problem

Google Takeout exports your saved places as CSV files with names, addresses, and URLs - but no latitude or longitude. KML requires coordinates for every placemark, so you need to geocode your places before creating a KML file.

How to Export and Convert to KML

Step 1: Download from Google Takeout

Go to Google Takeout
Click "Deselect all"
Find and select only "Saved"
Click "Next step" → "Create export"
Wait for the email, download, and unzip

You'll find CSV files in the "Saved" folder for each of your lists.

Step 2: Geocode and Convert

The CSV files need coordinates added. A geocoding service like Takeout Tools handles this: upload your CSVs, select KML as the output format, and download the result.

For developers, the workflow involves parsing the CSV, geocoding each address via an API, constructing KML placemarks, and outputting valid KML XML.

Step 3: Use Your KML

Google Earth (desktop):

File → Open → select your KML file
Places appear in the left sidebar under "Temporary Places"
Right-click to save to "My Places" for permanent storage

Google Earth (web):

Click the hamburger menu → Projects
New project → Import KML file

Google My Maps:

Create a new map at mymaps.google.com
Click Import in a layer
Select your KML file
Placemarks become editable map markers

QGIS:

Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer
Select your KML file

KML Structure Details

After conversion, your KML will be organized like this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">
  <Document>
    <name>Google Maps Saved Places</name>
    <Folder>
      <name>Want to go</name>
      <Placemark>
        <name>Restaurant Name</name>
        <description>Your notes here</description>
        <Point>
          <coordinates>longitude,latitude,0</coordinates>
        </Point>
      </Placemark>
    </Folder>
    <Folder>
      <name>Starred Places</name>
      <!-- More placemarks -->
    </Folder>
  </Document>
</kml>

Note that KML uses longitude,latitude,altitude order (the third value is typically 0 for ground-level points). This is different from how coordinates are usually displayed in Google Maps.

Pro Tips

Preserve folder structure. Your Google Maps lists map nicely to KML folders. This keeps your places organized when viewing in Google Earth.
Add custom styles (optional). KML supports custom icons and colors. You can edit the KML file to add <Style> elements for visual differentiation - for example, restaurants in red, landmarks in blue.
Use descriptions. Any notes you've added to saved places appear in KML description fields. In Google Earth, these show up in the balloon popup when you click a placemark.
Verify in Google Earth first. Before sharing or using KML files in other applications, open them in Google Earth to verify everything looks correct.
Keep file sizes reasonable. If you have thousands of places, consider splitting into multiple KML files by category or region. Very large KML files can be slow to load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between exporting from Saved Places vs My Maps?

Google Maps Saved Places (stars, lists) require Google Takeout + geocoding - they have no built-in export. Google My Maps (custom maps you create at mymaps.google.com) has a built-in KML export button. This guide covers Saved Places.

Can I import KML back into Google Maps Saved Places?

No. Google Maps Saved Places doesn't support bulk import. However, you can import KML into Google My Maps to create a viewable custom map in your Google account.

How do I add custom icons?

Edit the KML file to include <Style> and <IconStyle> elements. Alternatively, import to Google My Maps and use its styling interface, then re-export with the custom styling applied.

Will my lists/folders be preserved?

Yes. Most KML export tools (including Takeout Tools) preserve your list structure as KML folders, maintaining your organization.

Can I convert KML to GPX or GeoJSON?

Yes. Tools like GPSBabel, ogr2ogr (GDAL), or online converters can transform between formats. KML preserves enough information to convert to most other geographic formats.

Why do my coordinates look backwards?

KML uses longitude,latitude order, which is the opposite of how Google Maps displays coordinates. This is correct per the KML specification - don't swap them.

Export to KML

Convert saved places for Google Earth and My Maps

Try Takeout Tools →

Free Tools

Already have a KML file? Use our free browser-based tools:

KML Validator - Check your KML file for errors and data quality issues
KML to GPX Converter - Convert KML for GPS devices and hiking apps
KML to GeoJSON Converter - Convert KML for web mapping
KML to CSV Converter - Export KML placemarks to spreadsheet format

See Other Export Guides

Looking for different output formats?