How to Export KML from Google My Maps: Complete Guide

Want to export KML from Google My Maps to use in Google Earth or other mapping applications? Unlike Google Maps Saved Places, My Maps has built-in export functionality that makes downloading your custom maps straightforward. This guide walks you through every method for exporting your Google My Maps data as KML or KMZ files.

What is Google My Maps?

Google My Maps is Google's custom map creation tool, completely separate from the standard Google Maps app. While Google Maps lets you save and star places for personal reference, My Maps is a full-featured mapping platform where you can:

• Create custom maps with multiple layers
• Add pins, markers, and custom icons
• Draw lines, routes, and shapes
• Import data from spreadsheets and other sources
• Collaborate with others on shared maps
• Style your map with custom colors and icons

You access My Maps at mymaps.google.com or by clicking "Your places" in Google Maps and selecting the "Maps" tab. Each map you create is a separate project that can contain multiple layers of geographic data.

Important distinction: Google My Maps is NOT the same as Google Maps Saved Places (starred locations, "Want to go" lists, etc.). If you're looking to export your saved places from the regular Google Maps app, see our Google Maps Saved Places to KML guide instead.

Why Export as KML?

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is the native format for geographic data in the Google ecosystem. Exporting your My Maps as KML gives you:

Backup and Preservation

Your custom maps represent hours of work. Exporting to KML creates a local backup that you control, independent of your Google account.

Google Earth Compatibility

KML files open directly in Google Earth, letting you view your custom maps in 3D terrain with satellite imagery. This is particularly valuable for:

• Trip planning with elevation context
• Visualizing hiking routes over terrain
• Presenting travel itineraries
• Exploring saved locations in immersive 3D

Sharing Without Google Accounts

KML files can be shared with anyone, regardless of whether they have a Google account. Recipients can open the file in any KML-compatible application.

GIS and Professional Use

Professionals use KML files in Geographic Information System (GIS) software like QGIS, ArcGIS, and specialized mapping tools for analysis and visualization.

Cross-Platform Portability

KML is an open standard (maintained by the Open Geospatial Consortium), meaning your data works across platforms and won't be locked into Google's ecosystem.

Step-by-Step: Export KML from Google My Maps

Method 1: Export Entire Map as KML

This is the most common method and exports all layers of your map in a single file.

1. Open Google My Maps

   • Go to mymaps.google.com
   • Sign in to your Google account if prompted

2. Select Your Map

   • Find the map you want to export in your map list
   • Click on it to open the map editor

3. Access the Export Menu

   • Click the three vertical dots (More menu) next to your map title in the left panel
   • This is located near the top of the layer panel, next to the map name

4. Choose Export to KML/KMZ

   • Select "Export to KML/KMZ" from the dropdown menu
   • A dialog box will appear with export options

5. Configure Export Settings

   • You'll see a checkbox: "Export to a .KML file instead of .KMZ file"
   • Leave unchecked for KMZ (compressed, includes custom icons)
   • Check the box for KML (plain text XML)
   • Choose whether to export the entire map or a specific layer

6. Download Your File

   • Click "Download"
   • Your browser will download the file to your default downloads folder
   • The file will be named after your map (e.g., "My Travel Map.kmz" or "My Travel Map.kml")

Method 2: Export Individual Layers

If your map has multiple layers and you only need data from one specific layer, you can export layers individually.

1. Open Your Map

   • Navigate to mymaps.google.com and open your map

2. Locate the Layer

   • In the left panel, find the layer you want to export
   • Each layer is listed separately under your map title

3. Access Layer Options

   • Click the three vertical dots next to the specific layer name (not the map name)
   • This opens the layer-specific menu

4. Export the Layer

   • Select "Export data" from the dropdown
   • Choose KML or KMZ format
   • Download the file

This method is useful when you have a large map with many layers but only need a subset of the data, or when you want to share specific information without exposing your entire map.

Understanding KML vs KMZ

When exporting, you'll need to choose between KML and KMZ formats. Here's what each offers:

KML (Keyhole Markup Language)

• Plain text XML file - human-readable and editable
• Smaller file size for simple maps without custom icons
• Easy to modify with any text editor
• Best for: Simple maps, programmatic editing, version control

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">
  <Document>
    <name>My Travel Map</name>
    <Placemark>
      <name>Eiffel Tower</name>
      <description>Must-see landmark in Paris</description>
      <Point>
        <coordinates>2.2945,48.8584,0</coordinates>
      </Point>
    </Placemark>
  </Document>
</kml>

KMZ (Zipped KML)

• Compressed archive containing KML plus assets
• Includes custom icons and images you've used
• Larger file size but self-contained
• Best for: Maps with custom styling, sharing complete maps, preserving visual appearance

Recommendation: Choose KMZ if your map uses custom icons or if you want to preserve the exact visual appearance. Choose KML if you need to edit the file or prefer smaller file sizes.

What's Included in Your Export

When you export a Google My Maps as KML or KMZ, you get:

Included Data

• All placemarks (pins) with names and descriptions
• Lines and routes you've drawn
• Shapes and polygons with styling
• Layer organization preserved as folders
• Custom descriptions and notes
• Coordinates for all geographic features
• Custom icons (KMZ only)
• Colors and styles for lines and shapes

Not Included

• Collaboration settings and sharing permissions
• Edit history of the map
• Embedded photos from Google (only referenced URLs)
• Interactive elements like embedded forms

Importing Your KML File

Once you've exported your KML or KMZ file, you can import it into various applications:

Google Earth (Web and Desktop)

Google Earth Web:

1. Go to earth.google.com
2. Click the hamburger menu (three lines)
3. Select "Projects"
4. Click "New project" then "Import KML file from computer"
5. Select your KML or KMZ file

Google Earth Pro (Desktop):

1. Open Google Earth Pro
2. Go to File > Open
3. Navigate to your KML/KMZ file and select it
4. Your map data appears in the "Places" panel

Other GIS Applications

QGIS:

1. Open QGIS
2. Go to Layer > Add Layer > Add Vector Layer
3. Select your KML file
4. Click Add

ArcGIS:

1. Use the KML To Layer tool in ArcToolbox
2. Input your KML file
3. Specify output location

GPS Devices: Some Garmin and other GPS devices can import KML files directly, or you can convert KML to GPX for broader compatibility.

Common Issues and Solutions

KML File Won't Open

Problem: Double-clicking the KML file doesn't open it, or it opens in a text editor.

Solution:

• Right-click the file and choose "Open with" > Google Earth
• Install Google Earth Pro if you haven't already
• For KMZ files, ensure your system recognizes the .kmz extension

Missing Custom Icons

Problem: Your custom icons don't appear after importing.

Solution:

• Export as KMZ instead of KML (KMZ includes icon files)
• If you used KML, icons referenced from URLs may not load if the URLs are inaccessible
• Re-upload custom icons in the destination application

Large File Issues

Problem: Export fails or file is very large.

Solution:

• Export individual layers instead of the entire map
• Remove unnecessary data before exporting
• For very large maps, consider splitting into multiple smaller maps
• KMZ format compresses data and may result in smaller file sizes

Coordinates Appear Incorrect

Problem: Locations are in the wrong place after import.

Solution:

• Verify the original data in My Maps is correct
• Check that the importing application supports the coordinate system (WGS84)
• Some applications may have datum conversion issues - use Google Earth Pro for best compatibility

Route Data Missing

Problem: Lines and routes don't appear in the export.

Solution:

• Ensure routes are saved to a layer (not just displayed as directions)
• Draw routes using the "Draw a line" tool rather than the directions feature
• Check that the layer containing routes is visible before exporting

Alternative: Export as CSV

If you need your My Maps data in spreadsheet format rather than KML, you can export individual layers as CSV:

1. Open your map in Google My Maps
2. Click the three dots next to the layer you want to export
3. Select "Export data"
4. Choose "CSV" as the format

CSV exports include:

• Place names
• Descriptions
• Latitude and longitude coordinates
• Any custom data columns you've added

This is useful for data analysis, importing into databases, or when you need coordinates in a simple tabular format.

Google My Maps vs Google Maps Saved Places

These are two completely different features, and users often confuse them:

Landed on the wrong guide? If you're trying to export your starred places, "Want to go" list, or other saved locations from the regular Google Maps app, you need our Google Maps Saved Places to KML guide instead. That process uses Google Takeout and requires geocoding to add coordinates.

Pro Tips

1. Name your layers descriptively before exporting. Layer names become folder names in the KML file, making organization easier in Google Earth.

2. Add detailed descriptions to your placemarks in My Maps. These descriptions are preserved in KML and display as balloon pop-ups in Google Earth.

3. Use the "Add directions" feature carefully. Directions between points are displayed but may not export as permanent route data. For exportable routes, use "Draw a line" instead.

4. Check your export before sharing. Open the KML/KMZ file in Google Earth to verify everything looks correct before sending to others.

5. Keep a backup schedule. Export your important maps periodically. If your Google account is ever compromised or data is accidentally deleted, you'll have local backups.

6. Organize complex maps into layers before exporting. You can then export specific layers for different purposes without sharing your entire map.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I export KML from Google My Maps on mobile?

The Google My Maps mobile app has limited functionality. For full export capabilities, access your maps through mymaps.google.com on a desktop or mobile browser and use the export feature from there.

Can I export multiple My Maps at once?

No, you must export each map individually. There's no bulk export feature for multiple maps. Consider consolidating related maps into layers within a single map if you frequently need to export them together.

What's the maximum size for a My Maps export?

Google My Maps supports up to 10,000 features (points, lines, shapes) per map and up to 10 layers. Very large maps may take longer to export or may need to be split into smaller segments.

Will my KML file work in GPS devices?

Many GPS devices support KML files directly. However, for maximum compatibility with handheld GPS units (especially older Garmin devices), consider converting your KML to GPX format using a free tool like GPS Visualizer or GPSBabel.

Can I import my KML back into Google My Maps?

Yes. In Google My Maps, click "Add layer" and then "Import." Select your KML or KMZ file to add it as a new layer in your map. This is useful for combining data from multiple sources.

Is there a way to automate My Maps exports?

Google My Maps doesn't offer an API for automated exports. For automated workflows, consider using the Google Maps Platform APIs to create and manage map data programmatically, though this requires developer knowledge.

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Need to Export Saved Places Instead?

Convert Google Maps starred locations to KML, GPX, or CSV

Try Takeout Tools →

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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

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See Other Export Guides

Need help with different export scenarios?

• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as KML - For starred places and saved lists
• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as GPX - For GPS devices and outdoor apps
• KML vs GPX vs GeoJSON: Which Format Should You Use? - Format comparison guide