Looking for a quick and easy way to convert KMZ to KML? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to convert a KMZ file into a KML file using just Windows Explorer - no extra software needed. Whether you're using Google Earth, AutoCAD, or another GIS tool, this guide will help you extract the KML data from your KMZ file in just a few clicks.
How to Convert KMZ to KML: Step-by-Step Guide Using Windows Explorer
Locate KMZ File on Your Computer:
First, navigate to the location of your KMZ file in Windows Explorer. This could be in your “Downloads” folder, “Documents” folder, or wherever you have saved the file.
Rename KMZ File Extension to ZIP:
Next, you’ll need to change the file extension from .kmz to .zip. To do this, right-click on the file and select Rename. Then, replace the “.kmz” at the end of the file name with “.zip” and press Enter. If you can’t see the file extension, you may need to show them by going to Options > View and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.
Extract KML File from ZIP:
Now that your KMZ file is a ZIP file, you can extract it just like any other ZIP file. Right-click on the file and select Extract All…. This will create a new folder with the same name as the ZIP file. Inside this folder, you will find a file with the .kml extension. This is your converted file.
Rename KML File (Optional):
If you want, you can now rename the KML file to something more descriptive. Just right-click on the file, select Rename, and type in your new file name.
FAQ: Why Convert KMZ to KML?
KMZ and KML files are both used in geospatial applications like Google Earth and AutoCAD, but there are key differences between the two. A KMZ file is a compressed version of a KML file, often used to package large datasets with additional resources like images or 3D models. However, KML files are easier to open, edit, and integrate with other GIS or CAD software tools. Here's why converting KMZ to KML is often necessary:
- Easy Editing: KML files are plain-text and XML-based, making them easier to read and modify manually or through scripts.
- Software Compatibility: Many GIS and CAD applications support KML but not KMZ - converting ensures broader compatibility.
- File Transparency: Unlike KMZ, a KML file is not compressed, so its contents are immediately accessible without unzipping.
- Better for Automation: If you're automating workflows or parsing geographic data, KML is more straightforward to work with programmatically.
Whether you're working with map data, 3D locations, or GIS overlays, converting from KMZ to KML gives you better control and ensures smoother integration with your tools.
KMZ to KML Conversion: Final Thoughts
As you can see, converting KMZ to KML using Windows Explorer is fast and simple-perfect for quick file extractions. However, if you're working with KMZ and KML files regularly, especially in AutoCAD or GIS workflows, a professional tool like our Automapki Application can handle conversions more efficiently. It supports both KMZ and KML formats natively, making it a powerful solution for converting, importing, and exporting geospatial files. It's the smart way to work with KMZ and KML files inside your DWG projects.