Convert Shapefile to KML Online — Free & Instant
Converting a Shapefile to KML lets you visualise your geospatial data in Google Earth, Google My Maps, and any KML-compatible viewer. KML is the native format for Google's mapping products and supports rich styling, overlays, and time-based animations. Maparz handles the CRS reprojection to WGS 84 automatically during conversion.
Converter
When to convert Shapefile to KML
- Viewing Shapefile data in Google Earth Desktop or Google Earth Web
- Importing boundaries into Google My Maps for sharing
- Preparing data for field work using Avenza Maps (KML import)
- Creating styled map overlays for presentations
How to convert Shapefile to KML
- 1
Upload your Shapefile
Drop your .shp file or ZIP bundle containing .shp, .dbf, and .shx onto the upload area.
- 2
Select KML output
Click the KML button in the 'Convert to' panel.
- 3
Convert and download
Click Convert. Your .kml file downloads automatically within seconds.
- 4
Open in Google Earth
Double-click the .kml file to open it in Google Earth, or drag it into the Google Earth web app.
About Shapefile format
Shapefile (SHP) is the de-facto standard vector format developed by Esri. A shapefile is actually a collection of at least three files: .shp (geometry), .dbf (attributes), and .shx (index). Despite its age, it remains the most widely-supported format across GIS desktop software including ArcGIS and QGIS. Shapefiles support points, lines, and polygons but are limited to 2 GB in size and 10-character field names. When sharing shapefiles, always bundle them into a .zip archive.
Strengths
- +Universal compatibility with all GIS software
- +Stable, well-documented format
- +Supported natively by QGIS, ArcGIS, GRASS
About KML format
Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is an XML-based format developed for Google Earth and now maintained by the OGC. It is widely used in Google Maps, Google Earth, and many consumer-facing mapping applications. KML supports styled geometry, network links, folders, and time-based animations. It always uses geographic coordinates (WGS 84) and is stored as plain XML text. KMZ is simply a ZIP-compressed KML file, which can also include embedded images and other resources.
Strengths
- +Native in Google Earth and Google Maps
- +Supports rich styling and labels
- +Human-readable XML
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between KML and KMZ?
KML is a plain XML text file. KMZ is a ZIP-compressed KML, typically smaller and used when the KML references embedded images. Maparz converts to KML; you can compress it manually to get KMZ.
Will my Shapefile attributes appear in Google Earth?
Yes. Attribute columns become placemark description data visible when you click a feature in Google Earth.
Can I upload a projected Shapefile (e.g. UTM)?
Yes. Maparz reprojects your data to WGS 84 during conversion, which is required by the KML specification.
Is there a feature count limit?
No feature limit for standard conversions. Very large Shapefiles (hundreds of thousands of features) may take longer to convert.