Convert KMZ to GPX
Convert a Google Earth KMZ to GPX for Garmin and other GPS devices, in your browser, with nothing uploaded and no unzipping. Or open the KMZ on the MapGridder map, overlays included, edit it there and export it as GPX, GeoJSON or a PDF.
What converts and what is lost
GPX is built for GPS devices and holds points, routes and tracks. A KMZ also carries areas, styling, folders and images, which have no place to land.
| In the KMZ | In the GPX | Lost |
|---|---|---|
| Placemark point <Point> | Waypoint <wpt> with the name, and the description as plain text | Altitude, icon, color, timestamp |
| Path <LineString> | Route <rte> with the placemark name | Altitude, description, line color and width |
| Recorded track <gx:Track> | Track <trk> with time and elevation on every point. Each part of a <gx:MultiTrack> becomes its own track under the same name | Heart rate, cadence and other per-point data, styling |
| Mixed geometry <MultiGeometry> | Each point and path inside becomes its own waypoint or route, named after the placemark | Any polygon inside it |
| Area <Polygon> | Not written: GPX has no area type | The whole shape |
| Folders, styles and custom data | Not written: a GPX file is one flat list | Folder structure, colors, icons, ExtendedData fields |
| Network link <NetworkLink> | Not followed | Everything the link would load |
| Images in the archive: ground overlays, icons, photos, 3D models | Not written | All imagery |
| Extra .kml files in the archive | Not read: only the main doc.kml (or the first .kml) is converted | Their placemarks |
An archive that holds only areas or overlays has nothing GPX can carry, so you get a message instead of an empty file.
How to use it
- Drop or choose your .kmz file.
- Open it on the MapGridder map to edit and export, or download the .gpx file.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a KMZ file to GPX?
Choose your .kmz file and download the .gpx for your GPS device, or open the KMZ on the MapGridder map, overlays included, to edit it and export it as GPX, GeoJSON or a PDF.
What is a KMZ file?
A KMZ is a zipped KML: Google Earth packs the KML document together with the images it uses, such as icons, photos and ground overlays, into one compressed file. The placemarks, paths and tracks live in the KML inside it, which is the part that converts to GPX. The images have no place in a GPX file.
Is my KMZ file uploaded?
No. The archive is opened and converted entirely in your browser, so your location data never leaves your device. Personal and non-commercial use is free; commercial use needs a paid license.
Have a plain .kml instead? Use the KML to GPX converter. Going the other way? Convert GPX to KML. To keep the areas, folders and overlay imagery, open the archive on the MapGridder map or in the KML and KMZ viewer instead. For the full picture, read the GPX and KML guide.