Shapefile to KML Converter
Convert Shapefile (.zip) files to KML (.kml) right in your browser — free, instant and private. Drop a file below and download the result in seconds. Nothing is uploaded to a server, so your data never leaves your device.
Drag & drop your .zip file
or click to browse
How to convert Shapefile to KML
- 1
Add your Shapefile file
Drag and drop your .zip file onto the box above, or click to browse.
- 2
Convert in your browser
GeoMaps reads the Shapefile and rewrites it as KML locally, on your device. The conversion is instant and your file is never sent anywhere.
- 3
Download your KML
Click download to save the converted .kml file, or copy the output text. That's it — no account, no watermark, no limits.
The Esri Shapefile is the long-standing standard format for desktop GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS). A 'shapefile' is actually a set of files — .shp (geometry), .shx (index), .dbf (attributes) and .prj (projection) — which is why it's exchanged as a single .zip. Despite its age it remains the most widely accepted format for serious geospatial analysis, so converting to or from it bridges web data and professional GIS.
Need the other direction instead? KML is google Earth's XML format for placemarks and overlays. KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an OGC standard XML format created for Google Earth and used widely across Google Maps, mobile mapping apps and GIS software. It stores placemarks, paths, polygons, styling and folder structure, which makes it ideal for sharing annotated maps with non-technical audiences. A KML file is plain text; when zipped with its assets it becomes a KMZ.
Shapefiles are exchanged as a .zip bundle (.shp/.shx/.dbf/.prj). Upload the zipped shapefile, and converted output downloads as a .zip.
What is Shapefile?
.zipThe Esri Shapefile is the long-standing standard format for desktop GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS). A 'shapefile' is actually a set of files — .shp (geometry), .shx (index), .dbf (attributes) and .prj (projection) — which is why it's exchanged as a single .zip. Despite its age it remains the most widely accepted format for serious geospatial analysis, so converting to or from it bridges web data and professional GIS.
What is KML?
.kmlKML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an OGC standard XML format created for Google Earth and used widely across Google Maps, mobile mapping apps and GIS software. It stores placemarks, paths, polygons, styling and folder structure, which makes it ideal for sharing annotated maps with non-technical audiences. A KML file is plain text; when zipped with its assets it becomes a KMZ.
Shapefile to KML — FAQ
- How do I convert Shapefile to KML?
- Upload your .zip file using the converter above (drag & drop or click to browse). GeoMaps converts it to KML instantly in your browser and gives you a .kml file to download. No software to install and no signup required.
- Is the Shapefile to KML converter free?
- Yes — it's completely free with no usage limits, watermarks or account needed. We offer it as a free tool from GeoMaps, the platform for turning your data into interactive maps.
- Is my data private? Are my files uploaded to a server?
- No. The conversion runs entirely in your web browser using JavaScript — your file is never uploaded to any server. Because nothing leaves your device, it's safe for sensitive or confidential data and works even offline once the page has loaded.
- Can I convert KML back to Shapefile?
- Yes. Use our KML to Shapefile converter for the reverse conversion — every format on GeoMaps converts both ways.
- Anything to know about Shapefile input?
- Shapefiles are exchanged as a .zip bundle (.shp/.shx/.dbf/.prj). Upload the zipped shapefile, and converted output downloads as a .zip.
- How large a file can I convert?
- Because conversion happens in your browser, the limit is your device's memory rather than a server quota — files up to tens of megabytes convert comfortably on a typical laptop. Very large datasets may be slower depending on your machine.