KML to GPX Converter — Google Earth to GPS Format
Convert KML files from Google Earth and Google My Maps to GPX format for GPS devices. Transfer placemarks, routes, and tracks to handheld GPS units.
How to Convert KML to GPX
Export from Google Earth
In Google Earth, right-click your placemark, path, or entire folder and select "Save Place As" to export as KML. Google My Maps users can export the entire map as KML from the menu.
Drop and Convert
Drag your KML file onto the converter. Click "Convert to GPX" to extract geographic data. Points become GPX waypoints, lines and polygons become tracks with coordinate preservation.
Transfer to GPS Device
Download the GPX file and transfer it to your Garmin, Suunto, or other GPS handheld device. The standardized GPX format ensures compatibility with virtually all GPS hardware.
KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is Google Earth's native format for storing geographic data. It was originally developed by Keyhole Inc. (acquired by Google) and has become the standard for geographic visualization, supporting rich styling, 3D models, and ground overlays. GPX (GPS Exchange Format), on the other hand, is a lean XML format focused purely on GPS waypoints, tracks, and routes—making it the preferred format for GPS devices.
Converting between these two formats is essential when you have planned routes or marked locations in Google Earth and need to transfer them to a physical GPS device for field use. Hikers, geocachers, surveyors, and outdoor enthusiasts frequently use this workflow: plan in Google Earth, convert to GPX, and navigate with a handheld GPS.
The converter uses the built-in GPSConverter library which parses KML Point, LineString, and Polygon geometries. Points become GPX waypoints with names and descriptions preserved from the original placemark. LineStrings convert to GPX tracks with the full sequence of coordinates maintained. Polygon boundaries also convert to track segments, allowing you to navigate along survey boundaries or area perimeters.
KML styling, 3D models, network links, and ground overlays are not transferable to GPX since GPX is a simpler data-exchange format focused on coordinate data. However, all of your spatial coordinate information is faithfully preserved in the conversion.