Tips to open KML file
Can't open the KML file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open KML files as well as a list of programs that support KML files.
KML file extension
| File Name |
Keyhole Markup Language Format |
| File Category |
GIS Files |
The KML file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the KML files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the KML file on each system platform.
What is KML file?
The file in the KML format belongs to the GIS Files category. In addition to this file, the GIS Files category includes 255 related files. Keyhole Markup Language Format is supported by 4 operating systems. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Web, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. It is recommended to use Google Earth to handle this file. This is a program created by Google Inc.. Alternatively, you can use 10 other programs. You can use Global Mapper, Merkaartor, Keyhole PRO, MAPC2MAPC in case Google Earth cannot be used.
How to open KML file?
An often recurring problem with Keyhole Markup Language Format is that KML is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file KML to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the KML file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Google Earth
In this case, you should first verify that the Google Earth application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Google Earth in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open KML files.
Programs to open KML file
Remember to download programs supporting KML files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Google Earth with KML files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the KML file still does not use the Google Earth program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Google Earth application as the default for handling the KML file.
Step 3. Update Google Earth to the latest version
If, however, after binding Google Earth with Keyhole Markup Language Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Google Inc. page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the KML file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the KML file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file KML or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover KML files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of KML file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair KML file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file KML except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the KML file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file KML to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the KML file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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