Convert KML to SHP with Smart Analysis
Free, secure, and professional-grade spatial data converter. No registration, no logs, just results.
Drag & drop your KML/KMZ
Max size 50MB • .kml and .kmz supported
Simple 4-Step Process
Upload
Drag your KML/KMZ files
Analysis
Automated smart insights
Configure
Select target CRS
Download
Get your Shapefile ZIP
Last updated: December 19, 2025. KMLtoSHP is a free web tool that converts KML/KMZ to Shapefile (SHP) for ArcGIS and QGIS workflows.
What is KML?
KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based format used by Google Earth and Google Maps for geographic visualization. It stores points, lines, polygons, and metadata like names, descriptions, and timestamps. KML is ideal for sharing and viewing data, but it is not optimized for heavy GIS analysis.
- Best for: visualization, sharing, Google Earth workflows
- Common issue: GIS tools often require conversion to SHP
- Projection note: KML is typically WGS84 (EPSG:4326)
What is Shapefile?
ESRI Shapefile (.shp) is the industry standard format for GIS software like ArcGIS and QGIS. A Shapefile is a bundle of multiple files that work together to store geometry and attribute data. It is widely used for professional mapping, spatial analysis, and engineering workflows.
- Best for: analysis, editing, and GIS interoperability
- Includes: `.shp`, `.shx`, `.dbf`, `.prj`, and more
- Projection note: SHP can store many CRSs via `.prj`
KMLtoSHP: fast, free KML to SHP conversion
If you searched for kmltoshp, you likely have a KML/KMZ file from Google Earth, a client, or a field workflow and need a clean Shapefile for ArcGIS or QGIS. KMLtoSHP is built for that exact job: upload a KML/KMZ, review a quick Smart Analysis summary, pick the right coordinate system (CRS), and download a ZIP containing separate shapefiles for points, lines, and polygons when needed.
Conversions are designed to be predictable and GIS-friendly: your output includes a projection file (`.prj`) for the selected CRS, and the tool avoids unnecessary steps like account creation. For advanced workflows, you can keep WGS84 for portability or select a UTM zone to improve distance/area accuracy for regional datasets.
KML vs SHP (quick comparison)
| Topic | KML/KMZ | Shapefile (SHP) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Sharing & visualization | GIS editing & analysis |
| GIS support | Often requires conversion | Native in ArcGIS/QGIS |
| Coordinate system | Typically WGS84 | Many CRSs via `.prj` |
| Packaging | Single file (or zipped KMZ) | Multiple files in a ZIP |
Need the deeper breakdown? Read KML vs Shapefile.
Choose the right CRS for your shapefile
Coordinate systems are a top source of GIS errors after a KML to SHP conversion. KMLtoSHP includes a CRS selector and recommendation to help you avoid misaligned layers. If your data spans multiple UTM zones or covers a large area, WGS84 is often the safest choice. For smaller regional datasets, a projected CRS (like a supported UTM zone) can reduce distortion and improve measurement accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tool completely free?
Yes, 100% free with no hidden limits or registration required.
What's the maximum file size?
We support KML/KMZ files up to 50MB per upload.
Which coordinate systems are supported?
10 commonly used CRS including WGS84, NAD83, and major UTM zones.
How do you handle points, lines and polygons?
We automatically split them into separate shapefiles within one ZIP package.
Is my data secure?
Absolutely. Files are processed in memory, encrypted, and deleted within 1 hour.