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Convert KML to Shapefile

Convert KML files to Shapefile, online and free. GISConverter reads your KML data locally in the browser and writes a Shapefile file so you can load it into desktop GIS such as ArcGIS or QGIS — nothing is uploaded, and your data never leaves your computer.

Drop a file here, or click to browse

KML, KMZ, SHP (.zip), GeoJSON, GPKG, GML, GPX, DXF, GeoTIFF, and more

No uploadNo trackingOpen standards (GDAL/OGR)Works offline once loaded
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How to convert KML to Shapefile

  1. Drop your KML file into the box above (or click to browse).
  2. The GDAL engine loads once and reads the file right in your browser.
  3. Pick Shapefile as the output, set a coordinate system if you need one, and click Convert, then download the result.

Why convert KML to Shapefile?

KML is a vector GIS format, so it isn't always the format the next tool expects. Converting it to Shapefile lets you load it into desktop GIS such as ArcGIS or QGIS without redrawing or re-collecting anything. Because GISConverter runs a full GDAL engine in your browser, the geometry and attributes carry across faithfully, and the file never leaves your device.

About the formats

KML (.kml): KML is the XML-based format Google Earth and Google Maps use to describe points, lines, polygons, labels and styling. Because it is plain text it is easy to read, edit and share, and it stores coordinates in WGS84 longitude/latitude by default.

Shapefile (.shp): The Shapefile is the long-standing Esri vector format and remains the lingua franca of desktop GIS. A single “shapefile” is really a set of files that must travel together — at minimum .shp (geometry), .dbf (attributes) and .shx (index), usually with a .prj that records the coordinate system.

Tips & things to know

Frequently asked questions

Is the KML to Shapefile converter free?

Yes. GISConverter is completely free and runs in your browser — no signup, no watermark, and no daily limit.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. Your KML file is read and converted locally on your device with a GDAL engine compiled to WebAssembly, so it never leaves your computer.

What is Shapefile?

The Shapefile is the long-standing Esri vector format and remains the lingua franca of desktop GIS.

What is a KML file?

KML is the XML-based format Google Earth and Google Maps use to describe points, lines, polygons, labels and styling.

Why is the shapefile a .zip?

A shapefile is really several files (.shp, .dbf, .shx, .prj) that must stay together, so GISConverter bundles them into a single .zip for download — and reads a zipped shapefile the same way on input.

Can I set the coordinate system?

Yes. Output defaults to EPSG:4326 (WGS84 longitude/latitude). Enter any EPSG code, such as EPSG:3857, in the coordinate-system box to reproject on the way out.

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