KML to Shapefile converter
Upload your KML file and get Shapefile in a couple of minutes: osm2cdr reads the geometry of your file and hands you a ready Shapefile straight away. Processing runs on our servers, the result is ready to download as soon as it finishes, and files up to 50 MB are supported. And if you have no file of your own, or need a fresh map of an area, osm2cdr builds Shapefile straight from the OpenStreetMap map: you simply pick an area on the map, choose the Shapefile format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data — with layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How KML differs from Shapefile
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| KML | .kml | GIS | Viewing in Google Earth, geodata sharing, creating tourist routes, presentations |
| Shapefile | .shp | GIS | ArcGIS, QGIS, spatial analysis, cartography |
How to get Shapefile on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the Shapefile format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready Shapefile file
Shapefile format properties
| Extension | .shp |
| Type | GIS |
| Purpose | ArcGIS, QGIS, spatial analysis, cartography |
When you need Shapefile
The main scenario is simple: you already have a KML file — upload it and osm2cdr returns Shapefile, ready to use in a dedicated program (editing, printing, analysis, embedding in a project). The alternative is for when you have no file at hand or need a fresh map of an area: the same Shapefile is then built straight from up-to-date OpenStreetMap data for your chosen area, split into layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
What changes when going KML → Shapefile
Drop in a KML file and osm2cdr reads its geometry and returns Shapefile; and with no file of your own, the same Shapefile is built straight from the OpenStreetMap map for your chosen area. Either way the data model changes. Going KML → Shapefile preserves both geometry and attributes; only the container model changes — a single file versus a set, the supported field types and the format limits. Such a switch is usually made for compatibility with a specific tool. osm2cdr delivers Shapefile straight from OpenStreetMap data, with no intermediate KML file.
Upload your own KML file → Shapefile
No need to hunt for a third-party converter anymore: drop your KML file in the form above and osm2cdr will read the geometry and hand you a ready Shapefile. Files up to 50 MB are supported; processing runs on our servers and the result is ready to download as soon as it finishes.
FAQ: KML → Shapefile
Can I upload my KML file?
Yes, now you can: upload your KML file right on this page and osm2cdr will read the geometry and convert it to Shapefile. Files up to 50 MB are supported. If the data comes from OpenStreetMap, you can skip the upload entirely — we'll export the map straight into Shapefile.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to Shapefile on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the Shapefile format and download the result.
Which programs open Shapefile?
The Shapefile format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the Shapefile format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online KML → Shapefile converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source KML file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds Shapefile with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate KML file.