Shapefile to KML converter
Upload your Shapefile file and get KML in a couple of minutes: osm2cdr reads the geometry of your file and hands you a ready KML 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 KML straight from the OpenStreetMap map: you simply pick an area on the map, choose the KML format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data — with layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How Shapefile differs from KML
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shapefile | .shp | GIS | ArcGIS, QGIS, spatial analysis, cartography |
| KML | .kml | GIS | Viewing in Google Earth, geodata sharing, creating tourist routes, presentations |
How to get KML on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the KML format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready KML file
KML format properties
| Extension | .kml |
| Type | GIS |
| Purpose | Viewing in Google Earth, geodata sharing, creating tourist routes, presentations |
When you need KML
The main scenario is simple: you already have a Shapefile file — upload it and osm2cdr returns KML, 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 KML 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 Shapefile → KML
Drop in a Shapefile file and osm2cdr reads its geometry and returns KML; and with no file of your own, the same KML is built straight from the OpenStreetMap map for your chosen area. Either way the data model changes. Going Shapefile → KML 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 KML straight from OpenStreetMap data, with no intermediate Shapefile file.
Upload your own Shapefile file → KML
No need to hunt for a third-party converter anymore: drop your Shapefile file in the form above and osm2cdr will read the geometry and hand you a ready KML. 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: Shapefile → KML
Can I upload my Shapefile file?
Yes, now you can: upload your Shapefile file right on this page and osm2cdr will read the geometry and convert it to KML. 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 KML.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to KML on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the KML format and download the result.
Which programs open KML?
The KML format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the KML format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online Shapefile → KML converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source Shapefile file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds KML with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate Shapefile file.