Convert PNG to KMZ
How to convert PNG images to KMZ overlays for Google Earth using Google Earth Pro or QGIS.
Convert PNG files online
We don’t have a dedicated online converter for PNG to KMZ yet, but you can convert PNG files online to these and more formats:
How to convert png to kmz file
- GPS navigation, maps, GIS
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Simply put, it is impossible to convert PNG to KMZ directly.
Thus, there is no so-called png to kmz converter or a free online .png to .kmz conversion tool.
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Understanding png and kmz file formats
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a popular raster image format known for its lossless compression and support for transparency. It is widely used for web graphics, digital photos, and images requiring high quality.
KMZ (Keyhole Markup Language Zipped) is a compressed file format used by Google Earth and other GIS applications. It contains KML files and associated resources (such as images or icons) packaged into a single archive, allowing for the display of geographic data, overlays, and map annotations.
Why convert png to kmz?
Converting a PNG image to a KMZ file is useful when you want to overlay an image (such as a map, diagram, or satellite photo) onto geographic coordinates in Google Earth or similar mapping software. This process is called image overlay and allows you to visualize custom graphics in a geospatial context.
How to convert png to kmz
There is no direct, one-step converter for PNG to KMZ, as the process involves georeferencing the image and packaging it with a KML file. The most reliable method is to use Google Earth Pro, which is free and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Step-by-step conversion using Google Earth Pro
- Open Google Earth Pro.
- Go to Add → Image Overlay.
- In the dialog, enter a name and click Browse to select your PNG file.
- Adjust the image location and size using the green handles to align it with the map.
- Click OK to add the overlay to your Places panel.
- Right-click the overlay in the Places panel and select Save Place As....
- Choose KMZ as the file type and save your file.
Best software for png to kmz conversion
- Google Earth Pro – Free, user-friendly, and the industry standard for creating KMZ overlays.
- QGIS – Advanced GIS software that can georeference images and export KML/KMZ files, suitable for more complex projects.
Tips for successful conversion
- Ensure your PNG image has a transparent background if you want to see the map beneath it.
- Accurately align the image using known geographic reference points for best results.
- Keep the PNG file size reasonable to avoid performance issues in Google Earth.
Note: This png to kmz conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.
PNG vs KMZ: format comparison
How the PNG and KMZ formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .PNG Portable Network Graphics | .KMZ Keyhole Markup Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Open standard | Yes | Partly open |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Typical file size | Small | Small |
| Opens in a web browser | Yes, natively | No |
| Further editing | Limited | Limited |
| Metadata support | Extensive | Extensive |
| Plain-text readable | No | No |
| Best used for | Web publishing | Data exchange |
| Introduced | 1996 | 2004 |
| Developer | PNG Development Group | Keyhole, Inc. / Google |
| MIME type | image/png | application/vnd.google-earth.kmz |
