KMZ to GLB

KMZ → GLB: bring Google Earth models into universal 3D.

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About This Tool

A KMZ file is a compressed archive used by Google Earth. It holds KML geographic information plus 3D models in Collada (DAE) format. This tool extracts the 3D models and converts them to GLB, so they are no longer tied to Google Earth and can be previewed in any 3D software or web page. The result is especially useful for GIS and web map workflows, including Cesium and other browser-based viewers.

Tips

  • 1Supports Collada models and textures packed inside KMZ.
  • 2Converted models are centered at the origin and keep no geographic coordinates.

About Configuration Options

General Settings

Up axis

DefaultY-up

Determines the 'up' axis of the exported model. Different 3D software uses different conventions. Selecting the wrong system may cause the model to lie on its side.

Y-upRecommended

Convention used by OpenGL, Three.js, and most Web 3D engines. Choose this for models from web or game engines.

Z-up

Convention used by Blender (default), 3ds Max, and some CAD software. Try this if the model appears sideways.

Rotation X

Default

Range-180° – 180°

Rotate the model around the X axis (degrees). Useful for correcting axis misalignment or print orientation.

Rotation Y

Default

Range-180° – 180°

Rotate the model around the Y axis (degrees). Useful for correcting axis misalignment or print orientation.

Rotation Z

Default

Range-180° – 180°

Rotate the model around the Z axis (degrees). Useful for correcting axis misalignment or print orientation.

Rotation Application

DefaultRoot node transform

Choose how rotation is written to the exported model. Baking into vertices rewrites all vertex coordinates so every export format (including geometry-only formats such as STL and STEP) applies it consistently; root node transform keeps the original vertex coordinates, which is friendlier to animated or skinned models, but formats that ignore node transforms (such as STEP) won't apply the rotation.

Bake into vertices

Rotation is written into all vertex coordinates and applies consistently to every export format; geometry data is rewritten.

Root node transformRecommended

Rotation is written as a root node transform while vertex coordinates stay unchanged; better for skinned or animated models, but formats that ignore node transforms (such as STEP) won't apply it.

Format Information

Input format

Extension:
kmz
Full Name:
Google Earth KMZ Archive
Type:
3D Model
Format:
KMZ
Description:
KMZ is a compressed archive format for distributing 3D geographic data within the Google Earth ecosystem. It packages KML description files and associated models, textures, and image resources in a ZIP archive, making it easy to carry and share geographic annotations. KMZ's value is tied to the Google Earth ecosystem. When removed from its geographic context, the model resources are typically stored in COLLADA (DAE) format and must be extracted before use in other 3D tools. Geographic coordinates and annotation information are not retained in the pure mesh after conversion.

Notes:

  • The KMZ format is widely supported in 3D software and engines

Supported Features:

  • Real-time WebGL rendering
  • Orbit controls with rotate/pan/zoom
  • Wireframe and shaded display modes
  • Animation playback (if supported by format)

Output format

Extension:
glb
Full Name:
GL Transmission Format Binary (glTF 2.0)
Type:
3D Model
Format:
GLB
Description:
GLB is the binary glTF 2.0 format from Khronos Group, packing meshes, materials, textures, and animations into one file. It is the standard for Web 3D and AR/VR, used by Three.js, Babylon.js, model-viewer, and e-commerce previews for self-contained, reliable distribution. GLB supports PBR materials, skeletal animations, Draco and Meshopt compression, suitable for web, AR, and cross-software use. However, it loses CAD parametric history when tessellated from STEP or native CAD. For 3D printing, use STL or 3MF as slicers cannot import GLB.

Notes:

  • Some 3D printing slicers cannot directly import GLB files
  • Not suitable for CAD parametric editing

Supported Features:

  • Single self-contained binary file
  • PBR material support (base color, metallic, roughness, normal maps)
  • Skeletal animation, skinning, and morph targets
  • Draco mesh compression and KTX2 texture compression
  • Multi-mesh nodes and scene hierarchy

How to Use

1

Upload KMZ File

Drag and drop your KMZ file or click to browse

2

View Model Information and Settings

Check model information and adjust conversion settings

3

Download GLB

Click convert and download your GLB file instantly

Frequently Asked Questions

View all FAQs
Q

What is inside a KMZ file?

A

KMZ is a ZIP archive. It contains a KML geographic markup file, 3D models in Collada (.dae) format, texture images, and coordinate information. This tool extracts the 3D model part and ignores the geographic positioning.

Q

Will the converted GLB keep the model materials and textures?

A

Yes. Texture images referenced by the Collada model are extracted and embedded into the GLB. Basic material properties such as diffuse color and maps are preserved, so the model keeps its original look.

Q

What happens if the KMZ contains multiple models?

A

If the KMZ contains several 3D models at different locations, the converter merges them into a single GLB file. To process them separately, use a KMZ that contains only one model.

Q

Where can I find KMZ files with 3D models?

A

Good sources include Google Earth's 3D Buildings layer, KMZ exports from SketchUp 3D Warehouse, and GIS databases. Search for '3D building KMZ' or 'terrain model KMZ' to find examples.

Q

My model has specific coordinates in Google Earth. Where does it end up in the GLB?

A

The GLB is centered at the origin of a local coordinate system, and geographic coordinates are not carried over. This is intentional: the output is a clean, standalone model that you can place anywhere in your own scene.

Q

What if my KMZ file has no 3D model?

A

If the KMZ contains only placemarks, paths, or other geographic data, there is no 3D model to extract. This tool converts the Collada models inside a KMZ, so that kind of file has nothing to convert.