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ForeFlight supports importing and displaying custom KML/KMZ shape files in its Maps view for displaying geographic information. These files can be created using programs like Google My Maps and exported as KML/KMZ.

To import KML/KMZ files into ForeFlight, the files must be under 200MB and contain supported data types. The supported types are:

• Point
• LineString
• LinearRing
• Polygon
• MultiGeometry
• Style
• StyleMap (only the "normal" style is supported)
• LineStyle
• PolyStyle
• IconStyle
• gx:LabelVisibility (only Google extension namespace currently supported)

If unsupported elements are present, they will be ignored, and the rest of the file will display correctly.

KML/KMZ files can be imported into ForeFlight Mobile via:

• Email
• AirDrop
• Finder on a Mac
• iTunes on a PC

Importing via Email

Importing KML/KMZ files via email allows importing files to more than one device at a time. To send and import user content via email, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Start a new email.

STEP 2: Attach one or more user content files to an email.

STEP 3: Send the email to the intended recipient(s).

STEP 4: On the receiving device, open the email in the Apple Mail app.

STEP 5: Tap on the file attachment to import. A preview of the file will open.

STEP 6: Tap the Share button in the previewer.

STEP 7: Scroll through the app row until ForeFlight Mobile is seen.

STEP 8: Tap  ForeFlight. ForeFlight will open. 

For KML/KMZ files with lines or shapes, ForeFlight will automatically add them to User Map Layers. If the file only contains points, a prompt will be presented to import it either as a User Map Layer or User Waypoints.

Importing via AirDrop

Using AirDrop to import KML/KMZ files from a nearby Apple computer is fast and convenient, especially when a Wi-Fi network isn’t available. Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices. Follow these steps to import files via AirDrop:

STEP 1: From a MacBook, find the file to share in Finder.

STEP 2: Right-click on the file and select Share...

STEP 3: Select AirDrop.

STEP 4: Select the device to share to. 

STEP 5: On the iPad or iPhone, when the file is presented, select Send to and then ForeFlight.

STEP 6: Within ForeFlight, from the popover, select Custom Content.

STEP 7: Choose the type of custom content being imported (i.e., Custom Map Layers or User Waypoints). The file will be added to the appropriate list in More > Custom Content.

Importing via Finder on a Mac

KML/KMZ files can be added to ForeFlight Mobile on a Mac using Finder. While this method is more involved and only allows importing to one device at a time, it has the advantage of working without an internet connection or email access. Follow these steps to import files via Finder:

STEP 1: Connect the iPad or iPhone to the computer via a USB cable. 

STEP 2: Open Finder.  

STEP 3: Click on the iPad or iPhone in Finder's sidebar under "Locations."

STEP 4: Click on Files. 

STEP 5: Drag and drop the file onto the ForeFlight icon.   

STEP 6: If necessary, click the Sync button in the lower-right corner. Wait for the copying to complete.

STEP 7: Launch ForeFlight Mobile on the iPad or iPhone.

Importing User Content via iTunes on a Windows PC

KML/KMZ files can be added to ForeFlight Mobile on a PC using iTunes. While this method is more involved and only allows importing to one device at a time, it has the advantage of working without an internet connection or email access. Follow these steps to import files via iTunes on a PC:

STEP 1: Plug the iPad or iPhone into the computer via the Apple USB cord.

STEP 2: Start iTunes on the computer or wait for it to start automatically.

STEP 3: Inside iTunes, click on the iPad or iPhone icon. The connected device icon is near the top left of the iTunes screen.

STEP 4: Click on the File Sharing listing on the left of the device window. iTunes should then show all of the apps installed on the device.

STEP 5: Scroll through the apps and click on ForeFlight. A table called ForeFlight Documents will appear on the right. 

STEP 6: Drag the user content files and drop them onto the ForeFlight Documents table. While the files are copied to the device, a brief 'Sync in Progress' message will be displayed on the device.

STEP 7: Open ForeFlight Mobile.

Sample Files

The following files provide examples of User Map Shapes. Open each file in a text editor like TextEdit to view its contents. Click on a filename to download it through the browser.

• UserMapShapesSample.kml (65 KB) - Demonstrates supported icon styles and examples of lines, polygons, and circles.
• US_Crude_Oil_Pipelines.kml (134 KB) - A basic map showing the network of crude oil pipelines in the US.
• US_HGL_Pipelines.kml (71 KB) - A basic map showing the network of HGL pipelines in the US.
• Texas_Counties.kml (1.5 MB) - Displays all county borders within the state of Texas.
• Alaskan_Coast.kml (3 MB) - A detailed map outlining the state of Alaska. Note: Larger KML files like this may have a delay of up to a few seconds between tapping the layer and it appearing on the map as the app processes the file.