How to export a Google Maps list
Five years of favourite places in “Vienna food.” 140 pins. And no idea what happens if Google rebuilds something again tomorrow.
How do I export a Google Maps list?
With Google Takeout. On takeout.google.com, deselect everything, tick “Saved” and create the export. Each of your lists arrives as its own CSV file with the place name, your note and a Google Maps link.
If you just want to show the list to someone, you do not need an export. Share it right in Maps, either view only or so you can edit it together.
Exporting with Google Takeout
Open takeout.google.com
Sign in with the account you use to save in Maps. Sounds obvious, but it is the most common reason for an empty export.
Deselect all, choose “Saved”
Click “Deselect all” at the top, then scroll down and tick only “Saved.” Otherwise Google bundles your photos, mail and everything else in too.
Create the export
One time export, ZIP file, done. According to Google it takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few days depending on the amount of data. With just a few lists it is usually quick.
Download it in time
You get the link by email. According to Google the archive is available for about a week and can be downloaded at most five times.
What the file contains and what it does not
One file per list
“Favourites,” “Want to go” and your own lists each arrive as a separate CSV. Open them in Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets.
Name, note, link
Each place comes with its name, your note if you wrote one, and the link back to Google Maps.
No coordinates
According to several guides, latitude and longitude are missing. If you want to import the places into another map app as KML, you need a tool that turns the addresses into coordinates first.
Other people's lists
Takeout exports what belongs to your account. A list someone only shared with you belongs to them. You usually will not get it through your own export.
Export or just share?
An export is a backup. Good for when Google rebuilds something or you switch accounts. But if you only want your sister to see the cafés too, an export is far too much hassle.
Share the list in Maps instead. Profile, Saved or “My lists,” open the list, Share. Google distinguishes between private and shared lists, and for shared lists you can invite people to edit. The guide on sharing Google Maps lists walks through it.
When the places should turn into plans
The list is too long to decide
140 pins are great for remembering and terrible for deciding. Nobody scrolls through all of them on a Friday night.
Mix places with other ideas
A place from Maps, a Reel from Instagram, a tip from the group chat. In Swiva you share a Google Maps place straight into a list and can then swipe through what fits today with your friends.
What Swiva cannot do here
Swiva does not import Takeout files or whole Google Maps lists. You share places from Maps one at a time. For a real backup, Takeout is still the right route.
A few quick answers
Can I export a Google Maps list to Excel?
Yes, indirectly. Takeout delivers CSV files, which open normally in Excel or Google Sheets.
Can I export just one specific list?
Takeout exports all your saved lists at once, each as its own file. Just take the one CSV you need.
How long is the download link valid?
According to Google about a week, and the archive can be downloaded at most five times. After that, just create a new export.
Are coordinates included in the file?
According to several consistent guides, no. You get names and links. For KML or GPX you need a tool that geocodes the places first.
Can I export a list someone else shared with me?
Usually not through your own Takeout, because the list belongs to the other person's account. Ask them to export it, or save the places into a list of your own.
Your next good idea gets to stay.
Save it to Swiva and come back to it when you actually have time for it.
Free to download, for iPhone and Android.