Complete Guide to GPX Files: Everything You Need to Know

What is a GPX file? GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an open XML-based file format for storing GPS data including waypoints, tracks, and routes. GPX files are the universal standard for sharing location data between GPS devices, mapping applications, and fitness platforms.

This guide covers everything you need to know about working with GPX files.

What GPX Files Contain

GPX files store geographic data in a human-readable XML format. Here's what they can include:

Waypoints

Individual points of interest with coordinates:

• Latitude and longitude
• Elevation (optional)
• Name and description
• Timestamp (optional)

Tracks

Recorded paths showing where you've been:

• Sequence of track points with coordinates
• Timestamps for each point
• Elevation data
• Speed (via extensions)

Routes

Planned paths for navigation:

• Sequence of route points
• Turn-by-turn waypoints
• Names and descriptions

GPX File Structure

GPX files use XML structure that's both machine-readable and human-readable:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gpx version="1.1" creator="YourApp">
  <metadata>
    <name>My Route</name>
    <time>2024-12-08T10:00:00Z</time>
  </metadata>
  <trk>
    <name>Morning Run</name>
    <trkseg>
      <trkpt lat="51.5074" lon="-0.1278">
        <ele>11</ele>
        <time>2024-12-08T10:00:00Z</time>
      </trkpt>
      <!-- More track points -->
    </trkseg>
  </trk>
</gpx>

This readable format is one reason GPX is so widely supported—any developer can easily implement GPX import/export.

GPX vs Other Formats

When to Use GPX

• Sharing routes: GPX is the most universally accepted format
• Route planning: Most mapping apps export GPX
• Cross-platform use: Works with virtually all GPS apps
• Backup: Human-readable format for long-term storage
• Editing: Can modify routes in any text editor

When to Use Other Formats

• FIT: For Garmin devices and full sensor data
• TCX: For structured workout data with laps
• KML: For Google Earth visualization

For detailed comparisons, see: FIT vs GPX: When to Use Each Format

How to Create GPX Files

From Fitness Apps

Most fitness platforms can export GPX:

Strava:

1. Open the activity
2. Click the three dots (...)
3. Select "Export GPX"

Garmin Connect:

1. Open the activity
2. Click the gear icon
3. Select "Export to GPX"

Komoot:

1. Open the tour
2. Click "More"
3. Select "Download GPX"

From Route Planning Tools

Create routes and export as GPX:

• Komoot: Plan routes and download GPX
• RideWithGPS: Create routes with elevation data
• Strava Route Builder: Design and export routes
• Google My Maps: Create custom routes (export as KML, convert to GPX)

From GPS Devices

Most GPS devices save tracks as GPX or can export to GPX:

• Garmin: Export from device or Garmin Connect
• Wahoo: Sync to app, export GPX
• Suunto: Export from Suunto app

How to View GPX Files

Desktop Applications

Mobile Apps

Online Viewers

• GPS Visualizer (gpsvisualizer.com) - Free online GPX viewer
• GPX.Studio - Edit and view GPX files online
• Strava - Upload GPX to view with metrics

For detailed app reviews, see: Best Apps for Viewing GPX Files

How to Edit GPX Files

Since GPX is XML-based, you can edit it in multiple ways:

Text Editor

Open in any text editor (Notepad, VS Code, etc.) to:

• Change route names
• Delete waypoints
• Modify coordinates
• Fix timestamps

Dedicated GPX Editors

• GPX Editor (Windows): Visual editing with map
• GPXSee: View and basic editing
• GPX.Studio: Online editor with drawing tools

Common Edits

Remove Privacy-Sensitive Start/End: Delete the first and last few track points to hide your home location.

Split Long Tracks: Divide a multi-day trip into separate files.

Merge Multiple Tracks: Combine several activities into one route.

Converting GPX Files

GPX to FIT

Convert GPX routes for Garmin devices:

Use case: Upload a planned route from Komoot to your Garmin watch

Tool: GPX to FIT Converter

The converter adds timing data based on your specified average speed, creating a FIT file compatible with Garmin devices.

See: How to Convert GPX to FIT

FIT to GPX

Convert Garmin activities to shareable GPX:

Use case: Share your Garmin workout on platforms that only accept GPX

Tool: FIT to GPX Converter

See: How to Convert FIT to GPX

Other Conversions

• GPX to TCX - For Training Center format
• GPX to KML - For Google Earth
• GPX to ZWO - For Zwift workouts
• KML to GPX - Convert Google Earth files to GPX

GPX Extensions

The GPX format supports extensions for additional data:

Garmin Extensions

<extensions>
  <gpxtpx:TrackPointExtension>
    <gpxtpx:hr>145</gpxtpx:hr>
    <gpxtpx:cad>85</gpxtpx:cad>
  </gpxtpx:TrackPointExtension>
</extensions>

Supports: Heart rate, cadence, temperature, power

Common Extension Data

Note: Not all apps read extensions. For guaranteed sensor data transfer, consider FIT or TCX formats.

Platform Compatibility

GPX files work with virtually every GPS and fitness platform:

Fitness Platforms

GPS Devices

Mapping Software

Common GPX Issues and Solutions

File Won't Import

Possible causes:

• Corrupted XML structure
• Missing required elements
• Encoding issues

Solutions:

1. Validate XML structure online
2. Check for special characters in names
3. Ensure file has .gpx extension

Missing Elevation Data

Cause: Source didn't record elevation or used GPS-only elevation

Solutions:

1. Use a service to add elevation from terrain data
2. GPX.Studio can add elevation automatically
3. Some apps recalculate elevation on import

Track Points Missing

Cause: Very long tracks may be truncated by some apps

Solutions:

1. Split into smaller segments
2. Reduce track point density
3. Check app's import limits

Timestamps Missing

Cause: Route files (planned routes) don't include timestamps

Solutions:

1. Convert GPX to FIT with our converter (adds timing)
2. Use GPS Visualizer to add timestamps
3. Some apps add timestamps on import

Best Practices

For Sharing Routes

1. Remove personal start/end points for privacy
2. Add descriptive names and descriptions
3. Include waypoints for key locations
4. Test the file imports correctly before sharing

For Backup

1. Keep original GPX files from devices
2. Store in multiple locations (cloud + local)
3. Organize by date and activity type
4. GPX is ideal for long-term archival (text-based)

For Navigation

1. Verify route imports to your device correctly
2. Check turn points are in logical locations
3. Test navigation before important trips
4. Keep backup route on phone

Related Resources

Converters

• FIT to GPX Converter - Convert Garmin files to GPX
• GPX to FIT Converter - Convert GPX for Garmin devices
• GPX to KML Converter - For Google Earth
• GPX to TCX Converter - For Training Center format

Guides

• How to Convert FIT to GPX
• How to Convert GPX to FIT
• How to Convert KML to GPX
• Complete Guide to KML Files
• FIT vs GPX: When to Use Each Format
• Best Apps for Viewing GPX Files
• Complete Guide to Garmin FIT Files

Summary

GPX is the universal standard for GPS data exchange. Its XML-based, human-readable format makes it:

• Universal: Works with virtually all GPS apps and devices
• Flexible: Easy to edit, split, merge, and convert
• Reliable: Text format ensures long-term readability
• Open: No proprietary restrictions

Whether you're sharing routes, backing up activities, or moving data between platforms, GPX provides the most compatible option for GPS data.