How to Convert FIT to GPX: Complete Guide for Route Sharing
Learn how to convert Garmin FIT files to GPX format for sharing routes on Strava, Komoot, and other platforms. Free online converter with step-by-step instructions.
How do you convert FIT to GPX? Use our free FIT to GPX Converter to instantly transform your Garmin FIT files into universally compatible GPX format. Upload your FIT file, click convert, and download a GPX file ready for sharing on Strava, Komoot, or any GPS platform.
GPX is the universal standard for GPS data, making it the best format for sharing routes with friends or uploading to platforms that don't accept FIT files.
Why Convert FIT to GPX?
FIT files are Garmin's native format, but GPX offers broader compatibility:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Universal Compatibility | GPX works with virtually all GPS apps and devices |
| Easy Sharing | Share routes with anyone regardless of their device |
| Platform Flexibility | Upload to Strava, Komoot, RideWithGPS, AllTrails, etc. |
| Human Readable | GPX is XML-based and can be edited in any text editor |
| Long-term Storage | Text format ensures files remain readable for years |
Common Use Cases
- Share a route with friends who use different devices
- Upload to route planning platforms like Komoot or RideWithGPS
- Backup activities in a universal format
- Import into mapping software like Google Earth
- Transfer between fitness platforms that only accept GPX
How to Convert FIT to GPX: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get Your FIT File
From Garmin Connect:
- Log into connect.garmin.com
- Open the activity you want to convert
- Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right
- Select "Export Original" to download the .fit file
From Your Garmin Device:
- Connect your Garmin via USB
- Navigate to:
Garmin > Activities - Copy the .fit file to your computer
From Wahoo/Other Devices:
- Wahoo: Export from Wahoo app or website
- Suunto: Export from Suunto app
- Other: Check your device's export options
Step 2: Upload to the Converter
- Go to our FIT to GPX Converter
- Click the upload area or drag and drop your FIT file
- The converter validates your file automatically
Step 3: Convert and Download
- Click the "Convert" button
- Wait for processing (happens instantly in your browser)
- Download your converted GPX file
Your data stays private—all processing happens locally in your browser.
What Data Is Preserved?
When converting FIT to GPX, these data points are transferred:
| Data Type | Preserved | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Coordinates | ✅ Full | Latitude, longitude for each point |
| Timestamps | ✅ Full | Time for each track point |
| Elevation | ✅ Full | Altitude data if recorded |
| Track Structure | ✅ Full | Maintains route continuity |
| Heart Rate | ⚠️ Extension | Requires GPX extension support |
| Power | ⚠️ Extension | Requires GPX extension support |
| Cadence | ⚠️ Extension | Requires GPX extension support |
| Lap Data | ❌ Lost | GPX doesn't support lap structure |
Note: Core GPS data is always preserved. Sensor data (heart rate, power, cadence) is included via GPX extensions, but not all apps read these extensions.
Sharing Your GPX File
Upload to Strava
- Go to strava.com and log in
- Click the "+" icon → "Upload activity"
- Select your GPX file
- Add activity details and save
Upload to Komoot
- Open Komoot app or website
- Go to Profile → Your Tours
- Click "Import GPX"
- Select your converted GPX file
Share with Friends
- Email: Attach the GPX file directly
- Cloud storage: Share via Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
- Messaging apps: Send the file directly
Import to Google Earth
- Open Google Earth
- File → Import
- Select your GPX file
- View your route in 3D
Converting the Other Direction
Need to convert GPX back to FIT for your Garmin device?
Use our GPX to FIT Converter to:
- Upload routes from Komoot to your Garmin
- Import planned routes from RideWithGPS
- Transfer routes between platforms
See: How to Convert GPX to FIT
FIT vs GPX: Which to Use?
| Scenario | Best Format |
|---|---|
| Sharing routes with others | GPX |
| Uploading to Garmin device | FIT |
| Backup with full sensor data | FIT |
| Cross-platform compatibility | GPX |
| Google Earth visualization | GPX (or KML) |
| Structured workout data | FIT or TCX |
For a detailed comparison, see: FIT vs GPX: When to Use Each Format
Viewing Your GPX File
After conversion, you can view your GPX file in many applications:
Desktop
- Google Earth: 3D visualization with satellite imagery
- GPXSee: Lightweight viewer for Windows/Mac/Linux
- QGIS: Professional GIS analysis
Mobile
- Strava: Upload and view with metrics
- Komoot: Import and plan routes
- GPX Viewer: Simple viewing on iOS/Android
- Gaia GPS: Outdoor mapping app
Online
- GPS Visualizer: Free online viewer
- GPX.Studio: View and edit online
For detailed app recommendations, see: Best Apps for Viewing GPX Files
Common Questions
Will I lose any important data?
Core GPS data (coordinates, elevation, timestamps) is fully preserved. Sensor data like heart rate and power is included via GPX extensions, but not all apps read these. For full sensor data preservation, consider keeping the original FIT file or converting to TCX.
Can I convert multiple FIT files at once?
Our converter processes one file at a time for optimal accuracy. For multiple files, convert each separately—each conversion takes only seconds.
Does the file size change?
GPX files are typically 2-3x larger than FIT files because GPX uses text (XML) while FIT uses binary encoding. This doesn't affect functionality.
What if my FIT file has no GPS data?
Indoor activities (treadmill, stationary bike) without GPS will result in a minimal GPX file. GPX is GPS-focused, so it's best suited for outdoor activities with location data.
Can I edit the GPX file after conversion?
Yes! GPX files are human-readable XML. You can:
- Open in any text editor to modify
- Use GPX editing software
- Remove start/end points for privacy
- Split or merge tracks
Related Converters
Need a different conversion? Try these:
- GPX to FIT Converter - For Garmin device upload
- FIT to CSV Converter - For spreadsheet analysis
- FIT to TCX Converter - For Training Center format
- FIT to KML Converter - For Google Earth visualization
- GPX to KML Converter - GPX to Google Earth
Related Guides
- Complete Guide to GPX Files - Everything about GPX format
- How to Convert GPX to FIT - Reverse conversion guide
- FIT vs GPX: When to Use Each Format - Format comparison
- Best Apps for Viewing GPX Files - Viewer recommendations
- Complete Guide to Garmin FIT Files - FIT format deep dive
Start Converting
Ready to share your routes? Use our free FIT to GPX Converter to transform your Garmin files into universally compatible GPX format in seconds.
All conversions happen in your browser—your data remains completely private.