Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.GPX
File Type
GPS Exchange Format
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .gpx file format
The GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file format is an XML schema designed for transferring GPS data between applications and web services. It is an open and widely adopted standard for storing and exchanging waypoint, route, and track data. GPX files contain information such as latitude, longitude, eleva…
File extension
.GPX
File type
GPS Exchange Format
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .gpx file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .gpx.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .gpx file?
File extension details and usage information
The GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file format is an XML schema designed for transferring GPS data between applications and web services. It is an open and widely adopted standard for storing and exchanging waypoint, route, and track data. GPX files contain information such as latitude, longitude, elevation, timestamp, and other attributes associated with geographic locations. This makes it ideal for sharing GPS data collected from devices like handheld GPS units, smartphones, and vehicle navigation systems. The format's human-readable XML structure allows for easy parsing and manipulation by various software tools and programming languages. GPX is commonly used in mapping applications, geographic information systems (GIS), and outdoor navigation software for planning routes, recording tracks, and sharing location data with others. It's a versatile format that facilitates interoperability between different GPS-enabled devices and platforms, making it a cornerstone of modern location-based services and applications.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .gpx files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .gpx files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .gpx file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .gpx file.
Why can't I open a .gpx file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .gpx format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .gpx files
To open a .gpx file, use software that supports this file format.
- Garmin BaseCamp
- QGIS
- GPSBabel
- ExpertGPS
- VLC media player (with plugin)
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .gpx file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.