---
title: ".gpx file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .gpx file is a GPS Exchange Format. An XML file of GPS waypoints, routes and recorded tracks. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/gpx/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .gpx files

**.gpx file: GPS Exchange Format**

An XML file of GPS waypoints, routes and recorded tracks.

## What opens a .gpx file

- **Windows:** Google Earth Pro, Garmin BaseCamp, GPXSee, Notepad (built in — raw XML)
- **macOS:** Google Earth Pro, GPXSee, Gaia GPS
- **Linux:** GPXSee, Google Earth Pro, QGIS
- **In a browser:** GPX Studio, Strava, Google My Maps

## What a .gpx file is

GPX is the open standard for GPS data, written by Garmin devices, Strava, Komoot and most outdoor apps. It is XML text, so a track is a long list of latitude, longitude, elevation and timestamp points. Import it into Garmin Connect, Strava or Google Earth to see it on a map; GPX Studio does the same in a browser.

## Converting it

A .gpx file is commonly converted to .kml, .kmz, .csv, .geojson or .tcx. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .gpx
- **Full name:** GPS Exchange Format
- **Category:** Data
- **MIME type:** application/gpx+xml
- **Created by:** TopoGrafix
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

### How do I open a .gpx file?

On Windows use Google Earth Pro; on macOS use Google Earth Pro; on Linux use GPXSee. An XML file of GPS waypoints, routes and recorded tracks.

### What is a .gpx file?

GPS Exchange Format. GPX is the open standard for GPS data, written by Garmin devices, Strava, Komoot and most outdoor apps. It is XML text, so a track is a long list of latitude, longitude, elevation and timestamp points.

### Can I convert a .gpx file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .kml, .kmz, .csv, .geojson or .tcx, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.csv — Comma-Separated Values](https://atoneplace.net/file/csv/)
- [.json — JavaScript Object Notation](https://atoneplace.net/file/json/)
- [.xml — Extensible Markup Language](https://atoneplace.net/file/xml/)
- [.yaml — YAML Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/yaml/)
- [.log — Log File](https://atoneplace.net/file/log/)
- [.torrent — BitTorrent Metainfo File](https://atoneplace.net/file/torrent/)
- [.dat — Generic Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/dat/)
- [.vcf — vCard Contact File](https://atoneplace.net/file/vcf/)
- [.sql — SQL Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sql/)
- [.ics — iCalendar Event](https://atoneplace.net/file/ics/)
- [.sqlite — SQLite Database](https://atoneplace.net/file/sqlite/)
- [.db — Generic Database File](https://atoneplace.net/file/db/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)