What is a GPX file — and how to open one.

What is a GPX file?

A GPX file (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML document for location data: waypoints, routes, and tracks. Many GPS devices and map apps can open it. You can email the file, open it on a phone, or copy it to a Garmin.

A track is an ordered line of points — where you walked, or the line you drew. A route is a thinner list of turns. A waypoint is a single marked spot. Map to GPS writes a track.

How to open a GPX file

• In this browser. Open the map and drop the `.gpx` file onto it. The line appears. No account, no upload.
• On a Garmin. Copy the file to the device, or import it through BaseCamp or Connect. Step by step: Load the GPX on a Garmin.
• On a phone. Open or share the file in an app that reads GPX — Gaia, WorkOutDoors, OsmAnd, and many others. The same track works.
• In Google Maps. Open Google My Maps, create a map, choose Import, and pick the `.gpx` file. The track draws on a Google map.

Make a GPX from a map

Click the map to add points, drag a point to correct the line, then download the result as a GPX track. Plot a route.

What does Map to GPS export?

Downloads use GPX 1.1 and contain a single track (`trk` / `trkpt`). Points may include estimated elevation when terrain data is available. The file creator is Map to GPS.

The exported file does not contain GPX route elements (`rte`) or turn-by-turn instructions.

Drop an existing file to view it, then keep moving points and download again. This is not a trim, split, or merge editor.