GPX File Extension

GPS Exchange Format

File Type gpx
Popularity
4.3 (39 votes)
Application Google Earth
Category GIS Files
Format XML

What is a GPX file?

Files with the GPX extension are specifically tied to GPS Exchange Format, a GIS Files type, and there are 247 files in this category.

GPX files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. You can open a GPX file using one of 18 programs, for example Google Earth, EasyGPS and MapSource.

How to open a GPX file?

The most common reason why a GPX file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

Google Earth, EasyGPS and MapSource stand out as the preferred programs to manage GPX files effectively. To install the latest version of Google Earth on your computer, visit the Google website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

Once installed, Google Earth will be set as the default program, and GPX files will open automatically.

Set Google Earth as the default GPX application

Change the default app that opens a file on Mac

Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired GPX file to open a menu where you can choose from multiple actions;
Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate Google Earth. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.

Set default programs for Windows

Start the process by right-clicking on your GPX file and selecting "Open With". From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
From the options listed in the pop-up window, specifically choose Google Earth as the application to handle your GPX file;
Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK" to save your preference.

Convert files to and from GPX

If you have trouble working with a GPX file, try converting it to JPG, JPEG, WAV, PNG, PDF or similar gis files.

Be aware that converting a GPX file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.

Offline software like GPS Visualizer, GPSBabel and GPS Track Editor allows you to convert GPX files to other formats while maintaining quality.

Convert GPX to other file formats

Converting Files to GPX Format

Troubleshooting guide for GPX file complications

Certain problems with GPX files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.

How can I confirm if my GPX file has been damaged?

GPX gis files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in MapSource;
The file causes Google Earth or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
An unexplained increase in the size of the GPX file;
The file operation is accompanied by the display of error messages;

Why does Google Earth crash?

Lack of regular software updates can cause Google Earth to crash. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Google products.

Restarting your computer is a crucial troubleshooting measure that can alleviate numerous common problems. Therefore, it is advisable to restart your computer before modifying any settings related to the software.

How to repair a corrupted GPX file?

Start a recovery program, open the damaged GPX file and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair procedure. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged gis files.

How to edit a GPX file?

To make changes to GPX files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the gis files. Online GPX editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for GPS Exchange Format.

Best GPX editors 2026

Considering the mentioned criteria, we have compiled a list of GPX editors that may suit your needs.

GPX Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
GPS Track Editor	GPS Track Editor	Windows	4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews)
MapSource	Garmin	Windows	4.3 out of 5 (41 review)

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