File Extension Database

Open GPX File

Files with the GPX extension provide a standard way to exchange and store information on embedded maps on GPS devices, GPS smartphones, and computers.

Thanks to the GPX format, there is compatibility in the software of a device, which can read GPS data created in other devices, even from different platforms.

The information contained in a GPX file is varied, and generally requires adequate software to read it, however an experienced technician can read a GPX file manually using simple text editing programs.

GPX files contain XML tags, which makes it easy to access critical information, even when you don't have software on hand.

These files are independent, so their format requires only one file that contains all the information required by the software to describe a complete set of map data.

To open and operate on a GPX file, you can use software that is available and compatible with any platform, such as:

As well as a wide variety of sports software available for mobile devices.

Alltrails for the Apple iPhone
BackCountry Navigator for Android and Windows Mobile

Above mobile apps allow users to create and import GPX files.

Handheld GPS devices like Garmin and Magellan also use the GPX format to save map data and load it from other sources.

How Can I Open GPX File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open GPX file is to find a GPX file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GPX file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open GPX file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as GPX file opener then try to search online for "GPX viewer", "application to open GPX file" or "open GPX file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open GPX file

How Can I Open GPX File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a GPX file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GPX file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with GPX file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as GPX file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open GPX file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open GPX file then try to search for "GPX viewer", "application to open GPX file" or "read GPX file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read GPX file

How Can I Open GPX File on Android

If you downloaded a GPX file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded GPX file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "GPX".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "GPX viewer", "GPX file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open GPX File on iPhone or iPad

To open GPX File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the GPX file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "GPX". This way you can find apps which can open GPX files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "GPX viewer" or "GPX file" online in your favorite search engine.