If you've ever tried to load a running route onto a GPS watch or share a route with a friend, you've probably come across the term "GPX file." It sounds technical, but it's actually straightforward — and once you understand it, you'll wonder how you ran without it.
Quick answer
A GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file is a standard file format that stores GPS coordinates describing a running route or recorded track. Runners use GPX files to load planned routes onto GPS watches, share routes between apps, and back up their favourite routes. Nearly every running app and GPS watch supports GPX import and export.
GPX in plain language
GPX stands for GPS Exchange Format. It's a standard file format for storing GPS data — essentially a list of coordinates (latitude, longitude, and optionally elevation) that together describe a route, track, or set of waypoints.
Think of it like a recipe for a route. Instead of a screenshot or verbal directions, a GPX file contains the exact path as a series of GPS points. Any app or device that supports GPX can read this file and recreate the route precisely.
The format is based on XML, which means it's plain text that both humans and machines can read. You can even open a GPX file in a text editor and see the coordinates, though you'd normally just import it into an app.
Why runners use GPX files
- Load routes onto GPS watches: Plan a route on your phone or computer, export as GPX, and sync it to your Garmin, Coros, or Polar watch. The watch shows the route on its map so you can follow it during your run.
- Share routes with friends: Send a GPX file and your friend gets the exact route — not a screenshot or rough description, but the actual path they can load and follow.
- Move routes between apps: Planned a route in one app but want to use it in another? GPX is the universal format that works across platforms — Strava, Garmin Connect, Komoot, Google Fit, and more.
- Back up your favourite routes: Export your best routes as GPX files and keep them on your computer or cloud storage. Even if an app shuts down, your routes are safe.
Routes vs. tracks: what's the difference?
GPX files can contain two main types of data:
- Routes are planned paths — a series of waypoints that describe where you intend to go. This is what you get when you plan a route in an app before your run.
- Tracks are recorded paths — a breadcrumb trail of where you actually went, recorded by your GPS device during a run. Tracks usually include timestamps and more data points.
For route planning, you'll mostly work with routes. For analysing completed runs, you'll deal with tracks.
How to export a GPX file
Most running and route planning apps have a "Share" or "Export" button that lets you save a route as a GPX file. In Runplanner, it works like this:
- 1 Plan your route by tapping waypoints on the map.
- 2 Tap the share button on the route details panel.
- 3 Choose "Export GPX" to save the file.
- 4 Share the file via email, messaging apps, or transfer it to your watch using Garmin Connect or a similar companion app.
How to import a GPX file
Importing depends on the platform, but the process is usually simple:
- Garmin Connect: Open the web app, go to Training → Courses, and import the GPX file. It syncs to your watch automatically.
- Strava: Go to your profile, click the + icon, select "Upload activity," and choose the GPX file.
- Coros: Use the Coros app to import routes via GPX under the "Explore" tab.
Quick summary
- GPX is the standard file format for GPS route data.
- It works with virtually every running app, GPS watch, and fitness platform.
- Use it to load routes onto your watch, share with friends, or back up your favourites.
- Plan a route in Runplanner, tap export, and you've got a GPX file ready to go.
— The Runplanner Team