GPX Files: All you need to know

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about importing and exporting GPX files so you can easily plan and share your routes.

Wondering what “GPX” means?

No worries, it’s pretty simple:

You can think of a GPX file as a digital route file: it shows the exact path of your recored route using GPS data.

With the Outdooractive app, you can:

Record GPX files: Save your own adventures.

Export GPX files: Download routes to use on a device with GPS capabilities.

Import GPX files: Open routes from friends or from the internet in the app.

How to record GPX files

To record a GPX file, you’ll first need to record a track in the Outdooractive app.

Go to the “Track” tab to open the map
Choose the right activity, such as hiking or biking
Tap “Start” to begin recording.

Make sure your GPS signal is turned on. While recording, you can view details like the elevation profile and your speed. When you’re ready to stop, tap “Pause” and then “Finish.” Your route will then be saved on your profile under “Tracks.”

Record a track Photo: Outdooractive Editors

How to export a route in GPX format

Want to download a route from our app? Here’s how:

On the website: Open the route, plan, or track you want. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner, then select “GPX.” The download will start automatically.
In the app (iOS & Android): Open the route, plan, or track you want. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper-right corner. Select “Export GPX.” You can then share the file directly, save it, or email it to yourself.

Downloading a GPX file from the website Photo: Outdooractive Editors

How to import a GPX file from a different source

Found a GPX file and want to use it in the app? Here’s how:

On the website:

Open our Route Planner. Click “Import” and select the file from your computer. The route will then appear in the planner.

In the app:

There are two easy ways:

Using “Open with…”: Open a GPX file you’ve downloaded. Your smartphone will suggest “Open with…” → Select the Outdooractive app. The route will be imported automatically.
Directly in the Route Planner: Open the Route Planner in the app, scroll down, and tap “Import.” Then select the GPX file you want. The route will be imported automatically.

Note: You can only upload one GPX file per route. If you want to combine multiple GPX files into one, please use this external tool.

Uploading a GPX file on the website Photo: Outdooractive Editors

Troubleshoot: What to do when importing or downloading a GPX file doesn't work

Issue: The downloaded file doesn’t end in .gpx!

Sometimes, especially with the Firefox browser, the file extension gets lost during download. When that happens, the file won’t be recognized as a route.

Solution: We recommend using Chrome for the download. If that doesn’t work, rename the file manually and add .gpx to the end.

Issue: I can't import a GPX from other sources

This is almost always caused by the same issue: the .gpx file extension is missing.

Solution: Rename the file and add the .gpx extension. In most cases, the import will work right away.

Issue: A route with multiple stages won’t import.

Our GPX import currently only supports continuous routes. Routes made up of multiple disconnected stages within a single file unfortunately can’t be imported.