📌 Found a .gpx file and don't know what to do with it?
We explain this to you in our Guide to Using GPX Files!
GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files are like digital maps that allow you to view routes, tracks, points of interest, elevation changes, and more.
They are very useful when we plan our day outdoors.
GPXs are useful in general for walking, biking, on-the-road travel or trekking, which is precisely why in ALL our articles we provide you, always at the bottom of the article, with the GPX track created especially by us for you.
Remember that we provide the generated GPX for free and it is the result of our experience in the field.
🔍 What is a GPX file?
Let’s start by quickly telling you what this file is.
A GPX file basically contains GPS information:
- Tracks (the route to be followed)
- Waypoints (points marked as waypoints)
- Routes (sequence of points from point A to point B)
It is a lightweight, open file that is compatible with so many apps and devices.
📲 How to open a GPX file: recommended apps
There are numerous APPs, most of them free. We in this article recommend the one we use.
Again, we prefer to give you advice from our own experience.
Over time we have had the opportunity to use different apps and in the end we remained faithful to GPX Viewer.
🧭 GPX Viewer
The application is free and available for both iOS and Android.
We specifically use it on Android operating system.
Simple but powerful app, perfect for viewing GPX files on your smartphone without too many frills.
The features it provides are mainly:
✅ View GPX, KML, KMZ routes
✅ See altimetry, speed, time, distance, elevation gain
✅ Use offline maps (only with the Pro version)
✅ Customize colors, map style, zoom levels
✅ Follow a route while hiking (basic navigation)
✅ View waypoints and points of interest
Now we come to the main feature, which is the one that allows us to view our route.
After downloading the app make a download of one of our GPX tracks. Save the file to your phone (in “Downloads” or a folder of your choice).
Now all that’s left to do is to perform the following steps
- Open GPX Viewer
- Tap on the menu icon (☰) in the top left corner
- Go to “Upload File”
- Search for your GPX file in your phone’s memory
- Select it and the route will be uploaded to the map
That’s it! All that’s left is to grab your backpack and hit the trail!
> In the box above on the right we leave a short video showing you how to use the app.
📥 Where to download it?
Below we leave links to the relevant stores
Happy walking to all the PandaTrekker 🐼