Tips to open GPX file

Can't open the GPX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GPX files as well as a list of programs that support GPX files.

GPX file extension

File Name GPS Exchange Format
File Category GIS Files

The GPX file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GPX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GPX file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is GPX file?

A .GPX file is a file that contains GPS data. It is saved in the GPS Exchange format. It is an open standard for data exchange between devices and applications processing GPS data. The file is based on the XML format. Geographic information is based on latitude and longitude, and on abstract types. Files can be transferred manually or more often automatically to various services, base programs, or for synchronization between devices.

How to open GPX file?

The main problem with GPS Exchange Format is that the GPX file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file GPX to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GPX file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Google Earth

The first step is to check if the computer has the Google Earth program installed. This can be achieved by typing Google Earth into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file GPX with Google Earth. Below is a list of programs that support the file GPX.

Step 2. Create association of Google Earth with GPX files

If, despite the installed application, the GPX file does not start in the Google Earth application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the GPX file with the Google Earth application.

Step 3. Update Google Earth to the latest version

If, however, after binding Google Earth with GPS Exchange Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Google Inc. website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the GPX file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the GPX file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file GPX or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected GPX files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the GPX files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged GPX files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted GPX files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the GPX file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the GPX file again. However, some background programs may block the GPX file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.