If you have ever downloaded a hiking trail, received a cycling route from a friend, or
exported a GPS recording from a phone or watch, you have almost certainly encountered a
GPX file. The extension .gpx stands for
GPS Exchange Format — an open standard that lets devices and apps share
location data in a way any compatible tool can read.
Unlike proprietary map formats tied to one brand, the GPX file format is widely supported across phones and devices. That portability is exactly why hikers, cyclists, and trail runners rely on it every day.
What does a GPX file contain?
At its core, a GPX file is an XML document that stores geographic coordinates along with optional metadata. Most files include one or more of these elements:
- Tracks — a continuous path made of GPS points, often recorded during a hike or ride.
- Routes — a planned path with key turns, useful for turn-by-turn navigation.
- Waypoints — individual points of interest such as summits, campsites, or parking areas.
- Elevation data — height above sea level at each point, used for climb profiles.
- Timestamps — when each point was recorded, helpful for pace analysis.
Because the format is text-based and human-readable, you can open a small GPX file in any text editor and see latitude, longitude, and elevation values listed line by line. For everyday use, though, a dedicated app like GPX Viewer renders that raw data as an interactive map.
GPX tracks vs. GPX routes
People often use the terms interchangeably, but there is a useful distinction. A track is typically something you have already traveled — your phone or watch logged every GPS fix along the way. A route is usually planned in advance, connecting waypoints that represent where you intend to go.
When hikers use GPX tracks
Trail associations, guidebooks, and fellow hikers share GPX tracks so you can follow an established path through forests, alpine terrain, or coastal walks. Loading the file on your phone gives you a visual reference even when trail markers are sparse. Our guide on the best GPX viewer for hiking covers what to look for when following trails in the field.
When cyclists use GPX routes
Cyclists plan loops, sportives, and gravel adventures as GPX routes, then load them onto a phone or head unit. If you want to build your own, read how to create GPX cycling routes for a step-by-step workflow.
Why the GPX file format became the standard
Before GPX, sharing GPS data between brands was painful. Each manufacturer used its own binary format, and converting files required special software. The GPS Exchange Format solved that by publishing an open XML schema that anyone could implement.
Because GPX is an open standard, a file you receive by email can be opened directly in GPX Viewer on your phone — no conversion step required.
How to open and view a GPX file
The easiest way to view a GPX file on your phone is with GPX Viewer. See our detailed walkthrough on how to open GPX files on iPhone and Android for import methods from Mail, Files, and Safari.
Once imported, you will want a clear map view with distance, elevation, and waypoint labels. That is where viewing GPX on a map becomes essential — a good viewer turns coordinates into something you can actually follow on the ground.
What to look for in a GPX viewer app
GPX Viewer is built specifically for outdoor navigation. These features matter most:
- Fast import — share a file directly from Mail or Files without a desktop sync.
- Multiple map styles — standard, satellite, and hybrid views for different terrain.
- Elevation profile — see climbs and descents before you start.
- Live location — compare your real-time position against the track (available with GPX Viewer Pro).
- Route creation — plan new tracks and export them as fresh GPX files.
GPX Viewer covers all of these on both iOS and Android. Download it free to import and explore routes on a map. Upgrade to Pro for live location tracking so you can see exactly where you are relative to the trail.
Common questions about GPX files
Is GPX the same as KML?
No. KML is a different map format. GPX is the preferred choice for GPS navigation and outdoor route following. GPX Viewer opens .gpx files directly on iPhone and Android.
How large are GPX files?
A short neighborhood walk might produce a 50 KB file, while a multi-day trek with frequent GPS sampling can reach several megabytes. Elevation and timestamp data add size, but even large files open quickly in modern mobile apps.
Can I edit a GPX file?
Yes. In GPX Viewer you can create routes from scratch, edit waypoints, and export them as new .gpx files to share with friends or open again later.
Try GPX Viewer free
Import GPX files, view routes on a map, and explore elevation profiles on iPhone and Android.
