Free online DWG to GPX converter

A GPS app or receiver may require GPX when a trail, route, or site layout is supplied as a CAD drawing. Converting the drawing lets supported points and lines be used as GPS waypoints, routes, or tracks.

What the DWG format is

DWG is a binary CAD drawing format used for plans and other vector-based design data. Autodesk AutoCAD creates it, and programs such as BricsCAD and DraftSight can also open or save DWG files. Survey, engineering, and architectural drawings are common sources.

What the GPX format is

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML format for exchanging GPS waypoints, routes, and tracks between mapping applications and GPS devices. Its geographic coordinates use WGS 84, making GPX suitable for GPS workflows; it does not preserve CAD-specific objects such as dimensions, blocks, or drafting styles.

How to convert DWG to GPX

Online on 101convert.com

1. Upload the DWG file on the converter page. You can add several files for batch conversion; each file must meet the size limit shown there.
2. Before converting, set the drawing's coordinate system by entering its EPSG code.
3. Convert the files and download the GPX output.

Offline with desktop software

Free workflow with ODA File Converter and QGIS: ODA File Converter converts DWG to DXF; QGIS can then export suitable vector layers as GPX. Install both programs, convert the DWG to DXF in ODA File Converter, and open the DXF in QGIS. ODA File Converter is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux; QGIS also runs on those systems.

1. In QGIS, load the DXF and identify the drawing's actual source coordinate system. If the DXF has no CRS information, assign the correct CRS; do not treat the project CRS as proof of the layer's CRS.
2. Right-click the point or line layer and choose Export → Save Features As. Select GPX as the format, set the output CRS to EPSG:4326, choose an output filename, and save.
3. Open the GPX in the intended app or device to check that features appear in the correct location.

Quality and compatibility

DWG coordinates may be in a projected CRS, local survey grid, or drawing units such as millimetres; GPX needs geographic WGS 84 coordinates. Confirm the source CRS and units before exporting, or the result may be misplaced or incorrectly scaled. GPX represents points and lines as GPS features, not as full CAD geometry: convert polygon boundaries to lines if needed, and exclude annotations or other unsupported drafting objects.