Free online KML to GPI converter

What the KML format is

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based geographic format used for placemarks, folders, routes, tracks, polygons, descriptions, links, and map styling. Google Earth commonly creates and opens KML files, and mapping applications such as Google My Maps, QGIS, and other GIS programs can export them. A KML file may contain point coordinates plus names, descriptions, icons, and other elements that do not map directly to a Garmin POI record.

What the GPI format is

GPI is Garmin's compiled binary format for custom points of interest. It stores searchable locations such as fuel stations, campsites, speed-camera locations, businesses, or user-defined waypoints, with fields such as a name, coordinates, category, proximity alert, and sometimes an associated icon. GPI is smaller and faster for Garmin devices than keeping the source data as XML, but it is primarily a POI format rather than a general-purpose map, route, or track format.

How to actually convert KML to GPI

Using GPSBabel

GPSBabel is the most practical desktop option for this conversion because it can read KML placemarks and write Garmin POI files.

1. Install GPSBabel for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
2. Check the KML in Google Earth or another map application and remove placemarks that should not become device POIs.
3. Run this command from a terminal, replacing the filenames with your own:

gpsbabel -i kml -f locations.kml -o garmin_gpi -F locations.gpi

In the GPSBabel graphical interface, select Input → KML, choose locations.kml, select Output → Garmin POI, set locations.gpi as the destination, and start the conversion. If your source contains several categories, convert each category separately when the Garmin device needs separate POI groups.

Using the online converter

You can also convert the file for free on the 101convert.com website without installing software. Upload the KML file, choose GPI as the output format, start the conversion, and download the resulting GPI file.

Copying the result to a Garmin device

Connect the Garmin device or insert its microSD card, then copy the generated .gpi file into the device's Garmin/POI folder. Create that folder if the device documentation specifies it and it does not already exist. Disconnect the device safely and accept any prompt to import or update custom POIs. Garmin POI Loader can also be used when the source must be built from supported CSV or GPX data rather than an already-created GPI file.

Quality and compatibility limits

• Only KML point placemarks reliably become GPI POIs. Lines, polygons, tours, overlays, network links, and most KML styling are discarded.
• Descriptions may be shortened or simplified because Garmin devices support a limited set of POI fields. Test names, categories, coordinates, and alert behavior on the target model.
• GPI is a Garmin-specific binary format; it is not suitable for editing in a text editor or importing into general GIS software.
• Back up existing files in Garmin/POI before copying new data. Duplicate POIs can appear if an older GPI database contains the same locations.