Free online TCX to GPX converter

Fitness platforms, GPS devices, and mapping applications do not all accept the same activity-file format. Converting a TCX workout to GPX makes its route usable in more mapping, navigation, editing, and archiving software.

What the TCX format is

TCX, or Training Center XML, is an XML format originally associated with Garmin Training Center and later used by Garmin Connect, Garmin devices, and some training platforms. It stores workout data such as trackpoints, timestamps, latitude and longitude, elevation, speed, heart rate, cadence, distance, calories, laps, and activity type.

A TCX file may describe an activity, course, or workout. It is common when exporting runs, rides, and other recorded sessions from Garmin-related software. TCX can contain detailed training metadata that is not part of the basic GPX specification.

What the GPX format is

GPX, or GPS Exchange Format, is an XML format designed for exchanging GPS data between navigation devices and software. It supports waypoints, routes, and tracks, so mapping applications can display an activity path and GPS devices can follow a planned course.

GPX is widely accepted by mapping and route-planning programs, outdoor-navigation applications, GPS receivers, and geographic-information software. Its broad compatibility makes it preferable when a destination program rejects TCX or only imports tracks and routes as GPX.

How to actually convert TCX to GPX

Using 101convert.com

1. Open the TCX to GPX converter on 101convert.com.
2. Select or upload the .tcx file.
3. Choose GPX as the output format if the converter presents a format selector.
4. Start the conversion and download the resulting .gpx file.
5. Open the GPX in the destination application and check the route on a map before using it for navigation.

This method requires no installed software and is suitable for ordinary activity files. Do not upload files containing sensitive location data if the file includes private home, workplace, or medical-activity information.

Using GPSBabel on a computer

GPSBabel is a desktop converter that supports Garmin Training Center files and GPX. In its graphical interface, select the Garmin Training Center input format, choose the TCX file, select GPX XML as the output format, specify an output filename, and run the conversion.

From a command line, the equivalent operation is:

gpsbabel -i gtrnctr -f activity.tcx -o gpx -F activity.gpx

The gtrnctr input type identifies Garmin Training Center XML, while gpx writes GPX XML. If a particular GPSBabel release uses different format labels, inspect its supported formats with gpsbabel -^3 or use the graphical format list.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

Conversion normally preserves the recorded track, timestamps, coordinates, elevation, and often heart-rate or cadence values through GPX extensions. It may not preserve every TCX field: lap structure, calories, sport-specific workout instructions, display settings, and training metadata can be discarded or represented differently.

TCX activities generally become a GPX track. A TCX course or workout may be exported as a route or track depending on the converter, and some destination programs interpret those two GPX types differently. A track contains recorded points; a route is a sequence of navigational points that software may recalculate.

After conversion, verify the GPX by checking its start and finish, point count, elevation profile, timestamps, and activity distance. If the destination device reports an invalid file, open the GPX in a text editor and confirm that it begins with a GPX XML element and contains valid latitude and longitude attributes; re-exporting with GPSBabel can also remove unsupported extensions.