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FIT vs GPX
FIT is a binary format for sports-device activity, sensor, and event data; GPX is XML for exchanging waypoints, routes, and tracks.
Which format should you choose?
Keep FIT for detailed activity data such as heart rate, cadence, and device fields, and open it in a compatible analysis app. GPX is widely used when you only need to share a route on a map, but sensor samples and events may not transfer.
Good fit for FIT
Storing and sharing activity records and sensor data from sports and fitness devices · Transferring workouts or courses to compatible devices
- Working with time-based records events and device data in FIT-aware services
- Reading and writing messages with the Garmin FIT SDK
Good fit for GPX
Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling
- Moving time-stamped tracks and points into compatible map or GPS apps
- Sharing between software that supports GPX 1.1 and WGS 84 coordinates
Basic information
| Field | FIT | GPX |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .fit | .gpx |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream | application/xml |
| Common uses | Storing and sharing activity records and sensor data from sports and fitness devices · Transferring workouts or courses to compatible devices | Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling |
| How to open | Import it into a FIT-compatible fitness service or analysis app, or inspect it with a Garmin FIT SDK decoder or FitCSVTool. Check how the receiving app handles activity type, timestamps, heart rate or speed records, and developer data. | Import it into a GPX-compatible map, GPS, or GIS app. Check whether points, routes, and tracks were recognized as intended and whether time, elevation, and coordinate interpretation look right. A text editor can show the XML, but use a compatible app to inspect the path on a map. |
| Export or convert | Convert to GPX when you mainly need a route, or to GeoJSON for geographic features. The target format may not represent every activity, sensor, or event field, so identify what matters and keep the original FIT file. | Convert to GeoJSON, CSV, KML, or another format for the intended workflow. Turning a track into simple lines or points can discard timestamps, elevation, or the distinction between a planned route and a recorded track. Keep the original GPX and verify coordinates and attributes after conversion. |
Choose by use case
Working with time-based records events and device data in FIT-aware services
Storing and sharing activity records and sensor data from sports and fitness devices · Transferring workouts or courses to compatible devices
FITReading and writing messages with the Garmin FIT SDK
Storing and sharing activity records and sensor data from sports and fitness devices · Transferring workouts or courses to compatible devices
FITMoving time-stamped tracks and points into compatible map or GPS apps
Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling
GPXSharing between software that supports GPX 1.1 and WGS 84 coordinates
Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling
GPXKey point 1
FIT uses profiled binary messages for activities, workouts, courses, and sensor fields; GPX represents WGS 84 waypoints, routes, and tracks as XML.
More on the differencesKey point 2
FIT can preserve timestamps, heart rate, speed, device details, and developer data. GPX prioritizes broad GPS-software exchange and usually focuses on location, route, time, and elevation.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Choose FIT for detailed sports-device records and GPX for broadly shareable GPS routes. Before converting, verify that the destination preserves the fields you need and retain the source file.
- FIT is binary and uses defined messages and profiles; GPX is XML with waypoints, routes, and track points in the WGS 84 geographic datum.
- A FIT activity may include time-series sensor readings and device or event data. GPX commonly exchanges coordinates, optional elevation, and timestamps.
- A GPX export can simplify a FIT activity to its route. Heart-rate samples, laps, events, and device-specific fields may be omitted.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting FIT to GPX preserve heart rate?
Not necessarily. GPX's core model is for geographic points and routes; sensor readings may be omitted or placed in nonstandard extensions.