Why convert GPX to GDB?
GDB is the native format of Garmin BaseCamp, which manages waypoints, routes and tracks and pushes them directly to a Garmin device. If your workflow is centered on BaseCamp - editing routes or syncing to a Garmin GPS unit - working in GDB is more natural than re-importing a .gpx each session.
How to convert GPX to GDB
Garmin BaseCamp FREE
Go to File > Import and select your .gpx, then use File > Export Selection and choose Garmin GPS Database (.gdb) as the file type. Also available for macOS.
GPSBabel OPEN-SOURCE
Open GPSBabel, set input to GPX and output to Garmin MapSource/BaseCamp Database, select your files and click Apply. Also available for macOS and Linux.
Programs that convert GPX
About these formats
.GPX
GPS Exchange Format
A GPX file stores GPS data - waypoints, tracks and routes - in plain XML. To view a route, drag it into Google Earth Pro or upload it to GPS Visualizer. To load it onto a Garmin, Wahoo or…
Open .GPX details →
.GDB
Garmin MapSource GPS Database
A GDB file from Garmin stores GPS waypoints, routes and tracks created in MapSource or BaseCamp. Open it with the free Garmin BaseCamp (File -> Import), or convert it to GPX or KML with the…
Open .GDB details →Quality & what to watch
- Waypoints (name, coordinates, elevation, symbol), routes and tracks all transfer cleanly to GDB.
- GPX extension data such as heart rate, cadence or temperature is dropped; use FIT or TCX if you need to preserve fitness metrics.
- GDB is a proprietary Garmin format readable only by BaseCamp and older MapSource; keep the
.gpxif you are not in a Garmin-centered workflow.
