Why convert GPX to KML?
GPX is the open standard used by GPS devices and apps such as Garmin and AllTrails. KML is Google's format for Google Earth and Google Maps, which does not always open GPX directly. Converting to .kml lets you view a recorded route in Google Earth or share it as a Google My Maps layer.
How to convert GPX to KML
GPSBabel OPEN-SOURCE
Open GPSBabel (or its GUI GPSBabelFE), set input format to GPX and output format to KML, select your .gpx 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 →
.KML
Keyhole Markup Language
A KML file stores map data - pins, routes, polygons, image overlays - in plain XML format. The easiest way to open one is Google Earth (free desktop app or earth.google.com in a browser) or…
Open .KML details →Quality & what to watch
- Core GPS data - waypoints, track points and routes - carries over completely; both formats are XML so no data is mangled.
- KML supports richer visual styling such as colors, icons and camera angles that GPX cannot store; those must be set in the KML after conversion.
- GPX extension data such as heart rate or cadence is not part of the KML spec and is silently dropped during conversion.
