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Garmin: file formats and how to transfer routes

Garmin handhelds, bike computers, watches and car navigators read several file formats. GPX is the common denominator; FIT and TCX carry courses and activities for fitness devices, and GPI holds custom POI sets.

Formats Garmin reads

Format Extension Use
GPX (recommended) .gpx Routes, tracks and waypoints for handhelds, bike computers and Garmin Connect.
Garmin FIT .fit Activities and courses for Edge, Forerunner and fēnix devices.
TCX .tcx Activity and course files for older Garmin hardware and Garmin Connect uploads.
Garmin POI .gpi, .xcsv Custom POI sets (GPI) for Garmin automotive, motorcycle and handheld receivers.
Garmin MapSource .gdb, .mps MapSource and BaseCamp archives, for desktop planning rather than the device itself.
Garmin Flight Plan .fpl Flight plans (FPL) for Garmin aviation avionics such as the G1000 and GNS/GTN navigators.

Which format to pick

Pick GPX for routes, tracks and waypoints: nearly every Garmin device and Garmin Connect accept it. Pick FIT or TCX when the target is a watch or bike computer that asks for a course file, and GPI for POI sets.

How to get a route onto Garmin

  1. Open the route, track or POI file in RouteConverter via File → Open.
  2. Pick GPS Exchange Format 1.1 in the Save as dropdown.
  3. Save it via File → Save as. Copy the saved file to the device over USB, or import it with Garmin Connect. Where a model expects a specific folder, the vendor's manual names it.

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