You've just downloaded RouteConverter for your Windows PC — a great choice for planning motorcycle trips and hikes or converting GPS files. Because RouteConverter is a specialised open-source tool and doesn't use a traditional installer, there are a few things to know about the first launch.

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started.

1. Get past the browser security warning

As you'll see in the browser download bar, Windows and Microsoft Edge often warn that the file "isn't commonly downloaded". That's a standard safety check for programs that aren't digitally signed by a large vendor.

To unblock the file:

• Click the three dots: in the download bar, click the three dots (...) for More actions.
• Keep: from the menu that appears, choose Keep.
• Keep anyway: a small dialog often opens. Click Show more and then Keep anyway. Only at this point is the file saved on your PC.

2. "Installation" — no setup required

RouteConverter is portable software. The file you just downloaded (RouteConverterWindows.exe) is the finished program. There is no long installer to wade through and nothing is written to your Windows registry.

• Move it: move the file from the Downloads folder to a permanent location, for example C:\Program Files\RouteConverter.
• Pin it: right-click the file and choose Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar so you can launch the program in a single click.

3. The Windows SmartScreen prompt

The first time you double-click the file, Windows 10 or 11 often shows a blue box with the message: "Windows protected your PC".

Don't worry — this is normal for open-source software:

1. Click the More info link.
2. Then click the Run anyway button. RouteConverter will start, and the message won't appear again next time.

4. Java is already included

RouteConverter is built on Java, and RouteConverter 3.5 and later need Java 21.

You don't have to install anything: the Windows download bundles RouteConverter together with a Java runtime, so RouteConverterWindows.exe runs as it is. Only the Linux release needs a separately installed Java 21 — see Downloads if you use Linux as well.

5. Your first conversion

Once the program is open, day-to-day use is straightforward:

• Drag and drop: drag a GPS file (e.g. .gpx, .kml, or .itn) into the RouteConverter window.
• Edit: you'll see the route on the map immediately. Move points on the map or edit them in the list on the right.
• Save: go to File > Save As... and pick the format your navigation device expects (e.g. TomTom, Garmin, or Google Earth). All supported formats are listed here.

Have fun planning your next trip! If you have any questions, the community on the forum is happy to help.