How to Convert GPX to TCX

By Chad Anderson

Convert GPX to TCX
i Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

Converting the common GPX, or GPS eXchange format, into the proprietary Garmin TCX, or training course format, can be done with Web-based tools or locally installed software. The Garmin TCX file type supports only track files, so the GPX files must also be in the tracks format for the conversion to work properly. Once the conversion has finished, you can upload the TCX files to your Garmin device as you normally would using Garmin's software.

GPSVisualizer (Web-based)

Launch an additional browser window or tab, and then navigate to the GPSVisualizer Web-based Converter (see Resources).

Select "Tracks [T]" from the data-type drop-down box. Select "GPX XML" from the Input Format drop-down box and "Garmin Training Center (.tcx)" from the Output Format drop-down box.

Click the "Choose File" button, and then select the GPX file from your hard drive. Click the "Convert the file" button to upload the GPX file to the server for conversion.

Click the provided downloaded link to download the converted file in TCX format.

GPSies (Web-based)

Launch an additional browser window or tab, and then navigate to the GPSies Web-based Converter (see Resources).

Click the "Choose File" button, and then select the GPX file from your hard drive. Select "Garmin Course TCX" from the Track drop-down box.

Click the "Convert" button to upload the GPX file to the server for conversion.

Click the provided downloaded link to download the converted file in TCX format.

GPSBabel (Free Conversion Software)

Download and install GPSBabel from the developer's website (see Resources).

Select the "File" radial option under both the Input and Output sections. Select "GPX XML" from the Input Format drop-down box and "Garmin Training Center (.tcx)" from the Output Format drop-down box.

Click the "File Name(s)" button under the Input section, and select the GPX file from your hard drive. Click the "File Name(s)" button under the Output section, and choose where to save the converted TCX file.

Click the "Apply" button to perform the conversion.

×