GPX Export: Backup, Share, and Migrate

GPX export gives you a portable copy of your TrailNote route and marker data. Use it for backups, GPS devices, outdoor apps, or migration to another map tool.

If GPX is central to your workflow, see GPX Route Planner.

When to use this guide

Export GPX when you need a file, not just a web link.

Use GPX export for:

Loading a route onto a GPS device
Keeping an offline backup
Sending route data to another app
Archiving a completed trip
Moving data between planning tools

If someone only needs to view your map in a browser, a share link may be easier than a GPX file.

Before you export

Clean up the project first. A GPX file is more useful when route and marker names are readable outside TrailNote.

Check:

Routes have clear names
Unneeded draft routes are removed or hidden from your export decision
Important markers have short, useful descriptions
The project does not include private locations you do not intend to share

Step-by-step

1. Open the project you want to export

Select the project in the sidebar and confirm the map contains the routes and markers you expect.

2. Review the project tree

Look for old drafts, duplicate markers, or unclear route names. Rename anything that would be confusing in another app.

3. Start GPX export

Open the GPX export action from the project controls. Choose the export options available for the project, such as routes, markers, or both.

4. Save the file somewhere reliable

Download the GPX file and store it somewhere you can find later. For trip backups, cloud storage is often safer than leaving the only copy in a downloads folder.

5. Test the file if it is mission critical

If you will rely on the GPX during a hike, ride, or trip, open the file in the target app or device before leaving. Confirm that the route appears in the correct area and that names are readable.

What gets exported

Depending on the export options, TrailNote can include:

Routes as GPX track data
Markers as GPX waypoints
Names and descriptions where GPX supports them

Styling may not transfer perfectly because GPX is a data format, not a full TrailNote project format.

Common issues

The GPX opens but styling is missing. Many apps ignore custom colors, width, or opacity. This is normal for GPX workflows.

The file is confusing in another app. Rename routes and markers before export. Generic names travel poorly.

The route looks different elsewhere. Other apps may render, simplify, or interpret GPX geometry differently.

I need someone to review the live map. Use a share link instead of GPX. GPX is a file snapshot; a share link reflects the current project.

I am worried about privacy. Remove sensitive markers before exporting or sharing the file.

Export GPX for Garmin, Strava, and Backups