KML to GPX File Converter

KML vs GPX — what is the difference?

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is Google's format for geographic data in Google Earth and Google Maps. It supports complex features: polygons, styles, icons, timestamps, and 3D altitude. It is excellent for visualisation but many GPS devices and hiking apps do not support it.

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is the standard open format supported by Garmin devices, Komoot, AllTrails, Strava, and virtually every hiking and cycling app. It stores tracks, waypoints, and routes as plain XML.

When do you need to convert KML to GPX?

• Garmin devices: Garmin uses GPX, not KML
• Komoot or AllTrails: both platforms import GPX for route sharing
• Google Earth route to hiking app: export as KML, convert to GPX
• Strava route import: Strava accepts GPX but not KML
• OpenStreetMap contributions: GPX tracks are used for map tracing

What is preserved during conversion?

• Waypoint names and coordinates
• Track points with timestamps (if present in KML)
• Altitude data
• Route structure

KML-specific styling (colours, icons, polygons) is not carried to GPX, as the format does not support them.

How to export KML from Google Earth

1. Right-click your project or layer in Google Earth
2. Select "Export as KML file"
3. Upload the .kml file to GPSwitch for conversion