Turn a GPX File into a Poster

How to convert a GPX file to a poster

Route Posters is a browser-based GPS poster maker. It reads GPX, TCX, FIT and KML files and converts the track coordinates into a clean, printable illustration of your route. The process takes under a minute: drop your file into the editor, choose a visual style from one of the twelve design presets, customise any element you like, and export a high-resolution print file.

The editor works with GPS files from any activity: marathon running, trail running, ultramarathons, cycling gran fondos, mountain hiking, open-water swimming and more. There is no minimum or maximum track length, and no requirement to match a registered event. If your GPS device or app recorded a track and can export it in GPX, TCX, FIT or KML format, Route Posters can turn it into a poster.

Stats embedded in the file — distance, time, pace, elevation gain, calories — are read automatically and displayed in the chosen stat layout. All stat fields can be toggled on or off. The headline, subtext and all colour values are editable. When the design is ready, export a 300 dpi PDF (proportioned for A3 / A2 printing) or a high-resolution PNG. Nothing is stored on our servers.

Supported GPS file formats

Route Posters accepts the four standard formats used by GPS devices, sports watches and activity apps:

• GPX GPS Exchange Format

  The most widely supported GPS format. Exported by Strava, Garmin Connect, Komoot, AllTrails, Gaia GPS and most GPS devices.

• TCX Training Center XML

  Used by Garmin devices and Training Peaks. Contains GPS coordinates plus heart rate, cadence and power data when available.

• FIT Flexible and Interoperable Data Transfer

  The native binary format for Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, Coros and most modern GPS sports watches and cycling computers.

• KML Keyhole Markup Language

  Used by Google Earth and Google Maps. Commonly exported by hiking apps and route planning tools.

How it works

1. 1

   Export your GPS file

   On Strava: open the activity and click the menu (⋯) → "Export GPX". On Garmin Connect: open the activity → Actions → Export to GPX. On Apple Fitness: use a third-party app like HealthFit to export. Wahoo, Suunto, Coros and Komoot all have built-in GPX export.

2. 2

   Upload to the editor

   Drag and drop your GPX, TCX, FIT or KML file onto the Route Posters editor at /create. The track draws instantly and your stats appear in the preset layout.

3. 3

   Customise and download

   Adjust the style, colours, stats and headline text. Export a 300 dpi print PDF or PNG. Take it to any print shop for a sharp A3, A2 or larger poster.

Popular race poster templates

Looking for a ready-made template matched to a specific race? Browse our popular templates below or see all 120+ races.

• Berlin Marathon Berlin, Germany
• Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc Chamonix, France
• L'Étape du Tour Various, France
• Maratona dles Dolomites La Villa, Italy
• Comrades Marathon Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
• UTMB World Series Finals Chamonix, France

Browse all race templates →

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a GPX file from Strava?

Open the activity in Strava on the web or mobile app. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) below the activity title and select "Export GPX". The file downloads immediately and can be uploaded directly to Route Posters.

What GPS file formats does Route Posters accept?

Route Posters accepts GPX, TCX, FIT and KML files — the four standard GPS formats exported by virtually every device, watch and app. If your platform exports in a different format, use GPSBabel (free) to convert it to GPX.

Does my GPS file need to include elevation data?

No. Elevation is optional. If your file contains altitude data, the editor calculates and displays the elevation gain stat. If it does not, that stat is simply hidden. Distance and time are derived from the GPS coordinates and timestamps.