About This Tool
The GPX Validator is a free online tool that checks a GPX file for structural errors and data problems, then explains exactly what it found. It separates hard errors (missing root element, invalid coordinates) from warnings (missing names, timestamp issues), shows a summary of the file's tracks, segments, points, routes, and waypoints, and can apply an automatic repair for the most common problems. Validation runs entirely in your browser — the file is parsed locally and never uploaded — and it is free with no account required.
Both GPX 1.0 and GPX 1.1 files are recognized, up to 25 MB.
How to Validate a GPX File
- Drag and drop a
.gpxfile onto the upload area, or click to browse (up to 25 MB). - Read the verdict: a green Valid or red Invalid status with separate lists of errors and warnings.
- Check the file information panel — GPX version, creator, and counts of tracks, segments, points, routes, and waypoints.
- If issues were found, click Attempt Repair to fix what can be fixed automatically; the repaired file is re-validated on the spot.
- Download the repaired copy (saved as
yourfile_repaired.gpx) or the untouched original.
What the Validator Checks
| Check | Reported as |
|---|---|
Missing root <gpx> element | Error |
| Missing or out-of-range latitude/longitude (±90° / ±180°) | Error |
| No tracks, routes, or waypoints at all | Error |
| Missing or mismatched version and namespace declarations, missing creator | Warning |
| Non-numeric elevation values, unparseable timestamps | Warning |
| Timestamps out of chronological order within a segment | Warning |
| Missing names, empty tracks or segments | Warning |
| Points at latitude 0, longitude 0 (likely GPS dropouts) | Warning |
The automatic repair adds a missing GPX namespace, version attribute, or creator attribute and fills empty <name> elements — it never removes or rewrites your existing data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. Parsing, validation, and repair all happen in your browser with JavaScript; the file never leaves your device.
What is the difference between an error and a warning?
Errors make the file invalid and are likely to break apps that read it. Warnings are quality issues — missing names, odd timestamps — that most software tolerates.
Can the repair fix a file that will not open at all?
It fixes missing root attributes and empty names. A file with broken XML — for example, one truncated mid-download — needs manual editing; see the corrupted-file guide below.
Does repairing change my original file?
Never. The repaired version downloads as a separate _repaired.gpx copy, and the original stays exactly as you loaded it.
Which GPX versions are supported?
GPX 1.0 and 1.1. Other version values are flagged with a warning rather than rejected.
Learn More
Request a Feature
Have an idea that would make this tool better? Post it on the feature request board and vote on what gets built next.