Simplify a GPX file
A long recording can contain far more points than a watch or route planner needs. Set a maximum point count and simplify the path into a smaller GPX. Review the result before downloading — fewer points mean less detail, and your original file stays untouched.
Open the tool
Opens the GPX simplifier: drop in your file and the editor opens with this tool ready. Your file stays on your device — nothing is uploaded.
Open the GPX simplifierHow to simplify a GPX file
- Open your file. Drop a GPX file with one track segment into the editor. The Simplify tool opens ready; importing does not change the track.
- Set the point limit. Enter a whole number of at least 2 in Maximum points. Start with 2,000, or use the limit your device supports.
- Apply, review & download. Click Apply simplify, check the remaining point count and track, then export GPX from the Download menu. Use Undo to restore detail or try another limit.
Formats & what's kept
- Input: GPX with one recorded track segment. Other formats and GPX files with multiple tracks or segments, only routes, or only waypoints are not supported by Simplify.
- Output: GPX 1.1
- Preserved: The first and last track points, plus coordinates, elevation, timestamps and sensor readings on retained points. For GPX tracks, waypoints and unknown extensions on retained points are kept.
- Changed or dropped: Removed points and all their readings are dropped. The shape is approximated, so distance, speed and elevation statistics can change. A point limit is a maximum, not an exact count or a guarantee of geographic accuracy.
A real example
A bike computer accepts fewer points than your all-day recording contains. Simplify a copy to its point limit, inspect tight turns and switchbacks, and keep the original for detailed activity analysis.
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| 10,000 recorded points | 2,000-point limit · 2,000 or fewer retained |
Try it yourself with a free sample GPX file — the numbers above are illustrative of a typical case.
Privacy
This edit runs entirely in your browser using the W3C File API — your file is never uploaded, and your original is left untouched (the editor works on a copy). This tool makes no network requests at all to do its job; only route planning and snapping, which this tool doesn't perform, would ever send coordinates to a routing provider.
Frequently asked questions
How does the point limit work?
The existing Douglas–Peucker simplifier removes intermediate points while approximating the track's shape. It aims for at most your chosen count; a nearly straight section may need far fewer points. If the file is already within the limit, it stays unchanged.
Will timestamps and sensor readings survive?
Yes, on retained points. Removed points take their timestamps, elevation and sensor readings with them. Simplification suits a lighter navigation file; keep the full recording for detailed pace, elevation or heart-rate analysis.
Can I choose an exact file size or accuracy in metres?
No. This tool sets a maximum point count, not a byte size or a distance tolerance. Extensions and waypoints also contribute to file size. Check the exported file against your device's limits and inspect the simplified path before using it.
Can I undo simplification?
Yes. Undo restores the previous track while it remains in the editor, and Redo reapplies the result. The file on your device is never overwritten; Download creates a separate GPX.
Why is Simplify unavailable for my file?
The tool supports GPX with one recorded track segment. Other formats and GPX files with multiple tracks or segments, only routes, or only standalone waypoints can still be viewed and downloaded. Simplify stays disabled when it cannot preserve recorded legs, structure, metadata or extensions.