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.tcx

Training Center XML

Maps & GPS

TCX is Training Center Database XML for activities, laps and courses. It may include heart rate and more than GPS positions, but receiving applications need not support every extension.

Main use
Exchange activities, laps and courses in XML
Data type
Text data
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

TCX-compatible software such as Garmin Connect

Preserve the original and inspect a working copy in a compatible application.

  1. Import a copy into compatible activity software.
  2. Inspect activity/course type, time, laps and trackpoints.
  3. Inspect XML text if necessary without directly rewriting the original.
Inspect the received file and its requirements

Establish dependencies and settings before proceeding.

  1. Identify Activities, Courses or other content.
  2. Inspect namespaces, encoding and extensions.
  3. Establish whether GPS data exists or the activity is indoor.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Import fails: inspect XML integrity and supported TCX content.
  • No map: indoor activity may lack positions.
  • Empty export: inspect long-activity limitations and consider original FIT.
  • Sensors missing: inspect extension fields and recipient support.

TCX → GPX / supported FIT workflow / CSV

  1. Read with compatible software and choose output for location, activity or analysis needs.
  2. Verify activity/course type, times, distance, laps and required sensors.

Conversion cannot add absent GPS/sensor values and may lose application-specific fields.

Valid XML still needs application support

TCX has namespaces and a defined structure. XML parsing and activity-site acceptance are separate conditions; inspect the consumer’s supported content.

Source for these steps：Garmin · Training Center Database v2 schema / Garmin · Empty TCX/GPX activity export

Worked example: checks before handoff

Example: if a course delivery accidentally contains an activity, establish whether the app must export a course rather than renaming the file.

Source for these steps：Garmin · Training Center Database v2 schema / Garmin · Empty TCX/GPX activity export

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / methodPurpose and preserved information
.tcxExchange activities, laps and courses in XML
GPX / FITGPX mainly exchanges GPS data; FIT is binary device/activity data.
TCX → GPX / supported FIT workflow / CSVConversion cannot add absent GPS/sensor values and may lose application-specific fields.

Handling and security

Activity records can expose location, routines and health-related data; review recipients and visibility.

Questions and answers

Is TCX only a route?

It can hold activities, laps and courses, including records without positions.

Should I shift all timestamps manually?

Laps and accumulated fields must remain consistent; preserve originals and use supported tools.

Can a long activity export empty?

When export limitations apply, consult the producer about using original FIT.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Training Center XML
Steward / specification
Garmin
MIME type
Consult the producer or delivery system. The extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources