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Quick Start Guide

Get started with FitFileViewer in under 5 minutes!

Step 1: Launch the Application​

After installing FitFileViewer, launch it from:

  • Windows: Start Menu or Desktop shortcut
  • macOS: Applications folder or Spotlight
  • Linux: Application menu or run the AppImage

Step 2: Open a FIT File​

You have three ways to open a FIT file:

Option A: Drag and Drop (Easiest)​

Simply drag your .fit file from your file manager and drop it into the FitFileViewer window.

Option B: File Menu​

  1. Click File in the menu bar
  2. Select Open FIT File
  3. Navigate to your FIT file
  4. Click Open

Option C: Keyboard Shortcut​

Press Ctrl+O (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+O (macOS) to open the file dialog.

Where are my FIT files?

FIT files are typically synced from your device to:

  • Garmin Connect: Check your Garmin folder or export from the web app
  • Strava/Other: Export activities as FIT files from the service
  • Direct USB: Connect your device and navigate to the Activities folder

Step 3: Explore Your Data​

Once your file is loaded, you'll see four main tabs:

🗺️ Map Tab​

View your GPS route on an interactive map:

  • Zoom: Mouse wheel or +/- buttons
  • Pan: Click and drag
  • Layers: Click the layers button to change map style
  • Fullscreen: Click the fullscreen button for a larger view

Map View

📊 Charts Tab​

Analyze your performance data:

  • Speed/Pace: Track your velocity over time
  • Heart Rate: Monitor your effort levels
  • Elevation: See the terrain profile
  • Power/Cadence: For cycling activities

Interactions:

  • Zoom: Scroll to zoom in/out
  • Pan: Click and drag to move
  • Reset: Double-click to reset view

📋 Tables Tab​

Explore detailed data records:

  • Sort: Click column headers
  • Filter: Use the search box
  • Navigate: Use pagination controls
  • Export: Copy as CSV

📄 Summary Tab​

View key statistics:

  • Activity date and duration
  • Distance and average speed
  • Heart rate zones (if available)
  • Calories burned
  • GPS data quality

Step 4: Customize Your View​

Change Theme​

Click the theme toggle (☀️/🌙) in the top-right to switch between light and dark modes.

Adjust Units​

FitFileViewer automatically detects your preferred units from your device. You can also manually change between metric and imperial in the settings.

Step 5: Export Your Data​

Export Chart as Image​

  1. Right-click on any chart
  2. Select Save as Image
  3. Choose format (PNG recommended)

Export Table Data​

  1. Navigate to the Tables tab
  2. Click the Copy button or right-click
  3. Select Copy as CSV
  4. Paste into Excel or another spreadsheet

Common Actions​

ActionWindows/LinuxmacOS
Open FileCtrl+OCmd+O
ReloadCtrl+RCmd+R
Toggle ThemeCtrl+TCmd+T
FullscreenF11Ctrl+Cmd+F
Zoom InCtrl+=Cmd+=
Zoom OutCtrl+-Cmd+-

What's Next?​

Now that you've loaded your first file, explore more features:

Video Tutorial​

Coming soon! A video walkthrough of FitFileViewer's main features.

Sample FIT Files​

Want to test the app but don't have a FIT file? You can:

  1. Export from Garmin Connect: Download any of your activities
  2. Use Sample Files: Check the fit-test-files folder in the repository
  3. Record a New Activity: Use your fitness device to record an activity

Need Help? Check the Troubleshooting Guide or Report an Issue