Opening FIT Files

Learn how to open FIT files and manage your activities in FitFileViewer.

Opening Methods

🖱️ Drag and Drop

The easiest way to open a file:

1. Open FitFileViewer
2. Drag your .fit file from your file explorer
3. Drop it anywhere in the application window
4. The file loads automatically

📁 File Menu

Use the traditional file menu:

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

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcut

Quick keyboard access:

• Windows/Linux: Ctrl + O
• macOS: Cmd + O

📋 Recent Files

Access recently opened files:

1. Click File in the menu bar
2. View the Recent Files list
3. Click any file to reopen it

Where to Find FIT Files

Garmin Devices

When connected via USB:

/Garmin/Activities/

Common locations after sync:

• Garmin Express: ~/Garmin/<Device>/Activities/
• Garmin Connect: Export from the web app

Export from Services

Most fitness platforms allow FIT exports:

Platform	Export Method
Garmin Connect	Activity → Gear icon → Export Original
Strava	Activity → ⋮ → Export GPX/FIT
TrainingPeaks	File → Export

Supported File Types

Extension	Format	Support
.fit	Garmin FIT	✅ Full
.FIT	Garmin FIT (uppercase)	✅ Full

note

FitFileViewer currently only supports FIT files. GPX, TCX, and other formats are not supported.

File Validation

When opening a file, FitFileViewer:

1. Validates the format - Ensures it's a valid FIT file
2. Parses the data - Extracts records, laps, and sessions
3. Processes GPS data - Prepares map visualization
4. Calculates statistics - Generates summary metrics

Error Messages

Error	Cause	Solution
"Invalid FIT file"	Corrupted or wrong format	Re-export or get new file
"No GPS data"	Indoor activity	Map tab won't show route
"File too large"	Very long activity	Wait for processing

File Size Guidelines

File Size	Typical Content	Load Time
< 5 MB	1-2 hour activity	Instant
5-20 MB	Long ride/run	1-3 seconds
20-50 MB	Ultra event	3-10 seconds
50+ MB	Multi-day event	10+ seconds

Best Practices

1. Keep original files - Don't modify your FIT files
2. Organize by date - Create folders by year/month
3. Back up regularly - FIT files are your fitness history
4. Use descriptive names - Rename for easy identification

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Next: Understanding the Interface →