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Troubleshooting

Solutions to common issues in FitFileViewer.

Common Issues​

File Won't Open​

Symptoms:

  • Error message when opening file
  • Application shows blank screen
  • File appears corrupted

Solutions:

  1. Verify file format

    • Ensure it's a .fit file
    • Check file isn't corrupted
    • Try re-exporting from your device

  2. Check file size

    • Very large files (100MB+) may take time
    • Wait for loading indicator to finish

  3. Try a different file

    • Test with another known-good FIT file
    • Check if issue is file-specific

No GPS Data Shown​

Symptoms:

  • Map tab shows "No GPS data"
  • Route doesn't appear on map

Causes & Solutions:

CauseSolution
Indoor activityGPS wasn't recorded - normal behavior
GPS disabledEnable GPS on device for future activities
Data corruptionRe-export or recover from device

Application Won't Start​

Windows Solutions:

  1. Run as Administrator

    • Right-click → Run as administrator

  2. Check antivirus

    • Add exception for FitFileViewer
    • Temporarily disable and test

  3. Reinstall

    • Uninstall completely
    • Download fresh copy
    • Reinstall

macOS Solutions:

  1. Security settings

    • System Preferences → Security & Privacy
    • Click "Open Anyway"

  2. Clear quarantine

    xattr -cr /Applications/FitFileViewer.app

Linux Solutions:

  1. Make executable

    chmod +x FitFileViewer*.AppImage

  2. Install dependencies

    # Ubuntu/Debian
    sudo apt-get install libgtk-3-0 libnotify4 libnss3

    # Fedora
    sudo dnf install gtk3 libnotify nss

Performance Issues​

Symptoms:

  • Slow loading
  • Laggy interface
  • High memory usage

Solutions:

  1. Close other applications

    • Free up system memory

  2. Check file size

    • Large files need more resources

  3. Restart application

    • Clear any memory leaks

  4. Update graphics drivers

    • Especially for map rendering

Display Issues​

Symptoms:

  • UI appears too small/large
  • Text is blurry
  • Colors look wrong

Solutions:

  1. Adjust DPI settings

    • Windows: Display settings → Scale
    • macOS: Display preferences

  2. Try different theme

    • Switch between light/dark mode

  3. Update application

    • Check for newer version

Charts Not Rendering​

Symptoms:

  • Blank chart area
  • Charts not interactive

Solutions:

  1. Check for data

    • Some activities may not have certain data types
    • HR chart needs heart rate data, etc.

  2. Reset view

    • Double-click to reset zoom

  3. Reload file

    • Ctrl/Cmd + R

Error Messages​

"Invalid FIT File"​

The file is corrupted or not a FIT file.

Solutions:

  • Re-export from original device
  • Try different file
  • Check file extension is .fit

"Failed to Parse Data"​

The FIT file structure is unexpected.

Solutions:

  • Update FitFileViewer to latest version
  • Report issue with sample file

"Out of Memory"​

The file is too large for available memory.

Solutions:

  • Close other applications
  • Increase system virtual memory
  • Try smaller file segments

Getting Help​

Check Documentation​

  • Browse this documentation site
  • Search for specific topics

Report Issues​

If you can't solve the problem:

  1. Go to GitHub Issues
  2. Click "New Issue"
  3. Provide:
    • Operating system and version
    • FitFileViewer version
    • Steps to reproduce
    • Error messages
    • Sample file (if possible)

Community​

  • Check existing issues for solutions
  • Join discussions on GitHub

FAQ​

Q: Why doesn't FitFileViewer support GPX files? A: FitFileViewer is specifically designed for FIT files, which contain richer data than GPX. GPX support may be added in the future.

Q: Can I edit my FIT files? A: No, FitFileViewer is a viewer only. It doesn't modify your files.

Q: Where are my preferences stored? A: In your system's app data folder. The exact location varies by OS.

Q: Is my data sent anywhere? A: No. FitFileViewer works completely offline. Your data stays on your computer.

Still stuck? Report an Issue