Overview
The File Upload source lets you manually upload FIT or GPX files directly to FitGlue. This is useful when you have activity data from a device that doesn't have a direct FitGlue integration, or when you want to process an older activity file. FIT files from Garmin, Wahoo, and other ANT+ devices are the richest format, containing full sensor streams (HR, power, cadence, GPS, running dynamics). GPX files contain GPS routes but typically lack sensor data.
Data Ingested
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| FIT files | Full sensor streams: HR, GPS, cadence, power, speed, altitude, running dynamics, temperature — everything recorded by the device |
| GPX files | GPS coordinates and timestamps; elevation if recorded by device |
| Title | Auto-generated from activity type and time of day (e.g., "Morning Run") unless you provide a custom title |
| Activity type | Detected from the file's activity type field |
FIT vs GPX comparison
| Capability | FIT | GPX |
|---|---|---|
| GPS route | ✅ | ✅ |
| Heart rate stream | ✅ | ❌ (usually) |
| Power data | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cadence | ✅ | ❌ |
| Running dynamics | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lap/split data | ✅ | ❌ |
| Temperature | ✅ | ❌ |
| File size | Smaller (binary) | Larger (XML) |
Sync mechanism
Manual upload — You drag and drop a file or select one from your device in the FitGlue web interface or mobile app. The activity enters your pipeline immediately upon upload.
Setup
- No integration or connection is required for file upload.
- Navigate to your FitGlue Dashboard and use the upload panel.
- Drop a
.fitor.gpxfile, or tap to select one from your device. - Optionally provide a custom title (leave blank for auto-generated names).
- Select the pipeline you want the activity to flow through.
Tier
File Upload is included in Hobbyist (free tier).
Common Issues
"Unsupported file format" — Only .fit and .gpx files are supported. TCX, CSV, and other formats are not currently accepted. If you have a TCX file, many online tools can convert it to GPX.
Activity title shows "File Upload" or filename — If you upload without providing a custom title, FitGlue auto-generates a descriptive name from the activity type and time of day (e.g., "Afternoon Ride"). Earlier versions used the filename — this is now fixed.
No heart rate in GPX upload — GPX files rarely contain heart rate data. If you need HR, use the original FIT file from your device (check the device storage or manufacturer's desktop app). Alternatively, use the Fitbit Heart Rate booster to merge HR from a wearable.
Large file upload timeout — Very large FIT files (multi-hour activities with dense sensor recording) may time out. Try reducing the recording frequency on your device for future activities, or contact support if a critical file fails to upload.
FIT file from unknown device — FitGlue supports FIT files from all major manufacturers (Garmin, Wahoo, Suunto, Coros, etc.). If a FIT file fails to parse, it may use a non-standard extension to the FIT protocol.
Dependencies
- None — File Upload requires no external integration.