How to turn a GPX file into an STL
A GPX file is only a line, so turning it into a model needs terrain data around it. TrekForge does this for you and gives you two STL files, free and with no account.
The steps
- Get your file. See how to export a GPX file, or try one of the examples.
- Upload it. For a multi-day walk, add one file per day.
- Check the map. Make sure every file appears, in the right place, with no stray straight lines.
- Build the model. TrekForge fetches the terrain for the area and builds it. This usually takes under a minute.
- Adjust it. Change the size and height in the live 3D preview. See choosing size and height.
- Download. You get one STL for the terrain and one for the route.
Why two files?
The route is a separate piece that sits in a groove in the terrain. That lets you print it in a second colour on any filament printer: print the terrain, change filament, and print the route.
Before you print
- Open both files in your slicer, the free program that prepares a model for your printer.
- Check that the model fits your printer's bed.
- Do not resize either file in the slicer, or the route will no longer fit its groove.
- Follow "How to assemble" on the download step, which has the right orientation and supports for your model.
Last checked 1 November 2026.