A GPX file contains your complete activity data — the GPS route, timestamps, speed, elevation, heart rate, and more. A GPX photo overlay takes that data and layers it visually onto a photo, turning a plain image into a full activity summary.

This is how cyclists, runners, and hikers create those posts you see on Instagram and Strava with stats and a route map embedded directly into the photo — not as a separate card, but as part of the image itself.

What Is a GPX Photo Overlay?

When you record an activity with a GPS device (Garmin, Wahoo, Apple Watch, phone) or an app (Strava, Komoot), the device saves a file containing your route coordinates and sensor data. This is the GPX file.

A GPX photo overlay tool reads that file and renders the data — as numbers, charts, or a map — on top of a photo you choose. The result is a single exportable image with your activity baked in.

What You Need

A .gpx file from your activity
A photo (optional — you can also export as transparent PNG)
A browser — no app install or account required

How to Create a GPX Photo Overlay with Stamptivity

Stamptivity is a free, browser-based GPX overlay tool. Everything runs locally in your browser — your files never leave your device.

Step 1: Get Your GPX File

Export your GPX from whichever platform recorded your activity:

Step 2: Upload the GPX

Open Stamptivity and drop your .gpx file onto the upload zone. Your stats — distance, speed, elevation, time, heart rate — are read instantly.

Step 3: Add a Photo Background

In the editor, click the canvas to upload a photo. This becomes the background layer. The stat widgets and route map render on top of it.

If you don't have a photo, skip this step and export as a transparent PNG — you can then composite it onto a photo in any image editor.

Step 4: Add the Route Map Widget

In the Elements panel, click Map to add your GPS route to the canvas. The route is drawn from your GPX coordinates as a coloured line, with optional start and end markers.

You can customise the line colour, width, and style to match your photo.

Step 5: Add Stat Widgets

Add any combination of stats: distance, average speed, elevation gain, total time, heart rate, cadence. Drag each widget to position it anywhere on the canvas.

Step 6: Export

Download as JPG (with your photo background) or PNG (transparent overlay). Both are sized to exactly the canvas dimensions you chose.

Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio

The canvas ratio should match where you're posting:

Platform	Recommended ratio
Instagram feed	4:5 or 1:1
Instagram Stories / TikTok	9:16
Twitter / X	16:9
Facebook	16:9 or 1:1
Strava photo	3:2

Switch ratios anytime in the Canvas tab — your widgets stay on the canvas and you just reposition as needed.

Tips for a Clean Overlay

Darkening the photo (20–40% overlay opacity) makes stat text readable without obscuring the image
Enable text shadows on individual widgets for contrast on busy backgrounds
Lock in a colour theme using the Accent Colour option — one click changes the highlight colour across all widgets
Save as a preset once you have a layout you like — load it next time in one click

Supported Activity Types

Stamptivity works with GPX files from any activity type: cycling, running, hiking, walking. It auto-detects the type and shows the most relevant stats by default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it work on mobile? Yes. Stamptivity runs in any modern mobile browser. For complex layouts, desktop gives you more control.

Is it free? Completely free, no account required.

What if my GPX has no heart rate data? The heart rate widget will show no data. All other stats (distance, speed, elevation, time) will still work as long as your GPS recorded them.

Can I overlay on a photo I took with my phone? Yes. Any JPEG, PNG, or WebP photo works as a background.

GPX Photo Overlay — How to Add Your Route and Stats to Any Photo