How do I open a TCX file created by Garmin ForeRunner 50 into a format that can be printed?
What are TCX Files?
TCX files are XML data files that are used with Garmin fitness devices such as your ForeRunner device. Your device should have come with software called the Garmin Training Center. If it did not, then you’ll want to make sure to head to Garmin.com/forerunner to download this software. When the ForeRunner device is within range of your computer, it wirelessly connects to this training center where you can view detailed information about your workouts.
Using the Garmin Training Center to Open and Print TCX Files
You can’t! I went ahead and downloaded the current version of the Garmin Training Center in the hopes of finding a print feature. After working in the software for a few minutes, I certainly understand your dilemma. There’s no print feature whatsoever!
Exporting Data and Opening the TCX File
Next, I looked for other export options other than exporting to a TCX file. No such luck. I created a dummy workout and exported it as a TCX file to see what other options I could find. Because it’s a data file, you can use Notepad to open it. Since I do not have a device, I couldn’t gauge the usefulness of using Notepad to view the data. I think a better option is to use Excel to open the TCX file.
With that in mind, I did. In this case, I had exported a test workout with very little information. Excel broke the data into various columns. Try using Excel and see if the data is laid out in a manner that makes sense.
Other Options
Why the Garmin Training Center lacks a print feature is beyond me as this seems like something people would want to use. If using Notepad and Excel don’t work well, the next best option that I can think of is to use the Print Screen function of your computer and then copy and paste the screenshot into a document or Microsoft Paint where you can print it out.
To use Print Screen, find the key on your keyboard labeled PrtSc. Pressing this key will create a screenshot. Now use the Edit > Paste command in Word, Microsoft Paint, or a similar program to paste the screenshot. From there, you can use the application’s print command to print it out.
Celeste Stewart | June 23rd, 2009
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Thanx a lot for help with printing tcx files. The data if opened in Excel is not in the correct format but the idea of taking screen shots helped a lot. It’s crazy that Garmin have no print function or option of exporting into another format.