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Backing up, Viewing, and Transferring Data Using BaseCamp

User data such as waypoints, routes, tracks, activities, and geocaches can be irreplaceable and highly valued. Devices that record activities can be used with BaseCamp™ software however, there are other apps and websites they work best with. The GPSMAP® 66 & 67, GPSMAP® 86, and Montana® 700 outdoor handhelds are best used with the Garmin Explore™ app and website. Watches, like the fēnix® and MARQ® Collection, are best used with the fitness-based Garmin Connect™ app and/or website.

BaseCamp™ software supports a wide range of Garmin devices. However, there are some specific devices that are not compatible with BaseCamp. For more details, see - .

With the BaseCamp program you can back up your data, view the backed up data or data saved on your device, as well as transfer data to a device.

The videos below show multiple ways to complete the process, and the written instructions can be found underneath them.

Scenarios When Data Backup is Recommended

Before updating the Garmin device software
Before sending a Garmin device in for exchange
Before performing a full device reset or restore
To maintain an up-to-date database backup
To quickly edit user data and send it back to the Garmin device

To back up, view, and transfer data, first download and install the BaseCamp program.

Backing Up User Data

Backing up data on a regular basis can decrease the chances of data loss. This can be done in BaseCamp program by selecting (Windows) or (Mac) from the toolbar, or you can use one of the methods below. You can also export backed up data from the BaseCamp program to the computer to use with third-party software, share with others, or save to an external drive as an additional backup (see ).

NOTE: There can only be one waypoint, track, or route with the same name in the BaseCamp program. When necessary, the BaseCamp program will automatically add a number to the end of file names to avoid duplicates in My Collection, even when the files are located in different lists or list folders in My Collection. For example, many Garmin outdoor handhelds will assign "001" as the default name of the first saved waypoint, "002" for the second waypoint, and so on. If you backed up three different handhelds in the BaseCamp program and each had a "001" waypoint saved on them, the waypoints from the second and third handhelds will automatically be renamed to "0011" and "0012" in the BaseCamp program.

Device Menu

Connect the device to the computer using the provided USB cable.
- Power on the device, if needed.
Open the BaseCamp program.
- Wait for the device to be listed on the left.
  Examples:
Select Device (Windows) or Transfer (Mac) in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Select Receive from Device.
Select the device.
- On Mac you will also be prompted to select checkboxes for the items to transfer.
Select OK (Windows) or Receive (Mac).

This backs up user data from the device and saves it to My Collection.

Drag and Drop

Connect the device to the computer using the provided USB cable.
- Power on the device, if needed.
Open the BaseCamp program.
- Wait for the device to be listed on the left. Examples:
Select the device on the left.
The files saved in the device will now be shown in the lower-left panel. Click and drag the desired file(s) onto a list in My Collection.

This backs up user data from the device and saves it to My Collection.

Right-Click

Connect the device to the computer using the provided USB cable.
- Power on the device, if needed.
Open the BaseCamp program.
- Wait for the device to be listed on the left. Examples:
Right-click the Internal Storage folder below the device.
- Mac users: Right-click (or press and hold the Control key while you click) the device name.
Select Send To... (Windows) or Receive From Device... (Mac).
- Windows: you will be prompted to select the location where you want to store the data (e.g. My Collection).
- Mac: you will be prompted to select checkboxes for the items to transfer into My Collection.
Select OK (Windows) or Receive (Mac).

This backs up user data from the device and saves it to My Collection. When right-clicking My Collection, there is a New List option. Choosing this creates a list within the My Collection folder, helping to organize data within BaseCamp by separating it from all other data. For more information, see -

Viewing Data

BaseCamp software can be used to view the data saved in your compatible Garmin device on a larger scale. Data that you have backed up from your device will be saved in My Collection.

NOTE: When working with large amounts of data, Lists can be used to declutter the map by filtering out any tracks, routes, or waypoints that you are not presently needing to view. Creating a List and adding the item you wish to edit to that list allows you to view just that one item while hiding everything else. For more information, see - .

Viewing Data Saved in a Device

Connect the device to the computer using the provided USB cable.
- Power on the device, if needed.
Open the BaseCamp program.
- Wait for the device to be listed on the left.
  Examples:
Left-click the Internal Storage folder below the device.
- Mac users: Left-click the device name.

The data saved in the device will now be shown in the lower-left panel. Examples of how this looks:

Windows Mac

Viewing Data Saved in BaseCamp Software

Open the BaseCamp program.
From the upper left panel, left-click the desired folder ( ) or list ().
- NOTE: Backed up data that has not been organized into another folder or list should be found in a Data Received from... folder ( ).

The backed up data will now be shown in the lower-left panel. Examples of how this looks:

Windows Mac

Selecting and Transferring Data

If you have created or edited data within BaseCamp, you can then send it to a Garmin device. After selecting the data you wish to send, you can select (Windows) or (Mac) from the toolbar, or you can use one of the methods below.

NOTE: If you transfer a waypoint(s) with a custom symbol from BaseCamp to your device, the custom symbol will only transfer with the waypoint if the device you are transferring to also supports that symbol by default. The BaseCamp program contains many custom waypoint symbols for marine, outdoor, and automotive devices, but not all symbols will be supported by every Garmin device.