FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about GPS art and Draw My Loop.
What is GPS art?
GPS art (also called Strava art or running art) is the practice of planning a running or cycling route that, when traced on a map, forms a recognizable shape — an animal, a word, a symbol, etc. You follow the route with a GPS watch or phone, and the recorded track creates the artwork.
Is Draw My Loop free to use?
Yes, the entire Studio (manual drawing, projection, GPX export) and the Explorer are 100% free. Only the upcoming 'Auto-fit' feature (smart automatic placement) will be offered as a premium option.
How do I export my route to Strava or Garmin?
Once your route is ready, click 'Export GPX'. The downloaded .gpx file can be imported into Strava (Routes > Create Route > Import), Garmin Connect, Komoot, or any GPS device that supports GPX files.
Do routes follow real roads?
Yes. Draw My Loop uses OpenStreetMap road data and smart snapping algorithms. When you draw a shape or place points on the map, the route is automatically calculated along real roads, paths, and bike lanes.
Can I use it for cycling too?
Absolutely. You can switch between running and cycling mode. The routing engine adapts to use appropriate roads — for example, it will prefer bike lanes and avoid pedestrian-only paths in cycling mode.
What shapes can I create?
The shape library includes animals (cat, dog, bird, butterfly...), geometric shapes (star, heart, hexagon...), letters, symbols, and more. You can also draw freehand, import images to vectorize, or type text to project onto roads.
Does it work outside of France?
Draw My Loop works worldwide thanks to OpenStreetMap data. However, road snapping accuracy is best in well-mapped areas. Major cities across Europe, North America, and Asia work great.
How long does a GPS art route typically take?
It depends on the shape size. A simple shape (like a heart) can be 5-10 km and take about 30-60 minutes running. Larger detailed designs (like an animal) can be 15-40 km. The estimated distance is shown before you export.