exporting tracks from BaseCamp

You can save it wherever you want to put it.
Just organize your files so that it makes sense to you.

To open GPX files with basecamp use File > Import.

Since GPX is mostly that universal file format for GPS related files there are many other applications that can open those files. Some will display it on a map similar to BaseCamp or RoadTrip, while some will only massage details of the data.

exporting tracks from BaseCamp

I exported files from BaseCamp to a folder on my desk top. When I open that folder it opens in Textedit and is pretty much read only code. It doesn't seem to matter where I export it, it will still open in textedit. What is the best application to use to open the .GPX file?

Why do you want to open it in an app. other than BaseCamp or RoadTrip? If clicking the file doesn't launch one of these, you need to change your file association.

BaseCamp or RoadTrip will not open gpx files when you double click them.

You must use File > Import.....

GPX files are nothing but plain text files.
They are coded in XML.

If you want to edit them on the Mac: TextWrangler, BBedit or any other plain text editor is the best kind of app to use for editing the code.

Apples TextEdit will work, but you must be very careful of the file format when you save the file. TextEdit saves as RTF by default.

BaseCamp or RoadTrip will not open gpx files when you double click them.

You must use File > Import.....

You're right, my mistake. I've got .gpx files associated with BaseCamp but I've obviously never tried a direct click to open. I'm quite surprised that it doesn't work though.

I exported files from BaseCamp to a folder on my desk top. When I open that folder it opens in Textedit and is pretty much read only code. It doesn't seem to matter where I export it, it will still open in textedit. What is the best application to use to open the .GPX file?

You can associate the .gpx extension to open with and program the read text but xml editors format the text much better. If you get info on a file with a gpx extension, The Open with: drop down will allow you to select any application that reads text files. The Change All... button will make all gpx extension open with the application selected. You can also right click and choose Open with that displays a list.

Why do you want to open it in an app. other than BaseCamp or RoadTrip? If clicking the file doesn't launch one of these, you need to change your file association.

BaseCamp does not have a batch change function at this point in time. You can use the gpx export to batch change symbol. For example, if you export the symbol you want to change ( the black rectangular flag) and the symbol you want to use (green tent) and look at the gpx file in a text editor, I use BBEdit, you will find <sym>Waypoint</sym> for the flag and <sym>Campground</sym> for the tent.

Next export all the flags you want to change. Delete the flags in BaseCamp (make a backup before deleting) or put them in a folder so you can easily deleted. Use a text editor to change <sym>Waypoint</sym> to <sym>Campground</sym> and import back to BaseCamp.