Garmin POI Loader for Mac

Used Garmin POI Loader for Mac?

Garmin POI Loader Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Garmin POI Loader is a free utility designed for Mac users to manage Points of Interest (POIs) for Garmin GPS devices. This software allows users to easily load custom POIs, enhancing the GPS experience by adding personal or community-sourced locations. The interface is straightforward, making it accessible for both novices and experienced users. Users can import various types of POI files, including those from CSV or GPX formats, streamlining the process of customizing navigation data.

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In addition to loading POIs, Garmin POI Loader provides features for organizing and categorizing locations, ensuring that users can efficiently manage their custom entries. It also supports the creation of alerts for specific POIs, which can be beneficial for users who wish to be notified of nearby points of interest. Overall, Garmin POI Loader serves as a valuable tool for enhancing Garmin GPS devices with personalized location data.

Garmin POI Loader for Mac

Used Garmin POI Loader for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 1, 2020

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 2.4.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Catalina
macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra
OS X El Capitan
OS X Yosemite
OS X Mavericks
OS X Mountain Lion
OS X Lion

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 3,398

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.6/5

7 User Votes

Has never worked for my own CSV files
Alan TempletonMarch 8, 2011
Pros
I have been able to load some CSV files downloaded from the internet. I have also been able to load GPI files that other applications created.
Cons
I have never been able to upload a CSV file that I have created. I have to use MacGarmin Tools to create files I can upload.
Summary
Marginally useful.
I have only used it once
rickster24February 26, 2011
Pros
I really have no great pro or con
Cons
I only see that it is an update
Summary
It helps you to keep your Garmin updated
Does NOT work on PPC Macs - despite specs
Sugith1January 27, 2011
Pros
Unable to install on PPC Mac, even though it says it can. When installer checks your system, a message comes up saying "This software requires Intel Mac."
Cons
Inaccurate specs. Does not run on PPC Macs.
Summary
The POI Loader worked perfectly on my Mac G4
UrbanBassman--2008October 14, 2010
Pros
Very easy to download and install. Even easier to use. My G4 Mac is running Tiger, 10.4.11
Cons
I have no complaints about the product
Summary
Streetpilot c330
graffixJuly 28, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Works great with my Streetpilot c330. It was a simple process: 1. Download some POI files (I got them from poi-factory.com) and put them in a common folder 2. Connect your GPS to your Mac and turn it on 3. Fire up the POI Loader and point it at the folder you put the .gpx and .csv POI files in. 4. Click the button to upload them to the GPS (make sure your units of measurement are correct). 5. Voila! I had no compatibility problems, unlike some of the previous commentators. I've been waiting for this program for about two years, and I'm glad it's finally here, and working.
Still buggy
VersionTrackerUserOpinionJune 29, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I have been trying the Mac POI Loader with my Nuvi 650. I have found the following problems: 1. After choosing my folder with POIs to upload I get the warning message "There is a data format error on line 115 of file . The data earlier in the file will be written, but no more data can be read from this file." When I select OK the warning closes. When I select Continue on the POI Loader window I get a spinning beachball followed by a closing of the application. The Custom POIs to upload and appear to work fine. 2. When I load the POIs to a SD card directly I get the same error message but the application uploads the files to the card without crashing at completion. Unlike the PC version of POI Loader I am never taken to a speed or redlight distance dialogue. Bottom Line: This beta will upload your Custom POIs but is not up to speed with the PC version yet.
Still buggy
VersionTrackerUserOpinionJune 29, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I have been trying the Mac POI Loader with my Nuvi 650. I have found the following problems: 1. After choosing my folder with POIs to upload I get the warning message "There is a data format error on line 115 of file . The data earlier in the file will be written, but no more data can be read from this file." When I select OK the warning closes. When I select Continue on the POI Loader window I get a spinning beachball followed by a closing of the application. The Custom POIs to upload and appear to work fine. 2. When I load the POIs to a SD card directly I get the same error message but the application uploads the files to the card without crashing at completion. Unlike the PC version of POI Loader I am never taken to a speed or redlight distance dialogue. Bottom Line: This beta will upload your Custom POIs but is not up to speed with the PC version yet.

Developer’s Description

Load custom points of interest to Garmin GPS units.

POI Loader allows you to load custom points of interest into your unit. The input files can be downloaded from the internet or you can create your own. With POI Loader, you can configure the unit to alert you when you are within a certain distance of a point or if you are driving over a certain speed near a point; perfect to warn you about upcoming schools zones, red lights and speed cameras. The unit will also allow you to search for and navigate to the loaded points of interest.