Home3D Model ConverterSTL ConverterConvert STL to PLY

Free Online STL to PLY Converter

Or drag and drop your files here to upload.
A maximum of 20 files can be uploaded at once.

Please note: Your STL file, once uploaded to our server will be deleted 15 minutes after upload so please download your converted STL file before this time.

How to Convert your STL to PLY Online?

Here are 2 simple steps to convert your STL to PLY using our fast and free STL converter tool.

Upload your STL file

Click the "Upload a STL File" button, then select a STL to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your PLY

Click the download link to receive your PLY file.

File format information for STL and PLY

ExtensionSTL
Full NameStandard Triangle Language
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-pki.stl
FormatText
Opens WithBlender, MeshLab, CAD Assistant, DAZ Studio

The STL file format has its roots in the 1980's and is the native file format for 3D Systems stereolithography CAD software. The format defines a triangulated mesh with vertices and faces and is a popular format for sharing 3D printable model files.

There were several formats that attempted to extend the STL format namely SolidView and VisCAM whose formats included limited 15-bit color information for each mesh face which is often ignored by most modern 3D software. The STL format can be either Text or Binary, our tools will support both formats.

STL Converter Capabilities

When converting 3D Model/Mesh files using our [ey] converter we will attempt to convert color materials into a suitable format for use in the converted file.

ExtensionPLY
Full NameStanford Triangle Format
Type3D Model/Point Cloud
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatText
Opens WithBlender, MeshLab

The PLY format is a 3D model format originally developed and released in 1994 with its primary use being to store three-dimensional data from 3D digital scanners. The format known as the Polygon File Format and also the Stanford Triangle Format can be either a binary or text based format.

The file format stores 3D geometric information such as vertices, faces, vertex normals, color and other custom data. The format is still in use with many PLY models available to download and PLY files can be loaded into most popular 3D applications such as Blender.

PLY Converter Capabilities

When converting your STL to PLY our tool will attempt to accurately convert any color/material information.

Information for converting from STL to PLY

Your STL file will be converted to a PLY file using our unified 3D model and mesh conversion tool. Our STL 3D tool performs accurate conversions of 3D elements such as vertices, faces, normals and relevant material information. As both STL and PLY support color material information our tool will also attempt to convert the color information too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my STL file to PLY?

First click the "Upload..." button, select your STL file to upload. Your STL file will be uploaded to our servers. When the STL to PLY conversion has completed, you can download your PLY file straight away.

How long does it take to convert my STL to PLY?

We aim to process all STL to PLY conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds however this can be longer for certain files, so please be patient.

How accurate is the conversion to the PLY 3D Point Cloud format?

Our STL conversion tool will extract only the vertex data from your STL file. This will then be used to create the final PLY file.