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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model PCD Files to PLY

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or PCD (Point Cloud Library) model files to a standard PLY (Stanford Triangle Format) file that can then be edited further in most popular 3D editing packages such as Blender or 3D printed without any further processing. Our conversion tool can also batch convert multiple PCD files; up to 25 files at a time can be converted.

100 MB
Uploads

To convert your PCD file, click the Upload button above and select the file to convert. Once selected, the file will be converted to a PLY file and will be ready for download shortly afterwards. For more information about the PCD to PLY conversion process, see the conversion information section below.

How to Convert your PCD to PLY Online?

Here are two simple steps to convert your PCD to PLY.

Upload a PCD

Click the "Upload a PCD File" button and select a PCD to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your PLY

Click the download link once completed to receive your PLY file.

File Format Information for PCD to PLY

ExtensionPCD
Full NamePoint Cloud Library
Type3D Model/Point Cloud
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatText & Binary
ToolsPCD Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create PCD Animation, Compress PCD, Text to PCD, PCD Viewer

Description

PCD files are a Point Cloud 3D format created to enable high-speed loading and saving of Point Cloud data to either a text-based format or a compressed binary format.

The format can be either text-based or binary. In the text format, point coordinates are stored on a single line with an option color value. The file contains a header section that defines the data fields that are present in both text and binary formats.

ExtensionPLY
Full NameStanford Triangle Format
Type3D Model/Point Cloud
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatText & Binary
ToolsPLY Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create PLY Animation, Compress PLY, Text to PLY, PLY Viewer
Open WithBlender, MeshLab

Description

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 or 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 Notes

PLY files support per-vertex color information. If your uploaded model contains color information, our tool will attempt to save this in the PLY file at the end of the conversion process.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Vertex colors
  • Binary and text versions are supported when converting from PLY
  • Binary-only version when converting to PLY

Comparing PCD and PLY Features

 

PCD Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

PLY Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

Frequently Asked Questions

What format is my PLY file saved as?

The PLY file generated by our tool will be in the binary little endian format.

How does ImageToStl.com differ from other PCD file conversion websites?

Many 3D file conversion websites use the same off-the-shelf components to convert files, these often lack features and full PCD file compatibility. Our bespoke file conversion tools offer full PCD file compatibility and have been developed in-house by a team of developers, some of whom have over 30 years of experience working with 3D graphics file formats, meaning our tools will convert your PCD file quickly and accurately with maximum compatibility.

I have several PCD files; can I batch convert my PCD to PLY?

Yes! Our PCD tool supports full batch conversions. You can upload up to 25 and PCD files at a time. Our tool will convert them all as quickly as possible. Once completed, you can either download the PLY files individually or download them all in a single ZIP file.

How can I convert my PCD file to PLY?

First click the "Upload..." button, select your PCD file to upload. Select any configuration options. When the PCD to PLY conversion has completed, you can download your PLY file straight away.

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

We aim to process all PCD to PLY conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds but can be more for larger more complex files so please be patient.

How accurate is the PCD to PLY conversion?

We aim to create the most accurate conversions with our tools. Our tools are under constant development with new features and improvements being added every week.

Is it safe to convert my PCD to PLY on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the PCD file you submit to us. The resulting PLY file, once created is deleted 20 minutes after upload and the download link will expire after this time.

Do I need a high-spec. computer to use the PCD to PLY converter?

No. All our conversion tools process your PCD file on our dedicated conversion servers, meaning you can use our tools on low-spec computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices and receive your converted PLY file quickly.

Can I convert my PCD to PLY on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or Mac OS?

Yes! Our PCD to PLY tool will run on any system with a modern web browser. No specialist software is needed to run any of our conversion tools.

What if I am using an Ad Blocker, will that affect things?

Yes. Although you can use an Ad Blocker, if you like our PCD conversion tool please consider white-listing our site. When an Ad Blocker is enabled there are some conversion limits on some of our tools and processing/conversion times will be longer.

Can I get support with converting my PCD to PLY?

Yes. When you have converted your PCD to PLY, there is a "Feedback" option that you can use to let us know of any issues you encountered when converting your file.

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