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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model PLY Files to GLTF

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or PLY (Stanford Triangle Format) model files to a standard GLTF (Graphics Language Transmission 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 PLY files; up to 25 files at a time can be converted.

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

How to Convert your PLY to GLTF Online?

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

Upload a PLY

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

Download your GLTF

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

File Format Information for PLY to GLTF

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

If your PLY file contains vertex colors, these will be imported and mapped where possible.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Vertex colors
  • Binary and text versions are supported when converting from PLY
  • Binary-only version when converting to PLY
ExtensionGLTF
Full NameGraphics Language Transmission Format
Type3D Model
Mime Typemodel/gltf-binary
FormatText
ToolsGLTF Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create GLTF Animation, GLTF Asset Extractor, Text to GLTF, GLTF Viewer

Description

The GLTF file format, which can also have the GLB file extension depending on whether the content is binary or text, JSON is a 3D file format used to describe 3D worlds and, as such, contains geometric data such as vertices, faces, normals, animations, and other 3D scene-related data.

The format, described by its creators as the "JPEG of 3D", has gained in popularity and is supported by a wide range of 3D modeling applications such as Blender and MeshLab. The GLTF format is an open standard that is maintained by the Khronos Group.

Comparing PLY and GLTF Features

 

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

GLTF 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

How does it work?

Converting from the PLY file format to GLTF can be a complex process, and any tool used for this conversion process needs to be able to handle a variety of data conversion tasks as well as identify any defects within the 3D model and fix them. Here we will explain the conversion process used by our tool to accurately convert your PLY file to a valid GLTF 3D model. Let's start with the conversion process, which involves the following steps:

Step 1: Read the Source PLY File

In its simplest form, an PLY file can be either a plain text or binary file containing 3D data such as vertices, faces, normals, and more. When combined, these make up the 3D model you see on your screen.

For more information regarding the PLY file format, please see this great article that goes into a lot of detail explaining the PLY format.

Step 2: Process File Data

With the PLY file data read, our tool generates an internal representation of the full 3D model and will attempt to fix any geometry issues encountered. Along with repairing any issues with the 3D model, the tool will remove any duplicated vertices and prepare the model for exporting to the GLTF format.

Step 3: Saving to the GLTF Format

With the conversion process entering its final stages, our tool now needs to take the in-memory 3D model we have created in step 2 and convert it to the GLTF format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What PLY formats can I convert from?

Our tool supports converting from all PLY formats including Text and Binary (both little endian and big endian).

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

We aim to process all PLY to GLTF 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 PLY to GLTF 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 PLY to GLTF on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the PLY file you submit to us. The resulting GLTF file, once created is deleted 15 minutes after upload and the download link will expire after this time.

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

No. All our conversion tools process your PLY 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 GLTF file quickly.

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

Yes! Our PLY to GLTF 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 PLY 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 PLY to GLTF?

Yes. When you have converted your PLY to GLTF, 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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