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Convert ply to stl

Free online PLY to STL converter

How to export polygon graphics files to STL format. Available ply to stl converters.

Convert PLY to STL online - free

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    Upload your .ply file

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How to convert ply to stl file

Various 3D graphics polygon files (.ply) can be exported to Stereolithography format (.stl) so they can be used in 3D printer devices. Such ply to stl conversion will only work with valid .ply files that contain 3D objects data. 

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Understanding PLY and STL file formats

The PLY (Polygon File Format or Stanford Triangle Format) is a file format used to store three-dimensional data. It is widely used in 3D scanning and modeling applications. PLY files can store both the geometry and the color of 3D objects, making them versatile for various applications.

The STL (Stereolithography) file format is a widely used format for 3D printing and computer-aided design. STL files describe the surface geometry of a 3D object without any color or texture information. This format is popular due to its simplicity and compatibility with most 3D printers.

How to convert PLY to STL

Converting a PLY file to an STL file involves transforming the 3D data into a format suitable for 3D printing. This process can be done using various software tools that support both file formats.

Best software for PLY to STL conversion

One of the best software options for converting PLY to STL is MeshLab. MeshLab is an open-source tool that provides extensive support for 3D file formats and offers a range of features for editing and converting 3D models.

To convert a PLY file to STL using MeshLab, follow these steps:

  • Open MeshLab and load your PLY file by clicking File → Import Mesh.
  • Once the file is loaded, you can perform any necessary edits or optimizations.
  • To save the file as an STL, go to File → Export Mesh As and select the STL format.
  • Choose your desired export settings and save the file.

Other software options include Blender and Autodesk Meshmixer, both of which offer robust tools for 3D model conversion and editing.

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PLY vs STL: format comparison

How the PLY and STL formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.

Comparison of the PLY and STL file formats
Property .PLY Polygon File Format .STL Stereolithography
Geometry Both Polygon mesh
Materials Limited No
Textures Not supported Not supported
Animation No No
Scene hierarchy No No
Plain-text readable Yes Yes
Typical file size Medium Small
Open standard Yes Partly open
Introduced 1994 1987
Developer Stanford University 3D Systems
MIME type application/octet-stream model/stl
Open PLY file Open STL file

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PolyTrans|CAD+DCC

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Frequently asked questions

Is the PLY to STL converter free?

Yes, converting PLY to STL on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required. If you need a higher file size limit or want to convert more files at once, see our plans.

How large can my PLY file be?

You can upload PLY files up to 50 MB and convert up to 1 files at once in a single batch.

What happens to my uploaded files?

Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.

Do I need to install any software to convert PLY to STL?

No. The PLY to STL conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.

Did the conversion fail?

In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid PLY file for this PLY to STL conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.

ply to step ply to stp

Additional formats for
ply file conversion

Reverse conversion

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