PLY to GLTF Conversion
We’ve compiled a list of valuable resources, brimming with step-by-step guides and expert tips for converting PLY files to GLTF format using our converters. Go through them now to simplify your PLY files conversion later.
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Polygon File
A file format specifically designed to store three-dimensional triangles along with additional properties such as color, normals, transparency, or texture coordinates. PLY is also known as the Stanford Triangle Format, as it was developed at Stanford University in the early 1990s. PLY has many applications and benefits for 3D graphics, such as:
- Rich and Customizable Data: PLY is a comprehensive and flexible format for 3D triangles, as it can store not only the geometric information of the triangles, but also the material and appearance information of the vertices and faces. PLY also allows for the definition of custom properties and elements, which can be used to store any additional data that is relevant to the 3D model.
- Binary and ASCII Formats: It’s worth noting that PLY files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary version is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size and faster loading speed. However, the ASCII version is more human-readable and easier to edit. Our PLY file converter can handle both formats and convert between them.
PLY Files Converter: Autoconverter allows you to convert your 3D models from various file formats, such as STL, SKP, OBJ, DAE, 3DS, STEP, and others, to PLY and vice versa.
Graphics Language Transmission File
A file format developed and maintained by the Khronos Group organization, a consortium of industry leaders that creates open standards for graphics, media, and parallel computing. It is designed to facilitate the efficient storage and exchange of 3D models. It has the following features:
- GLTF Versions: There are two versions of the GLTF file format that are available:
- GLTF 1.0: Supports basic geometry, simple materials with textures, basic skeletal animations with joint hierarchies, scenes with a single root node and a hierarchy of child nodes, etc.
- GLTF 2.0: Supports more features, such as PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials, Draco compression, advanced skeletal animations, skinning, morph targets, etc.
- ASCII and Binary Modes: By default, a GLTF file is saved in ASCII text mode, which is human-readable and easy to edit. To save a GLTF file with all referenced texture images in binary mode, the GLB file extension should be used. This reduces the file size and the number of files.
- Embedded Textures: GLTF/GLB files allow for a more streamlined and efficient way to manage 3D assets. By storing textures directly within the file, these formats eliminate the need for separate image files, making the 3D model self-contained and easier to distribute.
GLTF File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application allow you to import and export GLTF and GLB files, and convert them into various other 3D file formats. Our products also support the use of Draco compression, which can significantly reduce the size of GLTF and GLB files without compromising visual fidelity.
PLY vs GLTF Comparison
| Property | PLY | GLTF |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .ply | .gltf, .glb |
| Name | Stanford Polygon | GL Transmission File |
| Versions |
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| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
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