STL to PLY Conversion
Here is a list of valuable resources, complete with step-by-step instructions and expert advice for converting STL files to PLY format using our converters. Check them out now to expedite your STL files conversion later.
- Enhance BricsCAD V24 with Automesher and Automapki Applications
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Autoconverter Uses Vertex Normals to Display Smooth Meshes
STL vs PLY Comparison
| Property | STL | PLY |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .ply |
| Name | STereoLithography | Stanford Polygon |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry. It is primarily used for storing 3D models and exclusively contains triangular mesh data. Some of the benefits and features of STL files are:
- Simplicity: STL files are easy to create and read by many software applications and 3D printers, as they only contain the coordinates of the vertices and the normal vectors of the triangles.
- Lack of Additional Information: STL files do not include information on face color, texture, transparency, and named groups. This means that all STL models are effectively colorless in their raw form.
- Binary and ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary format is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size compared to the ASCII format.
- Units of Measurement: The coordinates in STL files are always defined in millimeters. If necessary, our STL converter will perform the required units conversion.
STL Files Converter: While it is technically possible to assign RGB color values to individual vertices in an STL file, it’s important to note that not all software, including our Autoconverter, currently supports this extension.
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.