STL to PLY Conversion
With just a few clicks, you can convert STL to PLY using our user-friendly tool:
Download & Install Autoconverter
Convert STL mesh files to PLY format using Autoconverter - simply install and launch the software on your system.
Import STL Mesh File
Click Open... to open your STL mesh file (.stl) or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to PLY Format
Click Save As... to export your mesh file to the PLY mesh file format (.ply).
Still overwhelmed by STL to PLY conversion? Our easy-to-follow guides make STL mesh files conversion manageable:
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Batch Convert 3D Mesh Files with Autoconverter (STEP, STL, OBJ & More)
- How to Convert Point Cloud to Mesh for SketchUp
- Autoconverter Uses Vertex Normals to Display Smooth Meshes
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry, to facilitate rapid prototyping and manufacturing. It is widely used in computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, and digital fabrication due to its simplicity and broad compatibility. STL files exclusively represent 3D geometry using a triangular mesh, making them lightweight and easy to process.
Key Features of STL
- 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.
- No Additional Attributes: Unlike other 3D formats, STL files do not include details such as face colors, textures, transparency, material properties, or named groups. This means that all STL models appear colorless in their raw form.
- Binary vs. ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be stored in two formats:
- Binary STL - The preferred format due to its compact file size, making it more efficient for storage and processing.
- ASCII STL - A human-readable text format that describes each triangle explicitly, but results in significantly larger file sizes.
- Units of Measurement: The STL format does not define a specific unit of measurement, though most applications interpret the coordinates as being in millimeters. If necessary, our STL files converter can perform automatic unit conversions to match your project’s requirements.
STL File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application are the best tools for converting STL files because they support a wide range of 3D formats, making it easy to convert STL into other file types like STEP, OBJ, or SKP. They ensure high-quality STL mesh conversion, preserving details and accuracy. With advanced automation, they can process multiple STL files at once, saving time and effort. Additionally, they offer optimization features to clean and edit STL models, making them perfect for designers, engineers, and 3D printing enthusiasts. Convert STL to STEP, OBJ, SKP and more - test our converters with a free trial today!
Polygon File
A a simple and flexible file format to store 3D mesh data. It supports vertices, faces (triangles/polygons), colors, normals, and custom properties. PLY is also known as the Stanford Triangle Format as it was developed at Stanford University in the early 1990s. It still remains a popular choice for storing 3D geometry.
Key Features of PLY
- Flexible Structure: Supports vertices, faces (triangles/polygons), edges, and custom data.
- Properties: Can store RGB colors, normals, texture coordinates, transparency, and user-defined attributes.
- ASCII & Binary Formats: PLY files can be saved in ASCII (readable) or binary (compact) form.
PLY File Conversion
Autoconverter is the best tool for converting PLY files because it handles all major 3D formats (STL, OBJ, FBX, STEP, etc.) while preserving colors, textures, and mesh accuracy. It offers fast batch conversions, an easy drag-and-drop interface, and works seamlessly across CAD, 3D scanning, and game development workflows. Try Autoconverter today - simplify your 3D workflow with flawless PLY conversions!
STL vs. PLY Comparison
| Property | STL | PLY |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .ply |
| Name | STereoLithography | Stanford Polygon |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
| Writers |