How to Convert STL to PLY❓
With just a few clicks, you can convert STL to PLY using our user-friendly tool:
📥 Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert STL mesh files to PLY format.
📂 Import STL Mesh File
Click Open... to load your STL (.stl) mesh file, or drag and drop it into the application window.
💾 Export to PLY Format
Use 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:
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What is an STL File? (STereoLithography Format Explained)
The STL file format (short for STereoLithography) was developed by 3D Systems, a pioneer in the 3D printing industry, to simplify rapid prototyping and manufacturing processes. Today, STL files are one of the most common file types used in computer-aided design (CAD), digital fabrication, and additive manufacturing workflows. STL models exclusively represent 3D geometry as a triangular mesh, offering high compatibility and fast processing across various 3D printers and modeling software.
Key Features of the STL Format
- Lightweight and Simple: An STL file contains only the coordinates of vertices and normal vectors of triangles, making it extremely easy for 3D software and printers to interpret.
- No Textures or Materials: STL models do not store color, texture, transparency, or material information, resulting in pure geometric representations without extra attributes.
- Two Storage Methods: STL files are available in two distinct formats:
- Binary STL: The most popular choice due to its small file size, ideal for faster saving, sharing, and printing.
- ASCII STL: A human-readable text format that explicitly describes each triangle but produces significantly larger files.
- No Fixed Units: The STL format does not define units (millimeters, inches, etc.). Most programs assume millimeters by default. Our STL Files Converter can automatically handle unit adjustments during file conversion if needed.
STL File Conversion Made Easy
Looking to convert STL files into other popular 3D formats? Autoconverter and Automesher Application offer powerful, high-precision STL file conversion to formats like STEP, OBJ, and SKP. These tools allow you to:
- Preserve mesh accuracy and surface details during conversion.
- Batch convert multiple STL files automatically.
- Optimize, clean, and repair STL models for 3D printing or CAD workflows.
Whether you are a 3D designer, engineer, or enthusiast, our STL converters streamline your work. Convert STL to STEP, OBJ, SKP and more - start your free trial today!
PLY File Format - Polygon File for 3D Mesh Models
The PLY file format (Polygon File Format), also known as the Stanford Triangle Format, is a versatile and lightweight standard for storing 3D mesh data. Originally developed at Stanford University, PLY files are widely used in 3D scanning, computer vision, and scientific visualization thanks to their flexibility and support for both ASCII and binary encodings.
Key Features of PLY Files
- Mesh Structure: Supports detailed geometry with vertices, polygons, and triangle faces.
- Rich Metadata: Stores color (RGB), normals, transparency, texture coordinates, and user-defined custom attributes.
- Dual Encoding: Offers ASCII for human readability and binary for efficient storage and performance.
PLY File Converters
Autoconverter provides fast, reliable PLY file conversion to a wide range of 3D formats including STL, OBJ, FBX, STEP, and SKP. Our PLY converter preserves mesh topology, color data, and optional attributes - perfect for use in CAD software, game engines, and 3D scanning workflows. Drag and drop to convert PLY files quickly and accurately - no data loss, no hassle.
STL vs PLY - Key Differences
| Feature | STL | PLY |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .ply |
| Name | STereoLithography | Stanford Polygon |
| Versions | 🚫 | 🚫 |
| Textures | ❌ | ❌ |
| Colors | ❌ | ❌ |
| Geometry components | ❌ | ❌ |
| Importers | ||
| Exporters |
👉 Seamless STL and PLY conversions start here ➜ try our STL to PLY Converter now and experience production-ready output every time.