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Convert STL to PLY

Convert STL 3D models to PLY format, edit and optimize 3D models online and free.

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Stereolithography File (.stl)

STL, short for Stereolithography, is a widely used file format in the realm of 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD). Introduced by 3D Systems in 1987, it represents the surfaces of a 3D object through a collection of triangles, facilitating precise and efficient model creation. Utilized across various industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare, STL files are critical for prototyping and producing complex geometries. Their simplicity and compatibility with numerous software applications have cemented STL's importance in the digital fabrication landscape.

STL Converter

Polygon File Format (.ply)

The Polygon File Format (PLY) is a versatile file format designed for storing 3D polygonal models. It originated at Stanford University in the mid-1990s to support the Stanford 3D Scanning Repository project. The primary purpose of PLY is to efficiently represent and exchange three-dimensional data, including vertex coordinates, colors, and normals. Its flexibility makes it valuable for various applications such as 3D scanning, computer graphics, and 3D printing. PLY files can store both ASCII and binary data, making them adaptable for diverse processing needs within computer technology.

PLY Converter

How to convert STL to PLY?

  1. Upload STL File

    Choose the STL 3D model you wish to convert.

  2. Select STL Tools

    Use the tools available for converting STL to PLY and click the Convert button.

  3. Download Your PLY

    Give it a moment for the PLY conversion to complete, then download your file afterward.

Convert STL to PLY

Frequently Asked Questions

How to change STL format to PLY?

To change STL format to PLY, upload your STL file to proceed to the preview page. Use any available tools if you want to edit and manipulate your STL file. Click on the convert button and wait for the convert to complete. Download the converted PLY file afterward.

Convert Files on Desktop

macOS
Windows
Linux

Convert STL to PLY on macOS

Follow steps below if you have installed Vertopal CLI on your macOS system.

  1. Open macOS Terminal.
  2. Either cd to STL file location or include path to your input file.
  3. Paste and execute the command below, substituting in your STL_INPUT_FILE name or path. $ vertopal convert STL_INPUT_FILE --to ply

Convert STL to PLY on Windows

Follow steps below if you have installed Vertopal CLI on your Windows system.

  1. Open Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell.
  2. Either cd to STL file location or include path to your input file.
  3. Paste and execute the command below, substituting in your STL_INPUT_FILE name or path. $ vertopal convert STL_INPUT_FILE --to ply

Convert STL to PLY on Linux

Follow steps below if you have installed Vertopal CLI on your Linux system.

  1. Open Linux Terminal.
  2. Either cd to STL file location or include path to your input file.
  3. Paste and execute the command below, substituting in your STL_INPUT_FILE name or path. $ vertopal convert STL_INPUT_FILE --to ply

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