DORCHESTER3D

Free Online STL to PLY Converter

Here is our free to use STL to PLY 3D model converter tool that will take your STL file and convert it to the PLY format ready for loading into your favourite 3D modeling package. Our 3D model converter supports batch processing of your files and can convert up to 20 STL files at one time.

Drag and drop your files here to upload or click the button above.
A maximum of 20 files can be converted at once.

Please note: Your STL file file, when uploaded to our server, will be deleted 15 minutes after upload. Please download your converted STL file file before this time.

The STL to PLY model conversion tool will analyse your STL file and convert its 3D mesh data including vertices, surfaces and where applicable vector normals and texture coordinates to the PLY format whilst maintaining the structural accuracy of your original STL 3D model file.

File information for STL and PLY

Full NameStandard Triangle Language
ExtensionSTL
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-pki.stl
FormatText

The STL file format is used for storing 3D models and is a common format for distributing 3D printable models. STL files emerged in the 1980s as a format for storing a 3D mesh as a simple list of triangles. Due to its age and simplistic format, it has gained widespread support within 3D modeling and CAD applications.

As a result of the simple file format and its widespread support amongst 3D editors, the STL format has found itself as the format of choice for the distribution of 3D printable objects. There are many websites that offer 3D printing downloads in the STL format.

Mesh Geometry

As mentioned, STL files make use of a simple structure for containing the 3D mesh data. The 3D model is stored as a continuous list of triangles, with each triangle containing three vertices specifying the location in 3D space of the triangle, which, along with a single vector normal, is all that is required to render the model contained within the STL file. There are two formats of STL files: plain text and binary. When used with large and complex 3D models, the text format leads to very large file sizes and should be avoided, with the binary format offering more efficient storage of the mesh data.

STL Converter Capabilities

As materials containing color information is supported by the STL format, our tool will do its best to include this in the converted file.

Full NameStanford Triangle Format
ExtensionPLY
Type3D Model/Point Cloud
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatText

The PLY file format, commonly referred to as the Stanford Triangle Format, is a 3D file format that comes in either plain text or binary formats. The PLY format is a mature format and is supported by many popular 3D editing applications.

Due to its ability to handle full-color 3D point clouds, the format is commonly used as a medium of exchange when working with 3D scanners. There are also many 3D models available online in the PLY format.

PLY Converter Capabilities

As materials containing color information is supported by the STL and PLY formats, our tool will do its best to include this in the converted PLY file.

How to Convert your STL to PLY?

Here are two steps to convert your STL to PLY using our free STL converter tool.

Upload your STL file

Click the "Select File" button, and then select the STL file to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your PLY

Click the download link to receive your PLY file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert my STL to PLY?

First, click the "Select File" button and choose your STL file. We will upload and convert your STL file. Once the conversion from STL to PLY completes, use the provided link to download your PLY file.

How long does it take to convert my STL file to PLY?

We aim to process all STL to PLY file conversions as soon as possible; this should take around 5 seconds; however, this may be longer for larger files.

Is the STL format suitable for 3D printing?

Yes. 3D printing slicer software generally supports the STL format without the need for conversion.

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