.PLY File Extension
Polygon Model
| Developer | Stanford University |
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What is a PLY file?
A PLY file is a 3D image file created using the Polygon File Format, an open standard that describes objects as a collection of polygons. It contains a header followed by a list of vertices that specify the shape of each polygon.
More Information
PLY files are used by many different 3D programs. They may be saved in either a binary or plain text format.
Often, PLY files contain 3D models, which users view or edit in 3D modeling programs such as Blender or Microsoft 3D Builder.
NOTE: Since the PLY file format was developed at Stanford University, it is also known as the Stanford Triangle Format.
How to open a PLY file
You can open a PLY file with Microsoft 3D Builder (Windows), Apple Preview (Mac), Blender (multiplatform), or Prisma3D (Android).
You can also open plain text PLY files with any text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad (Windows) or Apple TextEdit (Mac), to view the data they contain.
How to convert a PLY file
Many CAD applications, including Blender and Microsoft 3D Builder, can convert PLY files to other formats. For example, Microsoft 3D Builder can convert PLY files to the following formats: