How to convert OBJ to PLY
- Drop your .obj file into the box above, or click Choose file.
- Check the 3D preview, size and triangle count.
- Make sure PLY is selected as the output format. Adjust scale or up-axis if needed.
- Click Download. The .ply file is created instantly on your device.
Why convert OBJ to PLY?
PLY is the working format of MeshLab and CloudCompare, popular for scan processing.
What changes in the conversion
- Textures are dropped. PLY cannot store image textures (colours may be kept).
- Up-axis. OBJ is Y-up while PLY is usually Z-up; the model is rotated so it stands the right way up. Untick "Convert up-axis" to keep the raw coordinates.
- Geometry is preserved. Every triangle, with all object transforms applied, ends up in the new file.
OBJ vs PLY
| OBJ | PLY | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Wavefront OBJ | Polygon File Format |
| Stores | geometry, normals and UV coordinates (materials live in a separate .mtl file) | geometry, per-vertex colours and normals |
| Colour | No | Yes |
| Textures | Yes | No |
| Units | none | none |
| Exact CAD geometry | No | No |
About the formats
OBJ (Wavefront OBJ) was introduced by Wavefront Technologies for its Advanced Visualizer software. It is a plain-text mesh format that stores vertices, faces, normals and texture coordinates, with materials in a separate MTL file. It is widely used to move models between 3D modelling programs such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max and ZBrush.
PLY (Polygon File Format) was created at Stanford University in the 1990s for 3D scanning research. It stores polygons or point clouds with optional per-vertex colour and normals, in ASCII or binary form. It is the common output of 3D scanners, photogrammetry and dental intraoral scanners.
Frequently asked questions
Is this converter free?
Yes. You can convert OBJ to PLY for free – up to 3 conversions a day, with no sign-up and no watermark. If you need more, Pro gives you unlimited conversions and batch conversion (free for 7 days).
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript. Your model never leaves your computer, which also makes it safe for confidential parts and patient data.
Is there a file size limit?
There is no fixed limit. Files of a few hundred megabytes work on a typical laptop; the practical limit is your device's memory.