How to convert STL to PLY
- Drop your .stl 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 STL to PLY?
PLY is handy for scan-processing tools like MeshLab and CloudCompare and for workflows that later add per-vertex colour.
What changes in the conversion
- Units. STL is in metres; PLY is usually read as millimetres. Small models are scaled ×1000 automatically – you can change this before downloading.
- Geometry is preserved. Every triangle, with all object transforms applied, ends up in the new file.
STL vs PLY
| STL | PLY | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Stereolithography | Polygon File Format |
| Stores | geometry only | geometry, per-vertex colours and normals |
| Colour | No | Yes |
| Textures | No | No |
| Units | none – most programs read STL numbers as millimetres | none |
| Exact CAD geometry | No | No |
About the formats
STL (Stereolithography) was created by 3D Systems in 1987 for its stereolithography printers. It describes only the surface of a model as a list of triangles, without colour, materials or units. It is the default file for 3D printing and the format almost every slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, Chitubox) opens.
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 STL 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.