Free online 3D file converter — convert your STL to PLY format in seconds
Drag & drop your STL file here or click to browse
Max. size 50MB
Transform your 3D model from STL to PLY in three simple steps
Understanding the key differences between STL and PLY helps you choose the right 3D format for your workflow
| Feature | STLSTL | PLYPLY |
|---|---|---|
| File Extension | .stl | .ply |
| Geometry Data | ✓ Supported | ✓ Supported |
| Color Support | ✗ Not supported | ✓ Supported |
| Texture Mapping | ✗ Not supported | ✗ Not supported |
| 3D Printing Compatible | ✓ Supported | ✓ Supported |
| Animation Support | ✗ Not supported | ✗ Not supported |
The Stereolithography (STL) format stores surface geometry as triangulated mesh data. It is the universal standard for 3D printing but lacks support for colors, textures, and materials.
PLY (Polygon File Format) stores 3D data from 3D scanners and photogrammetry software. It can include vertex colors, normals, and custom properties, making it popular in scientific computing and 3D scanning.
Everything you need to know about converting STL to PLY
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