File Extension Database

Open PLY File

The PLY file format, also known as the Polygon File Format or the Stanford Triangle Format, is used for storing three-dimensional data. It was principally designed to store three-dimensional data from 3D scanners. The data stored in a PLY file includes descriptions of one or more 3D models.

PLY Files for 3D Models

PLY files are widely used for a range of 3D graphics applications. They contain object information - data that describes the geometry of a single object. This data may include vertex coordinates, color and transparency information, surface normals, texture coordinates and data from custom attributes.

Opening and Using PLY Files

Opening a PLY file requires a 3D model viewer or CAD software. There are many programs available that can open PLY files, including:

Blender: A free and open source 3D creation suite that supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline�modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking.
Meshmixer: A free tool for making crazy-ass 3D stuff without too much hassle.
Rhino: A 3D modeler used to create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes.

These software programs allow you to view the 3D object represented by the PLY file and often, manipulate it in various ways.

PLY Format Specifics

A PLY file consists of a header, followed by a list of vertices and then, a list of polygons. The header specifies how many vertices and polygons are in the file, along with properties associated with the vertices and polygons. Each vertex is specified with floating-point values representing X, Y, and Z coordinates. Polygons are specified as lists of indices into the list of vertices.

PLY File Important Information

PLY files play a crucial role in 3D graphics applications. The information in these files enables the representation of detailed 3D models in a standardized format, allowing these models to be easily shared and manipulated. Understanding the PLY format is a crucial first step for anyone interested in working with 3D graphics.

How Can I Open PLY File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PLY file is to find a PLY file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PLY file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PLY file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PLY file opener then try to search online for "PLY viewer", "application to open PLY file" or "open PLY file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PLY file

How Can I Open PLY File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PLY file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PLY file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PLY file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PLY file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PLY file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PLY file then try to search for "PLY viewer", "application to open PLY file" or "read PLY file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PLY file

How Can I Open PLY File on Android

If you downloaded a PLY file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PLY file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PLY".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PLY viewer", "PLY file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PLY File on iPhone or iPad

To open PLY File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PLY file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PLY". This way you can find apps which can open PLY files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PLY viewer" or "PLY file" online in your favorite search engine.

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