PLY - Format Overview

May 15, 2025
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General Information

This guide is part of the RapidPipeline 3D Formats Knowledge Database.

Format NamePLY
Long NamePolygon File Format
Extensions.ply
Internet Media Type (previously MIME)unspecified
Common Use CasesAnimation, VFX, Games, Architecture
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What is the PLY format, and what is it used for?

PLY is a file format mostly used for 3D scanning.

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Features supported by the PLY format

FeatureSupported?
Morph TargetsNo
Rigid AnimationsNo
Skinned AnimationsNo
AnimationsNo
Free-Form SurfacesNo
Geometry CompressionNo
Quad MeshesYes
Basic 3D GeometryYes
PBR MaterialsNo
Transparent MaterialsNo
Vertex ColorsYes
MaterialsPartial
Scene CompositionNo
Hierarchical Scene GraphNo
Scene NodesNo
Standardized FormatNo0
Embedded TexturesNo
Multiple UV ChannelsNo
Normal MappingNo
Procedural TexturesNo
Texture CompressionNo
Texture TransformsNo
TexturingPartial

0 - Compatibility of all properties strongly depend on particular compatibility of the tools that export / import the DCC file, as there is no clear standard for this format.

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Converting and Optimizing PLY Files

There are various ways to convert between PLY files and other 3D formats. With RapidPipeline, you can easily convert and and optimize PLY files, at scale. It supports PLY, as well as many other file formats (examples: 3dsMax, FBX, glTF, OBJ, STEP, STL, USD, USDZ, VRM), at high quality.

Due to the potential limitations aforementioned on the table above, in principle, this format cannot always perfectly convert 3D data between PLY and other formats. In the following, you can find format conversion guides between PLY and the most important other formats, along with a rough score for compatibility of this workflow:

Converting PLY to Other 3D File Formats

Converting Other 3D File Formats to PLY

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Tools that can create PLY files

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3D rendering applications that can consume PLY files

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What's the best way to get PLY files into my 3D applications?

Doing 3D conversion right, especially at scale, can be tricky, as 3D data is in general a rather complex (yet very powerful!) medium. This also applies to PLY files - the conversion guide above gives a rough idea. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to automate the process.

However, especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated expertise, making sure you do not introduce any steps into your 3D workflow that are detrimental to the final output's quality, or that take your team too much time (and money).

If you're interested to hire dedicated expertise from the best in the field to help your company reach your goals fast and reliably, please do not hestitate to contact DGG. Being the creators of RapidPipeline, and ambassadors for open 3D standards for more than a decade, we have been building some of the world's most advanced 3D pipelines, having processed many millions of 3D assets.

Therefore, our expertise will help you to reach your goals faster, at scale, and with the least possible friction, since we are focused on maximum interoperability.

To get started with 3D data conversion and optimization today, sign up for a free account!

If you have any questions, feel free to chat with our human team.

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Meet the Author

Victor Mops

DGG Team

The 3D Pipeline Company

DGG is on a mission to connect the real and virtual by making 3D models as easy to handle as 2D images.