Convert PLY to STL
Turn a PLY model into a STL file. The conversion runs in your browser and your model is not uploaded.
Drag a PLY file hereChoose PLY file
One PLY file up to 64 MB, with at most 2,000,000 triangles. The file stays on your device.
Processed on your device, no upload
Guide and details
How it works
- Choose a PLY file or drag it onto the page.
- Check the preview and the numbers: triangles, points and size.
- If needed, open the settings: the unit of the original file and an additional scale.
- Convert and download the STL file.
How the conversion works
The model is read from your PLY file, checked and written as a new STL file, all in your browser. The structure of the file is checked first: a file that is not a valid PLY model, is damaged or is far larger than the limits is refused with an explanation.
Before a file is offered for download it is read again by independent code. If the triangle count, the size or the volume of the new file does not match, no file is offered instead of a broken one.
What is kept and what is lost
STL stores only triangles, so colors and materials are lost. Textures, animations, skeletons, cameras and lights are not carried over by any output format on this site.
A file that points to other files or web addresses (for example separate texture files) is not followed: AnyConvertor reads only the one file you choose and loads nothing from elsewhere.
About PLY and STL
PLY (polygon file format) is common for 3D scans and measured data. It stores points, faces and, optionally, a color for every point.
STL (stereolithography) describes a surface as a list of triangles and is the most common format for 3D printing. It stores only the triangles: no colors, materials, textures or units.
Units, size and limits
Models have no unit of their own in most formats. Choose the unit of the original file and the new file is scaled to millimetres, which printing programs expect. Only GLB is written in metres, as glTF defines it.
Files up to 64 MB with up to 2,000,000 triangles are processed. The conversion runs in a background process and can be cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
Is my PLY file uploaded?
No. The file is read and converted in your browser and does not leave your device.
Are colors and textures kept?
STL stores only triangles, so colors and materials are lost. Textures are never carried over.
Which unit does the STL file use?
Millimetres, except GLB, which uses metres as glTF requires. Choose the unit of your original file so the size comes out right.
How large may the model be?
Up to 64 MB and 2,000,000 triangles. Larger models are refused with a message instead of freezing the page.
Why can I not write FBX or USDZ files?
FBX and USDZ files can be read, but there is no way to write them here that could be checked reliably, so they are not offered as output.