Convert STL to PLY
Turn a STL model into a PLY file. The conversion runs in your browser and your model is not uploaded.
Drag a STL file hereChoose STL file
One STL 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 STL 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 PLY file.
How the conversion works
The model is read from your STL file, checked and written as a new PLY file, all in your browser. The structure of the file is checked first: a file that is not a valid STL 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
PLY keeps colors as colors of the points; all parts are merged into one surface. 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 STL and PLY
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.
PLY (polygon file format) is common for 3D scans and measured data. It stores points, faces and, optionally, a color for every point.
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 STL file uploaded?
No. The file is read and converted in your browser and does not leave your device.
Are colors and textures kept?
PLY keeps colors as colors of the points; all parts are merged into one surface. Textures are never carried over.
Which unit does the PLY 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.