Files with ply extension can be found as various polygon 3D data files generated by many 3D modeling or CAD programs.
.PLY file extension - Polygon graphics
What is ply file? How to open ply files?
File type specification:
PLY format represents a simple object description that was designed as a convenient format for researchers who work with polygonal models. Early versions of this file format were used at Stanford University and at UNC Chapel Hill.
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, and also states what properties are associated with each vertex, such as (x,y,z) coordinates, normals and color.
The polygon faces are simply lists of indices into the vertex list, and each face begins with a count of the number of elements in each list.
The PLY format format is most often used today to convey data from 3D RGB color scanners. For example used by Petrosys or Cyberware.
Updated: April 6, 2024
The default software associated to open ply file:
Company or developer:
Stichting Blender Foundation
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software product used for creating animated films, visual effects, interactive 3D applications or video games. Blender's features include 3D modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging and skinning, fluid and smoke simulation, particle simulation, animating, rendering, video editing and compositing.
It is available in versions for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and FreeBSD.
List of software applications associated to the .ply file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open ply file, edit ply file, convert ply file, view ply file, play ply file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting ply files.
Software that open ply file - Polygon graphics
Programs supporting the exension ply on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open ply file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Main software associated with ply file by default:
Blender
Other suggested software:
AutoCAD
3D Builder
