Definition
PLY, the Polygon File Format, is a file format used to store 3D data such as point clouds and polygon meshes. It was designed to hold the geometry of 3D objects along with extra properties like colour and surface normals.
PLY is flexible and widely supported, making it a common choice for saving and sharing 3D scans and models between programs. It can store data in a readable text form or a compact binary form.
In simple terms, PLY is a versatile file format for storing 3D points and meshes together with their properties.
How It Works
A PLY file describes a 3D object as a list of vertices, each with a position and optional properties such as colour or normal direction, and often a list of faces that connect those vertices into a mesh. A header at the start defines exactly what data the file contains.
Because the format lets you define custom properties, it can store rich information alongside the geometry. It can be written as plain text for readability or as binary for smaller, faster files, and many 3D tools can read and write it.
Applications
PLY is used in 3D scanning, modelling, research, and reality capture. It stores scanned point clouds and reconstructed meshes, supports the exchange of 3D data between software, and is popular in academic and technical work involving 3D geometry.
Benefits
- Stores both point clouds and meshes.
- Supports colour, normals, and custom properties.
- Available in text or compact binary form.
- Widely supported across 3D software.
- Flexible for many 3D data needs.
Related Terms
- Point Cloud
- Polygon Mesh
- E57
- XYZ (Point Cloud Format)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PLY file used for?
It is used to store and share 3D point clouds and polygon meshes, along with properties like colour and normals.
What does PLY stand for?
PLY stands for Polygon File Format, sometimes also called the Stanford Triangle Format.
Can PLY store colour?
Yes, PLY can store colour and other properties for each vertex, alongside the geometry.
Is PLY text or binary?
PLY supports both a readable text form and a compact binary form.
About Track3D
Track3D helps teams work with 3D formats like PLY to build accurate digital twins. Learn more at Track3D.
