PLY File

What are PLY files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PLY file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a PLY file?

PLY files have multiple uses, and Polygon File Format is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Polygon File Format

The Standford Graphics Laboratory created the Polygon File Format as an easy way to store 3D polygon data. It is a versatile format applicable to point clouds, polygon meshes, and CAD designs among other things.

PLY supports both ASCII and binary formats and supports multiple element types, properties, and comments, making it possible to store a wide range of data in a single file.

PLY is widely used in the fields of Computer Graphics and Computer Vision, such as 3D scanning, virtual reality, modeling, and digital fabrication. It is also supported by multiple software tools including 3D scanners, 3D modeling programs, and programming libraries.

How to open PLY files

Important: Different programs may use files with the PLY file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your PLY file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different PLY openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: March 10, 2023

All known file formats using extension .PLY

While Polygon File Format is a popular type of PLY-file, we know of 5 different uses of the .PLY file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Harvard Spotlight Presentation

We know that one PLY format is Harvard Spotlight Presentation. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

MSX SME 3 Music

We know that one PLY format is MSX SME 3 Music. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PlayStation RSD Polygons

We know that one PLY format is PlayStation RSD Polygons. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

The Print Shop Deluxe Layout

We know that one PLY format is The Print Shop Deluxe Layout. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PLY opener for Windows

We have identified one PLY opener that is compatible with this specific type of PLY file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of PLY files. Remember, different programs may use PLY files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about PLY file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.