Convert PLY to USDZ
Convert a PLY file to USDZ in your browser. Free, no upload, no sign-up.
Convert PLY files to USDZ directly in your browser. The converter parses the PLY mesh, rebuilds it in memory and writes it out as USDZ, keeping every triangle. Nothing is uploaded, there is no file size limit beyond your computer's memory, and the result downloads instantly. USDZ lets iPhone and iPad users view the model in augmented reality directly from Safari, with no app required.
How to convert PLY to USDZ
- 1Drop your PLY file
Drag a .ply file onto the box above or click to choose one.
- 2Check the preview
The model renders in 3D so you can confirm it loaded correctly. Dimensions, volume and triangle count are shown next to it; open edges are flagged if the mesh is not watertight.
- 3Download the USDZ
Adjust the export options if needed and click download. Geometry and basic materials are exported. Meshes without materials get a neutral gray so AR Quick Look renders them.
What is a PLY file?
PLY was designed at Stanford to store 3D scanner output. It supports per-vertex colors and arbitrary custom properties, in either ASCII or binary encoding, which is why scanning and photogrammetry software prefers it over STL.
Commonly used by: 3D scanners, photogrammetry (Meshroom, RealityCapture), MeshLab, research tools
What is a USDZ file?
USDZ is Apple's packaging of Pixar's Universal Scene Description. It is the format iOS uses for AR Quick Look: open a .usdz link in Safari and the model appears in your room through the camera. It stores meshes, PBR materials and textures in a single uncompressed ZIP.
Commonly used by: Apple AR Quick Look, iPhone and iPad, Reality Composer, Pixar USD pipelines
USDZ lets iPhone and iPad users view the model in augmented reality directly from Safari, with no app required.
PLY vs USDZ
| PLY | USDZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polygon File Format | Universal Scene Description (zipped) |
| Encoding | Text or binary | ZIP container |
| Geometry type | Triangle mesh | Triangle mesh |
| Colors | Yes | Yes |
| Textures | No | Yes |
| Materials | No | Yes |
| Stores units | No | Yes |
| Multiple objects | No | Yes |
| Typical use | 3D scanners, photogrammetry (Meshroom, RealityCapture), MeshLab | Apple AR Quick Look, iPhone and iPad, Reality Composer |