How to open PLY files on your device
If an error occurs when you try to open PLY file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate PLY files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.
PLY File Extension
- File type Polygon Model Format
- File developer Stanford University
- File category 3D Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PLY file?
PLY (Polygon Model Format) is a file format used to store 3D mesh data. It encodes information about the structure, color and textures of polygons making up the 3D model. The file stores information such as vertex and face information, color data for vertices, edges and faces, material information and texture coordinates. It is suitable for use in various older 3D applications and in 3D printing.
The PLY file format allows for various compression methods to reduce file size. It can be used with various rendering libraries, modeling tools and 3D animation software. The files can be exported from and imported into these programs allowing ease of exchange between various applications.
How to open PLY file?
There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .PLY files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.
Step 1. Install a program that supports PLY files
In order to open PLY file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with PLY extension.
Programs that can open PLY files
Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, PLY files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.
Remember!
Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on PLY files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to PLY files.
Step 2. Associate given software with PLY files
A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting PLY files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with PLY files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open PLY files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open PLY files.
Step 3. Check whether no other errors related to PLY files occur
When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the PLY file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:
- File with PLY extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
- File data is corrupted
- Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the PLY file is stored
- File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the PLY file was saved and then deleted
- User account is not privileged to perform operations on PLY files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
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