Convert DAE to PLY Online — Free
Upload a Collada file and download it as Polygon File Format. Runs entirely in your browser — no server uploads.
About These Formats
Collada
Collada is an XML-based interchange format for 3D data. It was designed to enable asset exchange between different DCC tools and game engines.
Used with
Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, SketchUp, and cross-application 3D asset workflows.
Polygon File Format
PLY is a flexible format for storing 3D polygon meshes. It supports vertex colors, custom properties, and is commonly used for 3D scan data and point clouds.
Used with
3D scanning, photogrammetry, research, point cloud processing (MeshLab, CloudCompare).
What Transfers from DAE to PLY
A breakdown of which data survives the DAE-to-PLY conversion.
3D Geometry
Vertices, faces, and normals always transfer
Textures & Materials
PLY is geometry-only — textures are discarded
Animations
Animations dropped — PLY is a static format
Vertex Colors
Per-vertex color data transfers
Multiple Objects
Multiple meshes merged into one on export
When to Convert DAE to PLY
Convert DAE to PLY when you need to work with point cloud data or use tools like MeshLab, CloudCompare, or Open3D. PLY is flexible and supports custom vertex attributes including per-vertex colors from scanned data.
DAE to PLY — What to Know Before Converting
DAE files can contain skeletal animations and morph targets. PLY is a static format — animations will not carry over, and the converter exports the mesh in its rest pose. To preserve animation data, convert to GLB or FBX instead.
PLY stores raw triangulated geometry with no colour, material, or texture data. Save your original textures separately before converting if you need them for other pipelines.
Collada (DAE) is exported with varying completeness by different tools. SketchUp DAE files reference textures by absolute file path, which won't resolve during conversion — place all texture images in the same folder as the DAE. Blender and Maya DAE exports are more self-contained and convert more reliably.
Other DAE Conversions
Tips for the Best DAE to PLY Result
Binary PLY is significantly smaller than ASCII PLY — prefer binary output when storing or transferring files.
Verify your target tool reads the PLY property names you expect; some tools are strict about header ordering and property names.
Open3D, MeshLab, and CloudCompare all read PLY natively — it is the most compatible format for Python-based 3D processing pipelines.
To convert PLY vertex colors to UV-mapped textures for game or AR use, open the file in MeshLab and run "Transfer Vertex Color to Texture".
Common Reasons to Convert DAE to PLY
- →3D scanning and photogrammetry: PLY is the standard output of LiDAR scanners, structured-light scanners, and photogrammetry pipelines
- →Research and academic work: PLY's flexible property support makes it ideal for datasets with per-point labels, normals, or curvature values
- →Python 3D pipelines: Open3D, trimesh, and pyntcloud all read and write PLY natively
- →Point cloud processing: MeshLab and CloudCompare use PLY as their primary interchange format
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert DAE to PLY?
Upload your .dae file using the tool above, confirm the source format is set to DAE and the target is PLY, then click Convert. The file processes in your browser and you can download it immediately.
Does converting DAE to PLY preserve textures?
PLY stores geometry only. Textures and materials will not be included in the output.
Is this converter free?
Yes, completely free. No account, no usage limits, no hidden fees.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser using WebGL. Your files never leave your device.