Convert GLB to PLY Online — Free
Upload a GL Binary file and download it as Polygon File Format. Runs entirely in your browser — no server uploads.
About These Formats
GL Binary
GLB is the binary form of the GLTF format — a compact, web-optimized container that bundles geometry, textures, and animations into a single file.
Used with
Three.js, Babylon.js, React Three Fiber, Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, AR/VR applications.
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 GLB to PLY
A breakdown of which data survives the GLB-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 GLB to PLY
Convert GLB 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.
GLB to PLY — What to Know Before Converting
GLB 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.
Other GLB Conversions
Tips for the Best GLB 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 GLB 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 GLB to PLY?
Upload your .glb file using the tool above, confirm the source format is set to GLB and the target is PLY, then click Convert. The file processes in your browser and you can download it immediately.
Does converting GLB 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.