Why Use a Browser-Based PLY Viewer
- ✓No 3D or scan software needed, View PLY files without MeshLab, CloudCompare, or any specialized viewer
- ✓Per-vertex color support, PLY vertex colors are rendered in the browser, preserving scan color data
- ✓Works on any device, Review scan data and mesh models on any OS or device
- ✓Secure sharing, Share PLY files via expiring links, no uploading to public repositories
- ✓No account for recipients, Anyone with a link can open and rotate the model
Try the PLY Viewer
What Is a PLY File?
PLY (Polygon File Format, also called Stanford Triangle Format) was developed at Stanford University to store 3D data from range scanners. It is a flexible format that stores polygon meshes with support for arbitrary per-element properties, including per-vertex color, normals, texture coordinates, and custom attributes, making it well-suited for 3D scan output.
PLY files are commonly produced by LiDAR scanners, photogrammetry software (Agisoft Metashape, RealityCapture), and depth cameras (Intel RealSense, Microsoft Kinect). Viewing them traditionally requires MeshLab, CloudCompare, or a specialized point cloud viewer.
A PLY viewer online through ShareCAD gives clients, project stakeholders, or collaborators direct browser access to scan data and polygon meshes, including color information — without requiring any specialized software. Upload, view, and share via a link.
PLY Viewer Use Cases
3D scan delivery
Share photogrammetry or LiDAR scan results with clients in a browser without requiring MeshLab or CloudCompare on their machine.
Heritage and cultural documentation
Architectural and archaeological scan projects can share PLY models with museums, researchers, or funding bodies for review via a simple link.
Product inspection
Metrology and quality inspection teams working with 3D scan data can share PLY exports with engineers or clients for review.
Research collaboration
Academic teams using 3D scanning for research can share PLY datasets with collaborators at other institutions without requiring matching software environments.
Open Your PLY File Now
Upload a PLY file and view the mesh or point cloud in your browser. Share it with clients and collaborators, no specialist viewer required.
Store, view, and share your CAD files in one place — $19.99/month.