Opening GLTF Files
Begin your GLTF-to-PLY conversion. To do so, launch the MeshInspector program. When the workspace opens, go to the ’Home’ tab and select ’Open Files.’ Choose the GLTF file you wish to convert.
Browsing GLTF Files
A file selection dialog will appear. It will allow you to locate your GLTF model. Files of this sort may look a bit different. This is because they are built in JSON format. Click ’Browse,’ pick your file, and confirm the choice.
Viewing GLTF Files
Once loaded, your GLTF model will appear in the main viewport with all textures and materials displayed. The object will be rendered with proper lighting, similar to the crocodile model shown in this guide.
Exporting Components
To continue the GLTF-to-PLY conversion workflow, locate your model of choice in the ’Scene Tree.’ Right-click on it and choose ’Export’ from the available alternatives. This step opens the export dialog. Right there, you will define the format and name of the eventual file.
Combining for Export
If your GLTF scene contains several separate elements, merge them before exporting. In ’Scene Tree,’ select all relevant parts, right-click, and choose ’Group.’ Then right-click the new group and select ’Combine Subtree.’ This action will join all elements into a single subtree.
Setting PLY Format
After clicking ’Export,’ a ’Save File’ dialog will appear. You can rename your file if needed and open the ’Extension’ dropdown to pick the correct output format. Choose .ply from the list, then press ’Save.’ MeshInspector will generate a single PLY file from your GLTF model.
Inspecting the PLY Size
Once the export is complete, it is a good idea to make sure your model has kept the correct proportions. Open the newly generated .ply file and switch to the ’Inspect’ tab. Then select ’Bounding Box.’ This tool shows your object’s actual dimensions and limits, making it possible for you to confirm that its scale and dimensions are accurate enough.
Adjusting the PLY Size
If the model ends up being too large or small after inspection, your next step is to use the ’Transform’ panel. Use the Scale control bar to resize the object until the proportions look correct. Once satisfied, apply the changes to confirm the adjustment. This step ensures that your PLY file will align perfectly with upcoming 3D modeling and/or printing tasks.
