CloudCompare

What CloudCompare is

CloudCompare is free software for working with point clouds and 3D mesh data. It provides point-cloud tools and mesh reconstruction, with support for a broad set of listed inputs: BIN, ASCII point clouds, LAS, E57, PTX, FARO, DotProduct, PCD, PLY, OBJ, VTK, STL, OFF, FBX, DXF, and SHP, plus raster and image formats. Its export list includes BIN, ASCII, LAS, E57, PCD, PLY, DRACO, VTK, OBJ, STL, OFF, FBX, DXF, SHP, and raster formats. The input and output lists differ: PTX, FARO, DotProduct, and image formats are listed as inputs, while DRACO is listed as an export format. CloudCompare is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. API access is also listed, for users who need programmatic access. The free plan has no listed subscription price. Its range of supported file types makes the input and export lists useful to check against the formats in a particular workflow.

Who it suits

CloudCompare suits users who need point-cloud tools or mesh reconstruction and work with one of its listed input or export formats. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Getting started

1. Visit the CloudCompare website.
2. Choose the version for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
3. Use the free plan.
4. Bring in supported point-cloud, mesh, raster, or image inputs.

Verdict

CloudCompare offers point-cloud tools and mesh reconstruction across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with API access and no listed subscription price. Check its separate input and export format lists for the files your work requires.