Scanning & XR · Beginner

Point cloud

A set of 3D points, often from a scan, that outlines a shape

What is a point cloud?

A point cloud is a collection of points in 3D space, each with a position and often a color, that together outline the shape of an object or place. Scanners, lidar and photogrammetry produce them. A point cloud has no surfaces between its points, so it is usually turned into a mesh before modeling or rendering.

Think of it like this

It is like a swarm of fireflies frozen in the shape of a house: from a distance you see the house, but there are no walls, only dots.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Create: Building the shape: modeling, sculpting, scanning or generating it.

How a point cloud works

  1. 01A scanner or photogrammetry software measures points on a surface.
  2. 02Each point is saved with its X, Y and Z position, and often a color.
  3. 03Scans from different angles are aligned into one cloud.
  4. 04Software can then connect the points into a mesh, or keep them for measuring.

Point cloud vs mesh

PropertyPoint cloudMesh
Made ofSeparate pointsVertices joined by faces
Has surfacesNoYes
Typical sourceScanners and lidarModeling, or converting a scan
Good forMeasuring and surveyingRendering, animation and printing

Keep a point cloud for measuring and reference; convert it to a mesh when you need to render, edit, animate or print.

Where a point cloud is used

  • Surveying buildings, roads and construction sites
  • Reference for modeling a scanned room or object
  • The middle step of photogrammetry and Gaussian splatting
  • Mapping for self-driving cars and robots

Beginner tip

Clean the cloud before meshing: delete stray points floating in the air and thin out very dense areas. A clean cloud gives a far tidier mesh.

Terms related to a point cloud

Point cloud FAQ

How do I convert a point cloud to a mesh?
Use a surface reconstruction tool, found in most scanning and photogrammetry apps and in free point cloud editors. It works out which way each point faces and builds a surface through them. Clean stray points first, then retopologize if the mesh will be animated.
What is point cloud data used for?
Surveying and construction, where it records the exact shape of sites and buildings; robotics and self-driving cars, which use it to sense their surroundings; and 3D work, where it is the starting point for scanned models.
What file formats do point clouds use?
Common ones include PLY, LAS and E57, plus plain text formats such as XYZ. PLY is the one most general 3D apps open directly.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms