Preparing Gaussian Splat Files: SketchUp Tools and PLY Notes

What will you learn in this guide?

In a Gaussian splat workflow, the creation tool, export format, and software in which the file will be used should be assessed separately. This guide introduces the creation and cleanup options listed in the SketchUp Help Center. It also explains Blender’s general Stanford PLY import settings without presenting them as a verified solution for splat files.

The key limitation is that the sources do not show whether a PLY file containing Gaussian splats will open correctly in Blender or whether its splat data will be preserved. The Blender section therefore applies only to options for general PLY files. You should not assume these settings will work with a Gaussian splat file.

What you need: tools and file formats

SketchUp’s Gaussian Splats extension is intended for viewing and editing splat files. The SketchUp Help Center says that anyone who wants to create their own PLY, SPLAT, or SPZ files will need a third-party tool. It also specifically notes that the listed tools are not endorsed or supported by Trimble, and that no compatibility or results are guaranteed.

The right tool depends on the project and available hardware. The source describes Scaniverse as a free iOS and Android app that processes scans on-device and can export them in the compressed SPZ format. Polycam supports LiDAR- and photogrammetry-based capture, and PLY export requires a paid subscription. Kiri Engine is another option that supports different types of capture.

For cloud processing, Luma AI processes uploaded images and videos. The SketchUp guide recommends it for Mac users or those without an NVIDIA graphics card, and also highlights its performance with outdoor scenes and vegetation. For local processing, the listed option Postshot processes splats on the computer and includes cropping and masking tools. The source does not specify current prices or whether an account is required for each tool.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Define the project needs and scene type. The same capture method may not suit an interior, a small object, vegetation, or a large outdoor area. When choosing a tool, consider the project scope, available hardware, and intended delivery format together.

2. Choose a capture tool. Scaniverse may be worth considering for scanning and processing on a mobile device. If you need PLY output, Polycam is one option, but bear in mind that splat export requires a paid subscription. Kiri Engine is also listed as an alternative for different capture types.

3. Compare processing options. The source lists Luma AI for processing images or videos in the cloud and Postshot for local processing and editing. Since accuracy, hardware, and project requirements vary, check each tool’s features and terms before making a choice. The source does not guarantee results or compatibility with SketchUp for these tools.

4. Explore specialist tools for larger areas. The SketchUp guide lists DJI Terra for processing aerial imagery captured with DJI enterprise drones into georeferenced Gaussian splats. LCC Studio, which works with XGRIDS Lixel scanners, is described as a tool for creating measurable models using SLAM-based LiDAR and Gaussian splatting. These tools may not suit every project; assess them based on scale and equipment requirements.

5. Verify the export format at its source. Check which formats your chosen tool can export. The source specifies SPZ export for Scaniverse and PLY export for Polycam. A file having a PLY, SPLAT, or SPZ extension does not, by itself, prove that it will open smoothly in the target application. Check which formats the SketchUp extension accepts and review the compatibility information provided by the tool you use.

6. Consider cleanup before moving to SketchUp. SuperSplat is a free, browser-based editor that lets you view and crop splat files, as well as remove unwanted background artifacts or floating elements. The SketchUp Help Center says that removing excess data can improve rendering performance. Check the file again in the target software after cleanup.

7. Use Blender’s PLY options only in the context of general PLY import. The Blender guide says that ASCII or binary PLY files can be imported and that multiple files can be selected. When working with a general PLY file, you can set the scale, scene unit, and forward/up axis mapping. Blender’s default axes are Y Forward and Z Up; the guide gives -Z Forward and Y Up as an example mapping for applications in which Y is up. This information does not show that Blender supports PLY files containing Gaussian splats or that their data will be preserved.

8. Check color and geometry settings for general PLY import. The guide includes options for importing vertex colors and selecting the color space as sRGB or Linear. There is also an option to merge vertices. These are general Blender PLY settings; the source does not verify that they will produce the expected appearance with splat files. Rather than assuming they are suitable for Gaussian splat files, refer to the documentation for the relevant creation and viewing tools.

Common mistakes

Treating a file extension as proof of compatibility: Producing a file in PLY, SPLAT, or SPZ format does not mean it will open in every application. Check which formats the target application supports first.

Interpreting Blender’s general PLY guide as splat support: The guide describes PLY import options; it does not confirm that Gaussian splat data can be imported into Blender. The axis, scale, and color information here should therefore not be treated as a workflow for splats.

Assuming third-party tools come with guarantees: The SketchUp Help Center states that the listed external tools are not endorsed by Trimble and that compatibility and results are not guaranteed. Test your specific software and file combination before delivering a project.

Skipping cleanup: Background artifacts and floating elements can leave unnecessary data in a file. Consider the cleanup option offered by SuperSplat, which is recommended in the SketchUp guide, after checking compatibility with your file format.

What does this mean for architecture and visualization workflows?

For architects, interior designers, and visualization teams, tool selection depends on whether the project is indoors or outdoors, the capture hardware, whether processing will be local or cloud-based, and the target software’s file support. A mobile app, cloud service, local desktop tool, and professional scanning solution may not serve the same need. It is especially important to check how the file behaves in the target application before project delivery.

Students and small teams can try Scaniverse and SuperSplat, which are described as free; Polycam requires a paid subscription for splat export. Since compatibility with third-party tools is not guaranteed, test the production file before preparing it for delivery. If you use Blender, don’t confuse its general PLY settings with splat support—the sources do not confirm compatibility.

Next steps

Start by identifying the capture method and type of tool your project requires. Then review the selected tool’s current export formats and terms, along with the target application’s supported formats. Consider using SuperSplat for cleanup before moving to SketchUp. In Blender, use the PLY guide only for general PLY import settings, bearing in mind that the available sources do not verify compatibility with PLY files containing Gaussian splats.

Sources and license

The SketchUp Help Center’s “Generating Gaussian Splats” page was used for information about tool options and file cleanup. The page states that the listed third-party tools are not officially endorsed or supported by Trimble.

Blender’s “Stanford PLY” guide is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. The PLY import and export options were adapted from this source into Turkish; they were not presented as a claim of Gaussian splat compatibility.