What is the goal of this workflow?
You compress Gaussian Splatting files with Splatware by opening the Converter, selecting a compact output format such as SOG, SPZ, compressed PLY, or .splat, choosing the spherical harmonics degree, optionally pruning lower-importance Gaussians, checking the estimated output size, and downloading the optimized file. The goal is to reduce file size without destroying the visual areas that matter.
Gaussian Splatting files can be visually rich, but they can also be large or format-specific. A good workflow prepares the model for the exact target: web viewing, client review, ecommerce, Unreal, Unity, Blender, archive, analysis, or portable HTML sharing.
Splatware is useful because it combines training, editing, format conversion, hosting, Studio renders, dense mesh options, point cloud access, and downloads in one workflow.
Which Splatware tools should you use?
Use Converter for formats and size, Editor for cleanup, Studio for fallback media, and Hosting for interactive sharing.
Splatware tools for this workflow
| Tool | Use it for | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Converter | Convert formats, prune, change SH degree, estimate size. | Optimized output files. |
| Editor | Clean, crop, isolate, align, and color grade. | Professional model presentation. |
| Studio | Render MP4, JPG, PNG, transparent PNG, and animations. | Fallback and marketing media. |
| Hosting | Share the model in a browser. | Interactive review or public page. |
| Virtual Tour Lab | Create guided experiences. | Tour-ready model. |
| Downloads | Use in external pipelines. | Portable production assets. |
Which output format should you choose?
Choose the format based on viewer support, file size, editing needs, and whether the output is for web, engine, archive, or analysis.
Format selection guide
| Format | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| PLY | Training, editing, archival, full-fidelity interchange. | Often large for web. |
| Compressed PLY | PLY workflows with smaller size. | Not as compact as some delivery formats. |
| SPZ | Compact exchange and delivery. | Requires viewer support. |
| SOG | Small web delivery and streaming-style workflows. | Requires compatible ecosystem. |
| KSplat | GaussianSplats3D pipelines. | Viewer-specific. |
| .splat | Simple fast viewer loading. | Limited higher-order SH in classic format. |
| HTML | Single-file viewer-style sharing. | File size and external dependencies must be tested. |
| CSV | Analysis and debugging. | Very large for delivery. |
How do you preserve quality while optimizing?
Optimize in stages and compare the output visually after every meaningful change.
- Start with a clean high-quality source model.
- Remove unwanted scene parts before reducing file quality.
- Use pruning carefully and review the visual result.
- Lower SH degree only when the appearance remains acceptable.
- Use compact formats instead of raw large files for web delivery.
- Keep a full-quality archive before creating optimized delivery versions.
- Create rendered fallbacks for slow devices or non-interactive pages.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid optimizing blindly, using incompatible formats, over-pruning, and skipping final viewer tests.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Over-pruning | Important details disappear. | Use moderate pruning and review output. |
| Wrong format | Target viewer cannot load it. | Convert for the exact target. |
| Huge raw PLY on web | Slow loading and poor UX. | Use SPZ, SOG, .splat, HTML, or hosted viewer. |
| No archive | Quality source is lost. | Keep original model. |
| No mobile test | Public viewer may fail on phones. | Test target devices. |
| No fallback media | Users may not see the model quickly. | Render JPG/PNG/MP4 fallbacks. |
Frequently asked questions
Can Splatware optimize Gaussian Splatting files?
Yes. Splatware can help optimize through format conversion, pruning, SH degree control, model settings, hosting, and rendered fallback media.
Can Splatware reduce Gaussian Splatting file size?
Yes. Use pruning, compact formats, Gaussian count control, and SH degree selection to reduce file size.
Which format is smallest?
It depends on scene data and settings, but compact formats such as SOG and SPZ are often used for size-sensitive delivery.
Is pruning safe?
Pruning can be safe when used carefully, but aggressive pruning can remove important visual detail.
Should I use SH0 or SH3?
Use SH0 for simpler color and smaller outputs; use SH3 when richer view-dependent appearance matters and the target viewer supports it.
Can I export HTML?
Yes. Splatware Converter supports HTML export for portable viewer-style sharing.
Can I keep a full-quality version?
Yes. Keep an archival model before generating optimized delivery versions.
Can I render videos instead of hosting a heavy model?
Yes. Splatware Studio can render videos and images when interactive viewing is not required.