What is the Splatware Gaussian Splatting Converter?
It is a browser-based 3DGS converter for moving Gaussian Splatting files between common training, viewer, delivery, analysis, and sharing formats.
The Gaussian Splatting ecosystem has many file formats. A file that works in one viewer may not be ideal for another engine, web page, archive, or analysis workflow. Splatware Converter solves that format problem directly in the browser.
The converter is especially useful because it does more than change an extension. It gives controls for spherical harmonics degree, pruning, size estimation, and output selection so users can prepare files for real use cases.
Which Gaussian Splatting formats can Splatware convert?
Splatware Converter supports ten output options: PLY, compressed PLY, point-cloud PLY, SOG, KSplat, Splat, SPZ, glTF, HTML, and CSV.
Splatware Converter output formats
| Format | Extension | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| INRIA 3DGS PLY | .ply | Training checkpoints, editing, archival, full-fidelity interchange. |
| Compressed PLY | .ply | Smaller PLY-compatible workflows. |
| PLY point cloud | .ply | Point-cloud inspection and conventional PLY software. |
| SOG | .sog | Compact web delivery and streaming workflows. |
| KSplat | .ksplat | GaussianSplats3D-style browser pipelines. |
| Splat | .splat | Simple fast viewer loading and real-time web workflows. |
| SPZ | .spz | Compact exchange with strong visual fidelity. |
| glTF | .gltf | Standards-based 3D asset pipelines and emerging KHR Gaussian workflows. |
| HTML | .html | Single-file shareable viewer output. |
| CSV | .csv | Analysis, debugging, spreadsheets, and readable attribute inspection. |
Which Gaussian Splatting output format should you choose?
Choose based on whether you need training fidelity, web delivery, viewer compatibility, compact exchange, HTML sharing, point-cloud inspection, or data analysis.
Format choice guide
| Need | Recommended format | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full-fidelity archive | INRIA PLY | Preserves the specialized Gaussian properties used by the 3DGS ecosystem. |
| Small web delivery | SOG or SPZ | Compact formats can reduce file size significantly. |
| Simple web viewer | .splat | Easy to parse and load in many viewer workflows. |
| GaussianSplats3D viewer | KSplat | Built for that ecosystem. |
| Single-file sharing | HTML | Packages a viewer-style experience into one file. |
| Point cloud inspection | PLY point cloud | Useful for viewing approximate structure in conventional tools. |
| Standards pipeline | glTF | Useful for emerging KHR_gaussian_splatting workflows. |
| Spreadsheet or debugging | CSV | Readable attribute data, but large file sizes. |
| Balanced compatibility and size | Compressed PLY | Keeps PLY-style workflow with smaller size. |
What does spherical harmonics degree change?
Spherical harmonics degree controls how much directional color information is preserved in the converted splat.
In Gaussian Splatting, spherical harmonics can represent view-dependent appearance. Higher SH degree can preserve richer directional color behavior, but it also increases data complexity and can affect file size and compatibility.
Splatware Converter lets users choose SH0, SH1, SH2, or SH3 so they can match the output to the target viewer, file size, and visual requirement.
SH degree guide
| SH degree | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| SH0 | Small files, simple color, fast delivery. | Less view-dependent appearance. |
| SH1 | Light directional color with reduced complexity. | Middle ground. |
| SH2 | More appearance detail. | Larger than lower SH outputs. |
| SH3 | Fuller directional color where supported. | Highest data complexity and size. |
| Viewer-limited SH | Compatibility with specific viewers. | Use the degree supported by the target viewer. |
What does pruning do in Gaussian Splatting conversion?
Pruning removes lower-importance Gaussians to reduce file size and improve delivery, while trying to keep the most important visual structure.
Pruning guide
| Pruning level | Best for | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Archival, maximum fidelity, final downloads. | Largest files. |
| Low pruning | Web delivery with minimal quality loss. | Usually safe for many scenes. |
| Medium pruning | Faster sharing and mobile-heavy viewing. | Fine detail may soften. |
| High pruning | Very small previews or rough tests. | Visible quality loss is more likely. |
| 99% | Extreme testing only. | Not recommended for final visual output. |
Can Splatware Converter convert Gaussian Splatting to a mesh?
The Converter page is for Gaussian Splatting file format conversion, not polygon mesh reconstruction.
Converting between Gaussian Splatting formats is different from reconstructing a polygon mesh. A mesh requires surface reconstruction or meshing. Splatware can support mesh-related workflows elsewhere, but the local converter is specifically for moving 3DGS data between splat formats and related outputs.
When should you use HTML export?
Use HTML export when you want a portable single-file viewer-style output that can be shared or hosted more easily than raw splat files.
HTML export use cases
| Use case | Why HTML helps | Check before sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Client preview | One file can package a viewer-style experience. | File size and browser loading. |
| Simple hosting | Easier than explaining raw file formats. | External script/resource loading behavior. |
| Archive demo | Keeps a visual preview with the model. | Long-term compatibility. |
| Website test | Quick way to test presentation. | Performance and mobile usability. |
| Non-technical sharing | Less confusing than raw .ply or .splat. | Viewer instructions and file size. |
Frequently asked questions
Can Splatware convert Gaussian Splatting files locally?
Yes. Splatware Converter runs file parsing and output generation locally in the browser for supported 3DGS formats.
Which output formats does Splatware Converter support?
It supports PLY, compressed PLY, point-cloud PLY, SOG, KSplat, Splat, SPZ, glTF, HTML, and CSV outputs.
Can Splatware convert PLY to SPZ or SOG?
Yes. Splatware Converter is designed to move between common Gaussian Splatting formats, including compact delivery formats such as SPZ and SOG.
Can Splatware export CSV from Gaussian Splatting files?
Yes. CSV export is useful for analysis, debugging, spreadsheets, and inspecting selected Gaussian attributes, though it is usually much larger than compact formats.
Can I change spherical harmonics degree?
Yes. Splatware Converter supports SH0, SH1, SH2, and SH3 selection.
Can I prune Gaussians to reduce file size?
Yes. The converter includes pruning controls from 0 to 99 percent and size estimates to help reduce file size.
Can Splatware convert Gaussian Splatting to HTML?
Yes. HTML export is available for portable viewer-style sharing.
Can the converter convert Gaussian Splatting to a mesh?
The local converter is for Gaussian Splatting file formats, not polygon mesh reconstruction. Mesh conversion needs a separate surface reconstruction or meshing workflow.