Every Point Cloud Format,One Platform
E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, LGSx: upload your 3D scans in any format. Server-side auto-conversion, instant browser viewing. No software to install.
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19+
Formats supported
500 GB
Max file size
8
Compatible scanner brands
Why File Formats Are a Real Problem for 3D Scanning Professionals
You export a FARO scan as E57. Your BIM Manager needs RCS for Revit. The client wants LAS for their GIS workflow. Somewhere in between, you spend hours converting, re-exporting, and checking whether the color data survived the trip. File format friction is not a minor inconvenience. It is a daily productivity drain across the AEC industry.
The Interoperability Challenge: Every Scanner, Every Software, Its Own Format
Point cloud data sits at the heart of modern surveying, BIM, construction, and facility management. But the ecosystem is fragmented. Every scanner manufacturer (FARO, Leica, Trimble, Viametris, Riegl) outputs data in its own native format. Every processing software (AutoCAD, Revit, Cyclone, CloudCompare, QGIS) accepts a different subset of file formats.
The result: a surveyor working with a Leica scanner who needs to deliver to an architect using Revit ends up juggling between E57 and RCS. Every conversion step introduces risk: metadata loss (color, intensity, classification), coordinate shifts, wasted hours. For files that often exceed 50 GB, each export can take hours.
Open vs Proprietary Formats: What You Need to Know
Understanding the distinction between open and proprietary point cloud file formats is critical for long-term data management:
Open formats : Open formats (E57, LAS, LAZ, PLY, XYZ): publicly documented, readable by most software, maintained by standards bodies. E57 is defined by ASTM E2807, ensuring long-term viability.
Proprietary formats : Proprietary formats (RCS, RCP, LGSx): developed by Autodesk or Leica Hexagon, optimized for their respective ecosystems. Excellent performance within those stacks, but typically requiring a vendor license to create, unless you use a third-party solution like ATIS.cloud which reads and writes them natively.
For long-term archiving, open standards are always the safer bet. An E57 file will still be readable in 20 years. A proprietary format depends on the vendor's continued support.
The Three Criteria That Actually Matter: Metadata, Compression, Compatibility
Not all point cloud file formats are created equal. Before choosing one, consider three key factors:
Metadata
Does the format préserve color, intensity, and point classification (ground, building, végétation)? E57 and LAS/LAZ are the richest. XYZ stores raw coordinates only.
Compression
A 50 GB LAS file becomes 5 GB in LAZ, delivering 10:1 lossless compression. For storing and transferring large point cloud datasets, this is a game-changer.
Software compatibility
A universally supported format (E57) eliminates the conversion treadmill. A proprietary format (RCS/RCP) locks you into one ecosystem, unless your platform supports them natively.
The 6 Point Cloud File Formats Supported by ATIS.cloud
Three are included in the Standard plan (E57, LAS, LAZ). Three more are available on the Advance plan (RCS, RCP, LGSx).
E57 The Universal Standard
The E57 file format is the most widely adopted point cloud format in the industry. Defined by ASTM standard E2807, it is an open, vendor-neutral format maintained by an international committee.
Structure
Binary container with XML metadata header
Metadata
Color, intensity, panoramic imagery, sensor information, coordinate system
Compatibility
AutoCAD, Revit, CloudCompare, Cyclone, ReCap, ArchiCAD, SCENE, and dozens more
Best for
Cross-software exchange, long-term archiving, multi-stakeholder projects
Recommended default for cross-software interoperability.
LAS / LAZ The LiDAR Standard
LAS (LASer) is the binary standard for LiDAR data, maintained by the ASPRS. LAZ is its compresséd counterpart.
LAS
Structured binary format with standardized header and point data records
LAZ
Lossless compression at roughly 10:1 ratio: a 100 GB LAS file becomes 10 GB in LAZ
Classification
ASPRS point classes (ground, building, low/high végétation, water, bridge, and more)
Compatibility
CloudCompare, QGIS, LAStools, ReCap, Global Mapper, ArcGIS, FME
Go-to format for LiDAR. Use LAZ for storage thanks to 10:1 lossless compression.
RCS / RCP The Autodesk Formats
RCS (ReCap Scan) and RCP (ReCap Project) are Autodesk's proprietary point cloud file formats.
RCS
Individual scan file containing an indexed, optimized point cloud
RCP
Project file that references and groups multiple RCS files
Native to
AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, InfraWorks, Civil 3D (the entire Autodesk stack)
Limitation
Proprietary format, normally requires Autodesk ReCap to create or convert
ATIS.cloud reads and writes RCS/RCP natively, no Autodesk license needed.
LGSx The Leica Hexagon Format
Proprietary Leica Hexagon format. Leica is progressively migrating to the Hexagon name.
Vendor
Leica Hexagon (formerly Leica Geosystems)
Native to
Leica Cyclone, Leica CloudWorx
Compatibility
ATIS.cloud reads and writes LGSx files natively, no Leica license needed
Best for
Leica workflows, exchange with teams using the Hexagon ecosystem
ATIS.cloud reads and writes LGSx files natively, no Leica license needed.
Point Cloud File Format Comparison Table
Use this table to choose the right format for your project and software ecosystem.
| Format | Type | Compression | Color | Compatible software |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E57 | Binary + XML | No | AutoCAD, Revit, CloudCompare, Cyclone, ReCap, SCENE | |
| LAS | Binary | No | CloudCompare, QGIS, ReCap, LAStools, ArcGIS | |
| LAZ | Compressed binary | Yes (10:1 lossless) | CloudCompare, LAStools, QGIS, Global Mapper | |
| RCS | Indexed binary | Yes (indexing) | AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, ReCap | |
| RCP | Binary project | Yes (references RCS) | AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, ReCap | |
| LGSx | Proprietary binary | Yes | Leica Cyclone, Leica CloudWorx, ATIS.cloud |
For large clouds (> 10 GB), prefer E57, LAS, or LAZ.
Which Format Should You Choose?
The best point cloud file format depends on your specific workflow. Here is a practical decision guide.
For Scan to BIM (Revit, ArchiCAD)
Recommended: E57 or RCS/RCP
All-Autodesk workflow (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks): use RCS/RCP. Multi-software workflow (Revit + ArchiCAD, or Revit + other BIM tools): use E57.
For LiDAR Surveys and Topography
Recommended: LAS or LAZ
LAS is the industry standard for LiDAR data. LAZ provides the same data quality with 10:1 lossless compression, ideal for large files from aerial surveys.
For Cross-Software Data Exchange
Recommended: E57
When you need to send a point cloud to a partner and you do not know what software they use: E57. It is the most universally supported format.
For Long-Term Archiving
Recommended: E57 or LAZ
E57: ASTM standard, long-term viability, rich metadata. LAZ: open standard, 10:1 lossless compression. Avoid proprietary formats for archiving.
For Large Files (> 100 GB)
Recommended: LAZ or direct upload to ATIS.cloud
LAZ compression: reduce file size by 10x with zero data loss. Direct upload to ATIS.cloud: files up to 500 GB, automatic server-side conversion.
Which format should you use? Quick guide
Answer one question to find the right format.
Delivering to a client and don't know their software
Open standard, universally compatible
Working with LiDAR / survey data
ASPRS standard, 10:1 lossless compression with LAZ
Your team uses Revit / AutoCAD / Navisworks
Autodesk native, optimal performance in Revit
Archiving data for the long term
Open standards, future-proof, compressed
Need to email a file / share quickly
10x smaller than LAS, same quality
On ATIS.cloud, you don't have to choose: all formats are accepted. Conversion is automatic server-side.
Scanner Compatibility and Supported Formats
Every 3D scanner brand outputs data in its own native format. Here is the mapping for the most widely used scanners.
| Scanner Brand | Native Format(s) | ATIS Compatible |
|---|---|---|
| FARO | FLS | |
| Leica | PTX, PTS | |
| Trimble | TZF | |
| Viametris | E57, LAS (export) | |
| Riegl | RiSCAN | |
| NavVis | E57 (native) | |
| Matterport | E57 (export) | |
| GeoSLAM | E57, LAS (export) |
Regardless of your scanner, export to E57 for maximum compatibility. ATIS.cloud accepts all 19+ formats directly, no manual conversion required.
ATIS.cloud vs Traditional Solutions
Compare ATIS.cloud to desktop software and manual conversion workflows.
| Criteria | Desktop Software (ReCap, Cyclone) | Manual Conversion | ATIS.cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formats supported | Varies by license | Depends on the tool | 19+ native formats |
| Installation required | Yes (powerful workstation) | No (browser-based) | |
| Auto-conversion | No (manual) | Manual and time-consuming | Yes, server-side |
| Large files | Performance degrades beyond 50 GB | Complex and slow | Up to 500 GB |
| Sharing | Export + send via WeTransfer/FTP | Export + send | Direct sharing link |
| Price | Expensive licenses | Free (but costly in time) | Request a quote |
| Data hosting | GDPR / CCPA compliance not guaranteed | Local | Sovereignty in 22+ countries, AES 256-bit encryption, GDPR / CCPA compliant |
| Multi-user access | 1 license = 1 workstation | Not applicable | Up to 10 users (Advance) |
How to Import Your Point Clouds in 3 Steps
No complex setup. No software to install. No pre-conversion required.
Create your account
Sign up in seconds on ATIS.cloud. No credit card required, no commitment.
Upload your point cloud
Drag and drop your file into the ATIS.cloud interface. All 19+ formats are accepted: E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, LGSx. Files up to 500 GB.
Share with your clients
Your point cloud is ready. View it in 3D directly in your browser, take measurements, and share the results with your team and clients.
For every industry
Discover how ATIS.cloud adapts to your sector.
Surveyors
Deliver your scans to your clients in seconds. They view without installing anything.
BIM & Construction
Compare your point clouds with your BIM models. Detect deviations instantly.
Heritage
Document and share your historic monument surveys with your teams and partners.
Manufacturing
Digitize your industrial facilities and facilitate maintenance and renovations.
What our customers say
Discover why over 2,600+ companies trust us.
"ATIS.cloud allowed us to reduce delivery time by 2 hours per project. Our clients can view scans immediately."2h saved per deliverable
James
Licensed Surveyor, Horizon Surveying
"The interface is intuitive and comparing with our BIM models has become child's play. A real productivity gain."+40% productivity
Sarah
BIM Manager, Arcadia Construction Group
"We were able to abandon our expensive on-premise solution. ATIS.cloud is much more accessible and simpler."Affordable pricing
Michael
Technical Director, Meridian Industries
"Sharing has revolutionized how we work with our clients. No need to explain how to install an application anymore."0 client friction
Emma
Heritage Manager, Atlas Heritage Foundation
Security and compliance
Discover Other Features
ATIS.cloud goes beyond file format compatibility.
3D Visualization
Explore your point clouds up to 500 GB directly in your browser, no software to install.
Measure & Annotate
Take measurements and add annotations directly on your point clouds.
Share
Share the results with your team and clients. They view the 3D scan in their browser, without installing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Point Cloud File Formats
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