Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.E57
File Type
ASTM E57 3D Imaging Data Exchange Format
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .e57 file format
The E57 file format is a vendor-neutral, non-proprietary standard designed for the storage and exchange of three-dimensional imaging data, such as point clouds, images, and metadata produced by 3D imaging systems like laser scanners. Developed by the ASTM International committee, the format is stru…
File extension
.E57
File type
ASTM E57 3D Imaging Data Exchange Format
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .e57 file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .e57.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .e57 file?
File extension details and usage information
The E57 file format is a vendor-neutral, non-proprietary standard designed for the storage and exchange of three-dimensional imaging data, such as point clouds, images, and metadata produced by 3D imaging systems like laser scanners. Developed by the ASTM International committee, the format is structured to be highly efficient and scalable, allowing for the storage of millions of points captured in a single scan. It uses a binary format to ensure compact file sizes while maintaining high precision. The format is hierarchical, supporting both Cartesian and spherical coordinate systems, and it allows for the inclusion of intensity values, color information, and camera parameters. Because it is an open standard, it has become the industry-standard bridge between various hardware manufacturers and 3D modeling or BIM software, ensuring that data captured in the field can be seamlessly imported into processing environments without loss of fidelity or compatibility issues.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .e57 files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .e57 files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .e57 file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .e57 file.
Why can't I open a .e57 file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .e57 format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .e57 files
To open a .e57 file, use software that supports this file format.
- Autodesk ReCap
- CloudCompare
- Leica Cyclone
- Trimble RealWorks
- MeshLab
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .e57 file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.