Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.LAZ
File Type
LASzip Compressed LiDAR Data
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .laz file format
The LAZ file format is a highly efficient, lossless compressed version of the industry-standard LAS format used for storing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) point cloud data. Developed to address the massive file sizes generated by modern high-density laser scanning, LAZ files utilize the LASzip…
File extension
.LAZ
File type
LASzip Compressed LiDAR Data
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .laz file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .laz.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .laz file?
File extension details and usage information
The LAZ file format is a highly efficient, lossless compressed version of the industry-standard LAS format used for storing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) point cloud data. Developed to address the massive file sizes generated by modern high-density laser scanning, LAZ files utilize the LASzip algorithm to reduce storage requirements by an average of 70 to 90 percent without sacrificing any precision or metadata. This makes it the preferred format for archiving and transferring large-scale geospatial datasets, such as aerial surveys, topographic mapping, and 3D city modeling. Because the compression is lossless, the data can be decompressed back into the original LAS format bit-for-bit, ensuring that critical spatial coordinates, intensity values, return numbers, and classification tags remain intact for scientific analysis and engineering applications.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .laz files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .laz files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .laz 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 .laz file.
Why can't I open a .laz file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .laz 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 .laz files
To open a .laz file, use software that supports this file format.
- Global Mapper
- ArcGIS Pro
- CloudCompare
- LAStools
- QGIS
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 .laz 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.