CloudCompare Tutorials

Reducing Point Cloud Size

Reducing the size and density of a point cloud can help improve performance in CAD software, especially for large projects. CloudCompare is a free software that lets you reduce point cloud file size and offers a range of other useful features.

How to Reduce .E57 Point Cloud Size

1. Import the .e57 File

Go to File > Open, select your .e57 file, and click Open.

2. Select the Point Cloud

Click on the imported point cloud in the DB Tree (on the left panel) to highlight it. Tick the box to hide and show the point cloud.

3. Activate the Subsample Tool

Go to the top menu and click Edit > Subsample.
This tool reduces the number of points to make the file smaller.

Under Sampling parameters, Choose one of the following:

  • Method – Random (%): Keep a random portion of the original points.
    In the “Remaining points (%)” field, enter the percentage you want to keep (e.g. 75%).

  • Method – Spatial: Keep points at regular distance intervals.
    In the “Min. space between points” field, enter a value such as 0.01 to 0.03 m, depending on the desired level of detail.

4. Apply and Review

Click OK. A new, smaller version of the point cloud will appear in the DB Tree.

5. Save the Reduced File

Select the new point cloud, go to File > Save, and save as type.e57.