How do I install Pcx in Unity?

You need to edit Packages/manifest.json to add the Keijiro scoped registry and dependency jp.keijiro.pcx, as detailed in the README. This manual setup can be tricky for beginners.

What's the best way to render large point clouds with Pcx?

Use ComputeBuffer containers with PointCloudRenderer for efficiency, or export to Texture2D for Visual Effect Graph. Performance depends on point count and hardware capabilities.

Can Pcx work on mobile or VR platforms?

It may work, but disk rendering requires geometry shader support, which isn't available on all mobile devices. Point size adjustments also have platform limitations, so testing is crucial.

Pcx vs other Unity point cloud assets like PCX?

Pcx is focused on PLY import and flexible rendering, while alternatives might support more formats or editing features. For PLY-heavy projects, Pcx is efficient, but for diverse formats, other tools might be better.

How to use point clouds with Unity's Visual Effect Graph?

Pcx can bake points into Texture2D attribute maps via the Texture container type. Then, use these textures in VFX Graph for particle systems or effects.

Why doesn't point size work on DirectX?

The README states point size properties are only supported on OpenGLCore and Metal, not D3D11/12, due to rendering API differences. Use disk rendering or shader alternatives for consistent sizing.

What's the maximum point count Pcx can handle?

There's no fixed limit, but performance scales with hardware. ComputeBuffer storage is efficient for large sets, but real-time rendering might require LOD techniques or optimization.

Open-Awesome

Pcx

UnlicenseC#v0.1.5

A Unity package for importing and rendering point cloud data with support for PLY files and multiple rendering methods.

GitHub

1.5k stars214 forks0 contributors

What is Pcx?

Pcx is a Unity package that provides tools for importing and rendering point cloud data within the Unity engine. It solves the problem of handling large point sets from 3D scans or simulations by offering specialized importers, data containers, and shaders for real-time visualization.

Target Audience

Unity developers and technical artists working with 3D scan data, point clouds from simulations, or volumetric datasets who need to integrate and visualize these assets in real-time applications.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Pcx for its native Unity integration, support for multiple point cloud representations (Mesh, ComputeBuffer, Texture), and flexible rendering options that work with both standard MeshRenderer and specialized point cloud rendering components.

Overview

Point cloud importer & renderer for Unity

Use Cases

Best For

Importing 3D scan data from PLY files into Unity projects
Rendering large point clouds efficiently in real-time applications
Integrating point cloud data with Unity's Visual Effect Graph
Visualizing simulation or sensor data as point primitives in Unity
Creating interactive experiences with photogrammetry or LiDAR data
Developing tools for point cloud processing and visualization within the Unity editor

Not Ideal For

Projects needing point cloud formats beyond PLY (e.g., LAS, PCD, or OBJ)
Teams targeting Direct3D-based platforms (D3D11/12) where point size adjustment is unsupported
Applications requiring extensive point cloud editing or mesh conversion tools within Unity

Pros & Cons

Pros

Efficient PLY Import

Directly supports binary little-endian PLY format, simplifying the import of 3D scan data into Unity without external tools.

Flexible Data Containers

Offers three storage options—Mesh, ComputeBuffer, and Texture2D—enabling optimized rendering and integration for different use cases.

VFX Graph Integration

Exports point data to Texture2D for use with Unity's Visual Effect Graph, allowing for creative particle effects and simulations.

Custom Rendering Shaders

Includes specialized shaders for point and disk rendering, providing visual flexibility with adjustable properties for real-time applications.

Cons

Limited Format Support

Only supports PLY binary little-endian format, which restricts compatibility with other common point cloud formats like LAS or PCD.

Platform-Dependent Features

Point size properties are not supported on D3D11/12, and disk rendering requires geometry shaders, limiting cross-platform consistency.

Manual Installation Complexity

Requires editing the package manifest to add scoped registries, which can be error-prone and less intuitive for users unfamiliar with Unity's package manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

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