The XYZ file format is a simple and widely used format for storing point cloud data. It represents a collection of 3D points in space, where each point is defined by its X, Y, and Z coordinates. Typically, these coordinates are stored as floating-point numbers, allowing for precise representation of the point's location. The format is often used in applications such as surveying, mapping, 3D scanning, and computer graphics. It's a plain text format, making it easy to read and parse by various software tools. While the basic XYZ format only stores coordinate data, some variations may include additional information per point, such as color (RGB values), intensity, or surface normals. The simplicity of the XYZ format makes it a popular choice for exchanging point cloud data between different software packages and platforms. It's often a starting point for more complex point cloud processing workflows. The lack of a standardized header can sometimes lead to ambiguity regarding the coordinate system or units used, so it's important to document these aspects when sharing XYZ files.