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Labelme

labelme.io

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Spec score 8.1 #10 of 28 in Image Annotation Software

What it is

Labelme is an AI-powered desktop annotation tool for creating image training datasets, aimed at researchers, engineers, and teams. Annotation options include polygons, rectangles, oriented rectangles, circles, lines, points, masks, and rich attributes. Local model support includes SAM, SAM2, SAM3, EfficientSAM, and YOLO-World. SAM3 accepts box and text prompts; SAM2 and EfficientSAM support point prompts, while YOLO-World returns bounding boxes. The maker says images, annotations, and exports stay on the user’s machine, without cloud processing or telemetry. Model weights are downloaded on first use; afterward, annotation and AI assistance can work offline, including in air-gapped setups using transferred models or the offline pack. Pro adds conversion and dataset tools, with exports including YOLO, YOLO-OBB, Pascal VOC, masks, visualizations, and statistics. The application is GPL-3.0, while the Pro toolkit is closed source. It runs on Apple Silicon macOS, 64-bit Windows, and 64-bit Linux; Intel Macs are supported only through v7.0.4. Starter costs $49, paid once, Pro $79, paid once, and Pro (Lifetime) $249, paid once.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Labelme is an AI-powered image annotation tool for creating training datasets, aimed at researchers, engineers, and teams.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Privacy
The maker says images, annotations, and exports remain on the user's machine, with no cloud processing or telemetry; model weights download on first use.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Support
Pro and Pro Lifetime include priority email support with a stated 48-hour response, and team-license inquiries receive a response within one business day.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Founded
2016Read 28 Sep 2026 · labelme.io
AI models
It supports SAM, SAM2, SAM3, EfficientSAM, and YOLO-World, which run locally rather than through a hosted API.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
AI prompts
SAM3 accepts box and text prompts, while SAM2 or EfficientSAM can be used for point prompts; YOLO-World returns bounding boxes.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Annotation types
It supports polygons, rectangles, oriented rectangles, circles, lines, points, masks, and rich attributes.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Dataset tools
The Pro toolkit includes batch processing, visual review, image resizing with annotations, label renaming, dataset statistics, export, and command-line automation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Integrations and exports
Pro automates conversion to YOLO, YOLO-OBB, and Pascal VOC, can import YOLO and YOLO-OBB, and produces masks, visualizations, and dataset statistics.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Maker and history
The maker identifies Kentaro Wada as founder and developer, and says the open-source project began in 2016.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Notable limits
The three-day trial excludes the Pro dataset toolkit, Starter cannot be upgraded to Pro at a discount, and Pro toolkit tools require Python.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Offline use
After each model's one-time download, annotation and AI assistance work offline; the maker says air-gapped use is possible by moving models from a connected machine or requesting its offline pack.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Open source and licensing
The annotation application is GPL-3.0, while the Pro dataset toolkit is closed source; the AI models have their own licenses.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Operating system limits
The desktop app supports Apple Silicon macOS, 64-bit Windows, and 64-bit Linux; Intel Macs are supported only through v7.0.4.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Team licensing
Team and enterprise licenses are arranged by email with Pro per seat, one invoice, and volume pricing; each seat is for one named person.Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io

Plans and prices

Starter $49, paid once One-time; includes 1 year of updates Desktop app for Windows, macOS & Linux · SAM2 and SAM3 annotation · No dataset toolkit Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Pro $79, paid once One-time; includes 1 year of updates Everything in Starter · Dataset toolkit with 10+ tools · YOLO, YOLO-OBB and Pascal VOC exports · Priority email support (48h response) · Toolkit requires Python Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io
Pro (Lifetime) $249, paid once One-time; lifetime updates Everything in Pro · All future updates, including major versions · Toolkit requires Python Read 4 Oct 2026 · labelme.io

Every Labelme plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports several annotation shapes and masks.
  • AI models run locally rather than through a hosted API.
  • Annotation can work offline after model downloads.
  • Pro includes dataset processing and export tools.

Limits

  • Text annotation is not supported.
  • API access is not available.
  • The three-day trial excludes the Pro dataset toolkit.
  • Pro toolkit tools require Python.

Who it suits

Labelme suits researchers, engineers, and teams building image datasets who want local model assistance and offline annotation. Pro may suit users who need dataset processing and export tools, provided they can use Python.

Verdict

Labelme pairs local model-assisted annotation with offline use and a separate Pro dataset toolkit. Check the operating-system limits and Python requirement before choosing a paid tier.

Where Specifiction places it

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