Top Related Projects
TensorFlow's Visualization Toolkit
Open standard for machine learning interoperability
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ONNX Runtime: cross-platform, high performance ML inferencing and training accelerator
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Open deep learning compiler stack for cpu, gpu and specialized accelerators
Quick Overview
Netron is a viewer for neural network, deep learning, and machine learning models. It supports a wide range of formats and frameworks, allowing users to visualize and analyze complex model architectures with an intuitive interface. Netron is designed to be cross-platform, running on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of model formats (ONNX, Keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.)
- User-friendly interface with interactive visualization of model architectures
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browser)
- Regularly updated to support new model formats and improvements
Cons
- Limited editing capabilities; primarily focused on visualization
- May struggle with extremely large or complex models
- Requires local installation for full functionality (though a web version is available)
- Some advanced features may have a learning curve for new users
Getting Started
To use Netron, follow these steps:
- Download the appropriate version for your operating system from the releases page.
- Install and run the application.
- Open your model file using the "File" menu or by dragging and dropping it into the application window.
- Explore the model visualization, zoom in/out, and use the sidebar for detailed information about layers and connections.
Alternatively, you can use the web version by visiting https://netron.app and uploading your model file directly in the browser.
Note: Netron is not a code library, so there are no code examples or programming-specific quick start instructions. It's a standalone application for visualizing machine learning models.
Competitor Comparisons
TensorFlow's Visualization Toolkit
Pros of TensorBoard
- Integrated with TensorFlow ecosystem, providing seamless visualization for TensorFlow models
- Real-time monitoring of training progress, including metrics and hyperparameters
- Supports distributed training visualization and profiling tools
Cons of TensorBoard
- Limited to TensorFlow models, less versatile for other frameworks
- Requires running a separate server, which can be resource-intensive
- Steeper learning curve for users not familiar with TensorFlow
Code Comparison
Netron (Python):
import netron
netron.start('model.onnx')
TensorBoard (Python):
from tensorflow.keras.callbacks import TensorBoard
tensorboard_callback = TensorBoard(log_dir="./logs")
model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=5, callbacks=[tensorboard_callback])
Netron focuses on static model visualization with a simple API, while TensorBoard integrates deeply with TensorFlow's training process, requiring more setup but offering real-time monitoring capabilities.
Open standard for machine learning interoperability
Pros of ONNX
- Standardized format for machine learning models
- Broad industry support and adoption
- Extensive ecosystem of tools and frameworks
Cons of ONNX
- More complex to use for simple visualization tasks
- Requires additional tools for model viewing
Code Comparison
ONNX (Python):
import onnx
model = onnx.load("model.onnx")
print(model.graph.node[0].op_type)
Netron (JavaScript):
const netron = require('netron');
netron.view('model.onnx', { browser: true });
Summary
ONNX is a powerful standard for representing machine learning models, with broad industry support and an extensive ecosystem. However, it's more complex for simple visualization tasks compared to Netron. ONNX focuses on model representation and interoperability, while Netron specializes in easy-to-use visualization. ONNX requires additional tools for viewing models, whereas Netron provides built-in visualization capabilities. The code examples demonstrate that ONNX is typically used for model manipulation in Python, while Netron offers a simple JavaScript API for quick model viewing in a browser.
Tensors and Dynamic neural networks in Python with strong GPU acceleration
Pros of PyTorch
- Comprehensive deep learning framework with extensive functionality
- Large, active community and ecosystem of tools/libraries
- Supports dynamic computational graphs for flexible model development
Cons of PyTorch
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Larger codebase and installation size
- More complex setup and configuration process
Code Comparison
Netron (visualization):
import netron
netron.start('model.onnx')
PyTorch (model definition):
import torch.nn as nn
class SimpleNet(nn.Module):
def __init__(self):
super(SimpleNet, self).__init__()
self.fc = nn.Linear(10, 5)
def forward(self, x):
return self.fc(x)
Summary
PyTorch is a full-featured deep learning framework, while Netron is a specialized tool for visualizing neural network architectures. PyTorch offers more comprehensive capabilities for model development and training, but comes with increased complexity. Netron provides a simpler, focused solution for model visualization and analysis. The choice between them depends on whether you need a complete deep learning ecosystem or a dedicated visualization tool.
ONNX Runtime: cross-platform, high performance ML inferencing and training accelerator
Pros of ONNX Runtime
- Provides a high-performance inference engine for ONNX models
- Supports a wide range of hardware accelerators and platforms
- Offers optimizations for improved model execution speed and efficiency
Cons of ONNX Runtime
- More complex setup and integration compared to Netron
- Requires programming knowledge to use effectively
- Limited visualization capabilities for model inspection
Code Comparison
Netron (JavaScript):
const netron = require('netron');
netron.start('model.onnx', { browser: 'chrome' });
ONNX Runtime (Python):
import onnxruntime as ort
session = ort.InferenceSession("model.onnx")
output = session.run(None, {"input": input_data})
Netron is primarily a visualization tool for neural network models, including ONNX formats. It provides an easy-to-use interface for exploring model architectures and parameters. ONNX Runtime, on the other hand, is a performance-focused inference engine for executing ONNX models across various platforms and hardware.
While Netron excels in model visualization and inspection, ONNX Runtime offers superior performance and optimization capabilities for model execution. Netron is more accessible for non-programmers, whereas ONNX Runtime requires coding skills but provides greater flexibility and control over model inference.
Deep Learning for humans
Pros of Keras
- Comprehensive deep learning framework for building and training neural networks
- Extensive documentation and large community support
- Seamless integration with TensorFlow backend
Cons of Keras
- Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to Netron's visualization tool
- Requires more setup and configuration for model development
Code Comparison
Keras (model definition):
from keras.models import Sequential
from keras.layers import Dense
model = Sequential([
Dense(64, activation='relu', input_shape=(10,)),
Dense(1, activation='sigmoid')
])
Netron (usage):
import netron
netron.start('path/to/model.h5')
Key Differences
- Purpose: Keras is a deep learning framework, while Netron is a viewer for neural network models
- Functionality: Keras is used for building and training models, Netron for visualizing and analyzing existing models
- User base: Keras targets data scientists and ML engineers, Netron caters to a broader audience including non-technical users
Use Cases
- Keras: Developing and training custom neural networks, research, and production-ready ML models
- Netron: Visualizing and understanding pre-trained models, debugging, and educational purposes
Both tools serve different purposes in the machine learning ecosystem, with Keras focusing on model development and Netron on model visualization and interpretation.
Open deep learning compiler stack for cpu, gpu and specialized accelerators
Pros of TVM
- Comprehensive deep learning compiler framework for multiple hardware targets
- Supports a wide range of machine learning models and frameworks
- Offers performance optimization and hardware acceleration capabilities
Cons of TVM
- Steeper learning curve due to its complexity and broad scope
- Requires more setup and configuration compared to Netron
- May be overkill for simple model visualization tasks
Code Comparison
TVM (Python):
import tvm
from tvm import relay
# Define a simple network
data = relay.var("data", relay.TensorType((1, 3, 224, 224), "float32"))
weight = relay.var("weight")
conv2d = relay.nn.conv2d(data, weight)
func = relay.Function([data, weight], conv2d)
Netron (JavaScript):
const netron = require('netron');
// Open and visualize a model
netron.start('path/to/model.onnx', { browser: 'chrome' });
Summary
TVM is a powerful deep learning compiler framework offering extensive optimization and hardware support, while Netron focuses on model visualization and analysis. TVM is more suitable for advanced machine learning deployments, whereas Netron excels in quick and easy model inspection.
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Netron is a viewer for neural network, deep learning and machine learning models.
Netron supports ONNX, TensorFlow Lite, Core ML, Keras, Caffe, Darknet, PyTorch, TensorFlow.js, Safetensors and NumPy.
Netron has experimental support for TorchScript, torch.export, ExecuTorch, TensorFlow, OpenVINO, RKNN, ncnn, MNN, PaddlePaddle, GGUF and scikit-learn.
Install
macOS: Download the .dmg
file or run brew install --cask netron
Linux: Download the .AppImage
file or run snap install netron
Windows: Download the .exe
installer or run winget install -s winget netron
Browser: Start the browser version.
Python: pip install netron
, then run netron [FILE]
or netron.start('[FILE]')
.
Models
Sample model files to download or open using the browser version:
Top Related Projects
TensorFlow's Visualization Toolkit
Open standard for machine learning interoperability
Tensors and Dynamic neural networks in Python with strong GPU acceleration
ONNX Runtime: cross-platform, high performance ML inferencing and training accelerator
Deep Learning for humans
Open deep learning compiler stack for cpu, gpu and specialized accelerators
Convert
designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot