It’s a fact: your AI model is only as good as the data it learns from. This is true for both text and image-generating algorithms. So when image annotations are inconsistent, mislabeled, or outdated, AI developers and data scientists managing large-scale projects have to deal with inefficient workflows.
Hours are wasted manually fixing labels, team members follow different standards, and integrating annotations into machine learning pipelines becomes a frustrating hurdle.
If collaboration issues and data integration roadblocks are holding you back, you’re not alone. The right tools don’t just label images—they standardize, automate, and seamlessly integrate annotations into AI workflows.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top image annotation tools so your team spends less time fixing data and more time pushing AI forward.
13 Best Image Annotation Software Tools
- What Is Image Annotation?
- What Should You Look for in Image Annotation Software?
- Best Image Annotation Software to Perfectly Label Your Images
- 1. ClickUp (Best for task management, collaboration, and feedback management)
- 2. Labelbox (Best for vector image labeling)
- 3. SuperAnnotate (Best for high-precision and complex image annotation)
- 4. V7 (Best for automating image and video annotation at scale)
- 5. CVAT (Best for complex object labeling data in machine learning projects)
- 6. LabelMe (Best for polygon-based object labeling in computer vision)
- 7. Hive AI (Best for high-accuracy, human-powered image annotation at scale)
- 8. VoTT (Best for object detection training)
- 9. Playment (Best for high-quality 3D and LiDAR data annotation)
- 10. Scale AI (Best for AI-assisted complex data annotation)
- 11. LabelImg (Best for fast and simple object detection annotation)
- 12. RectLabel (Best for advanced shape and keypoint annotation)
- 13. Dataloop (Best for AI-assisted annotation in large projects)
Summarize this article for me please⏰ 60-Second Summary
Here’s a rundown of the best image annotation tools available today:
- ClickUp: Best for task management, collaboration, and feedback management
- Labelbox: Best for vector image labeling
- SuperAnnotate: Best for high-precision and complex image annotation
- V7: Best for automating image and video annotation at scale
- CVAT: Best for complex object labeling data in machine learning projects
- LabelMe: Best for polygon-based object labeling in computer vision
- Hive AI: Best for high-accuracy, human-powered image annotation at scale
- VoTT: Best for object detection training
- Playment: Best for high-quality 3D and LiDAR data annotation
- Scale AI: Best for AI-assisted complex data annotation
- LabelImg: Best for fast and simple object detection annotation
- RectLabel: Best for advanced shape and keypoint annotation
- Dataloop: Best for AI-assisted annotation in large projects
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Image Annotation?
Image annotation means labeling images with specific information to help AI systems recognize and understand them. This involves adding metadata to images, such as identifying objects, outlining shapes, or marking textures and colors.
For example, when your smartphone camera detects and focuses on faces, it’s using image annotation. The software is trained with thousands of labeled images to recognize human features, advancing photography, security, and autonomous driving.
Here is an example of how image annotation works. By labeling each object in an image, the algorithm can read it better, and take the appropriate action.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Image Annotation Software?
The key to operating an image annotation software isn’t just better algorithms; it’s ensuring that everyone feeds clean, uniform data into them.
The best annotation software helps turn messy inputs into orderly data that improves AI training.
Here are some features you should prioritize when looking for image annotation software:
- 🖍️ Annotation versatility: The tool should support multiple annotation methods, such as bounding boxes for object detection, polygons for complex shapes, and semantic segmentation for pixel-level precision
- 🤝 Collaborative tools: Look for image annotation software that allows real-time teamwork, shared workspaces, role-based access, and feedback loops to improve collaboration and eliminate redundancy
- 🧩 Intuitive design: A clutter-free interface reduces the learning curve, letting users focus on accuracy and efficiency
- 🚀 Scalability: The tool should handle high-volume tasks (thousands of images/videos annotation) without compromising speed or quality
- ⚡AI-driven automation: Look for features like autolabeling, annotation suggestions, and data augmentation to accelerate workflows and improve model robustness
- 🔗 Integration capabilities: Ensure effortless compatibility with existing systems, such as cloud storage, project management tools, and ML frameworks, to maintain seamless workflows
Summarize this article for me pleaseBest Image Annotation Software to Perfectly Label Your Images
Let’s dive into the top image annotation software, starting with the in-house favorite—ClickUp.
1. ClickUp (Best for task management, collaboration, and feedback management)
Managing large datasets is already challenging, and most image annotation tools only add to the complexity due to a lack of real-time collaboration features.
ClickUp enables seamless collaboration by directly integrating advanced image annotation features into your project workflows.
ClickUp Proofing Tool
You can easily annotate images, PDFs, and videos using ClickUp’s Proofing Tool. It enables you to add comments to images and assign them to your team members for quick action. No more endless email threads or lost feedback, just clear, comprehensive feedback that keeps projects moving!
Here’s how you can annotate an image in ClickUp:
- Assign comments instantly and turn feedback into tasks with one click
- Open the file directly in a task
- Click ‘Add Comments’ to flag exact areas needing attention
In addition to a proofing tool, ClickUp acts as a brainstorming canvas with real-time collaboration features.
ClickUp Whiteboards
With ClickUp Whiteboards, you can sketch freely, mark up images, connect ideas, format text, add sticky notes, and convert scribbles into tasks without breaking stride. Add comments to convert any idea into an action item easily!
💡Pro tip for your workflow:
- Start with whiteboard templates to upload images for group discussion
- Annotate with arrows, shapes, and text to highlight key elements
- Collaborate live and convert ideas into tasks instantly
- Convert visual annotations into tasks directly within ClickUp, maintaining workflow continuity
You can also generate AI images in ClickUp Whiteboards to provide references and share more context. Instead of just describing an idea, you can create an image using ClickUp Brain and annotate it to show relationships, steps, or insights.
ClickUp Tasks
Working on bulk image annotation projects?
ClickUp Tasks can help you create a custom workflow. You can add different task types, such as ‘bounding box annotation’ and ‘text labeling,’ add custom task statuses, set task priority levels, and link related and dependent tasks.
ClickUp best features
- Capture and share video recordings with ClickUp’s built-in snipping tool called ClickUp Clips. Using Clips, you can record your screen and leave feedback comments within the same thread.
- Annotate PDFs, images, and videos directly within tasks without the need to switch apps
- Pin comments to precise areas of images to eliminate ambiguity in feedback
- Enable multi-user markup and commenting to enhance teamwork and collaborative efforts
- Convert comments directly into tasks to streamline workflow and ensure actionable outcomes
- Sync seamlessly with Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Office to enhance productivity across platforms
ClickUp limitations
- Some users experience a steep learning curve due to the number of features and customization options available
ClickUp pricing
- Free forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7/month per user
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about ClickUp?
📖 Read More: Best Digital Whiteboard Software Programs
2. Labelbox (Best for vector image labeling)
Labelbox is an intuitive vector labeling tool used to train AI models in object detection and recognition. It helps with point annotation (labeling specific points in an image or dataset), line annotation (labeling linear structures), and bounding box annotation (using boxes to highlight objects).
Labelbox’s AI assistant automatically adds labels, enabling reviewers to concentrate on refining outputs. You can also add additional elements, such as text, videos, images, and custom HTML widgets, to provide more context to labels. This supports robust visual communication and boosts annotation efficiency.
Labelbox best features
- Analyze and adjust datasets effectively with comprehensive data exploration tools
- Ensure precision with smart drawing tools, hotkeys, and zoom/pan functionality
- Search image data using annotation and metadata filters
- Use multi-annotator workflows and review features to ensure accuracy and data consistency
Labelbox limitations
- Not suitable for annotating huge images due to size limitations
- Potential for variability in human annotation, which may require additional quality checks
Labelbox pricing
- Free: 500 Labelbox Units (LBUs) per month
- Starter: $0.10 per LBU
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Labelbox ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (30+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
What are real-life users saying about Labelbox?
🧠 Did you know? AI image annotation reduces manual labor by up to 70%, accelerating projects, boosting productivity, and improving data quality.
3. SuperAnnotate (Best for high-precision and complex image annotation)
SuperAnnotate is an advanced image annotation software compatible with all image file types, including JPG, JPEG, and PNG. Its object detection feature helps you locate, identify, and mark objects in bounding boxes.
With the Magic Select tool, you can divide your image into various segments and outline objects for faster annotation. Plus, its advanced annotation workflows help you customize processes for specific project needs. This enhances efficiency and ensures high-quality annotations for complex computer vision tasks.
SuperAnnotate best features
- Extract and process text from images instantly using OCR
- Annotate similar objects across multiple images with a single click
- Create curved polygons faster with an intuitive drawing experience
- Modify polygons effortlessly by adding or removing points instantly
- Draw polygons with shared edges for accurate multi-object annotations
SuperAnnotate limitations
- Some complex segmentations may still require manual effort
- The interface may lack advanced features like full-screen viewing and edge-snapping
SuperAnnotate pricing
- Forever free
- Pro: Custom pricing
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
SuperAnnotate ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.9/5 (140+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
What are real-life users saying about Labelbox?
✨Fun Fact: Brothers Tigran and Vahan Petrosyan dropped out of their Ph.D. programs in computer science to build SuperAnnotate, turning their passion for solving data annotation challenges into a powerful AI platform for computer vision.
4. V7 (Best for automating image and video annotation at scale)
V7 Darwin offers a variety of annotation tools for AI-assisted labeling and performing complex annotation tasks. You can create semantic pixel masks, saving the time required to classify each pixel separately. Plus, V7 allows you to segment irregular shapes in a single click.
Its collaboration tools and intuitive interface streamline workflows, ensuring consistent annotations across teams. V7 helps AI developers and data scientists improve model accuracy faster while reducing manual effort in large-scale computer vision projects.
V7 best features
- Create high-quality AI training sets with quick and accurate labeling
- Handle annotations across multiple formats, including images, videos, PDFs, and medical images
- Customize annotation guidelines to meet specific project needs
- Integrate external machine-learning models to enhance annotation accuracy
- Annotate similar objects automatically to speed up repetitive annotation tasks
V7 limitations
- Automated annotations often require manual review to ensure precision
- Performance heavily reliant on the initial quality of image data
V7 pricing
- Starter and enterprise: Custom pricing
- Demo available: Custom pricing
V7 ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.8/5 (50+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
What are real-life users saying about V7?
📖 Read More: Best Graphic Design Collaboration Software & Tools
5. CVAT (Best for complex object labeling data in machine learning projects)
CVAT is a powerful open-source annotation platform for developers, who are well-versed in machine learning tools. It supports diverse annotation types, including polygons, polylines, 3D cuboids, and skeletons, making it adaptable to a wide range of projects.
Automatic annotation and interpolation speed up workflows, particularly for video object tracking. CVAT also streamlines collaboration with task assignments, user roles, and progress tracking, while its active community offers valuable resources and support.
CVAT best features
- Enable collaborative annotation with simultaneous multi-user access
- Integrate seamlessly with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and other machine-learning frameworks
- Support multiple export formats for various ML frameworks
- Ensure annotation accuracy with reviews, quality checks, and custom validation rules
CVAT limitations
- Managing layers can be challenging with overlapping objects
- Cannot directly annotate PDF files without conversion
CVAT pricing
- Free forever
- Team/Solo plan: $32/month per user
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
- On-premise option: Custom pricing
CVAT ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
📖 Read More: Best Creative Approval Software Tools to Use
6. LabelMe (Best for polygon-based object labeling in computer vision)
LabelMe is an open-source computer vision image annotation tool specializing in polygon-based image segmentation. Its AI models help you annotate images with text prompts or simple clicks, saving a lot of time and effort.
LabelMe’s lightweight interface is easily accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise, so it can be used to train AI models or enhance graphic design workflows. The best part is that LabelMe offers an offline annotation app for better security and quick access.
LabelMe best features
- Draw polygons, rectangles, circles, lines, and points for precise object outlining
- Support exporting annotations in popular formats like Pascal-VOC and COCO
- Enable efficient batch processing for extensive dataset annotation
LabelMe limitations
- It does not support real-time collaborative annotation for teams
- Lacks more advanced annotation options like keypoint labeling
LabelMe pricing
- Forever free
- Starter: $19 (one-time payment)
- Pro: $49 (one-time payment)
LabelMe ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
7. Hive AI (Best for high-accuracy, human-powered image annotation at scale)
Hive AI offers high-quality, human-powered annotation services, ensuring precision and security for AI projects requiring nuanced judgment. It leverages a global network of skilled annotators to handle complex tasks while implementing strict data security measures to protect sensitive information.
With customizable workflows, quality control checks, and dedicated project managers, Hive AI adapts to specific project needs, making it a trusted choice for organizations managing large-scale, high-stakes AI and machine learning projects.
Hive AI best features
- Minimize manual input with smart interpolation for video annotations
- Optimize model training efficiency through active learning integration
- Ensure annotation accuracy with consensus-based quality control
- Speed up repetitive tasks with customizable hotkeys and macros
Hive AI limitations
- Subjectivity and ambiguity in image interpretations can lead to inconsistencies
- Potential bias risks in annotations, if not managed correctly
Hive AI pricing
- Pay-as-you-go
Hive AI ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
✨ Fun Fact: Hive AI leverages a global network of over 700,000 human annotators, making it one of the world’s largest crowdsourcing data annotation tools.
8. VoTT (Best for object detection training)
VoTT (Visual Object Tracking Tool) is a video annotation tool with an intuitive interface and AI-ready labeling tools. It supports object tracking, action recognition, and event detection, making complex video sequences easier to annotate images.
VoTT’s object detection models also streamline dataset preparation by creating bounding boxes, drawing polygons, and creating custom object classes. You can integrate it with machine learning frameworks to ensure efficient model training and deployment.
VoTT best features
- Optimize image annotation for object tracking and action analysis in sequences
- Annotate both images and videos with multi-format support
- Ensure export compatibility with major frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch
- Integrate seamlessly with Microsoft tools for enhanced workflow compatibility
VoTT limitations
- It may exhibit performance issues with large datasets
- VoTT’s custom labeling options are not extensively flexible
VoTT pricing
- Free
VoTT ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
📮 ClickUp Insight: We recently discovered that about 33% of knowledge workers message 1 to 3 people daily to get the context they need. But what if you had all the information documented and readily available?
With ClickUp Brain’s AI Knowledge Manager by your side, context switching becomes a thing of the past. Simply ask the question right from your workspace, and ClickUp Brain will pull up the information from your workspace and/or connected third-party apps!
9. Playment (Best for high-quality 3D and LiDAR data annotation)
Playment, now part of TELUS International, specializes in annotating complex data types, such as 3D point clouds, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and sensor data for AI/ML applications in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and more.
Playment offers end-to-end data collection, sourcing, preparation, and annotation services. Plus, it delivers tailored solutions for the automotive, healthcare, and retail industries. Its expertise makes it a good choice for large-scale, high-precision annotation projects.
Playment best features
- Enable multi-dimensional annotation on 2D and 3D images, including LiDAR data
- Include quality control features to maintain data integrity throughout the annotation process
- Handle large volumes of data with scalable annotation workflows
- Provide professional services with access to experienced annotators for complex tasks
Playment limitations
- Quality consistency can be challenging with outsourced annotation teams
- Customization options for annotation processes might be limited
Playment pricing
- Custom pricing
Playment ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
🧠 Did you know? The LiDAR market is set to hit $8.63 billion by 2034, growing at 18% annually. This growth fuels advanced tools for AI developers, enhancing applications like autonomous vehicles and robotics with richer, more precise data for smarter models.
10. Scale AI (Best for AI-assisted complex data annotation)
Scale AI goes beyond traditional image labeling, offering AI-powered pre-labeling, active learning, and quality control to ensure precise, consistent annotations. It provides data curation services, including cleaning, filtering, and augmentation, to enhance dataset quality and diversity.
With a large team of expert annotators and data scientists, Scale AI efficiently manages large-scale AI/ML projects, delivering high-quality, training-ready data for autonomous systems, healthcare, and enterprise AI development applications.
Scale AI best features
- Integrate seamlessly with leading AI/ML platforms for smooth workflow management
- Track dataset changes with versioning and revert to previous versions easily
- Scale efficiently across large data volumes with robust workflows
- Streamline project management with advanced tools for task assignment and progress tracking
Scale AI limitations
- A steep learning curve for new users due to complex features
- Potentially high costs for small projects due to custom pricing
Scale AI pricing
- Custom pricing
Scale AI ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
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11. LabelImg (Best for fast and simple object detection annotation)
LabelImg is an open-source, graphical image annotation tool built for quick and efficient bounding box creation in object detection tasks. Its minimal dependencies make installation seamless across operating systems, while its user-friendly interface ensures accessibility for beginners.
As an actively maintained open-source project, LabelImg evolves through community-driven improvements, making it a reliable choice for small-scale AI projects.
LabelImg best features
- Simplify annotation with an intuitive graphical interface
- Create bounding boxes easily for object detection
- Export annotations in PASCAL VOC XML format
- Customize and extend functionality through its open-source availability
LabelImg limitations
- Supports only bounding box annotations, limiting its use for more complex tasks
- Provides a basic interface that might lack the depth needed for more detailed projects
LabelImg pricing
- Free
LabelImg ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
💡Pro Tip: Boost your workflow by customizing LabelImg with Python scripts to automate repetitive tasks and integrate them with your existing tools.
12. RectLabel (Best for advanced shape and keypoint annotation)
RectLabel specializes in high-precision image annotation, offering tools like polygons, Bézier curves, and key points to handle complex visual data. Built for AI teams needing expert-level accuracy, it transforms intricate images into training-ready datasets.
RectLabel delivers niche accuracy with features like Core ML automation, one-click YOLO/COCO exports, and customizable hotkeys, making annotation faster and more efficient.
RectLabel best features
- Annotate curved objects precisely with cubic Bézier curves for detailed segmentation
- Create smooth, accurate outlines for complex shapes using splines
- Mark key points for pose estimation, facial recognition, and action recognition
- Convert video to image frames and augment images to enhance training datasets
RectLabel limitations
- Offers limited advanced automation tools for AI-assisted labeling
- May experience slowdowns when handling large or complex datasets
RectLabel pricing
- Free version
- RectLabel Pro: $19.99
RectLabel ratings and reviews
- Not enough reviews
13. Dataloop (Best for AI-assisted annotation in large projects)
Dataloop combines image annotation with a complete ML platform, streamlining everything from data labeling to model deployment. Its AI-assisted tools accelerate annotation by focusing on high-value images first while supporting advanced features like object detection and segmentation.
This makes it particularly powerful for teams handling large-scale image datasets that need both efficiency and accuracy.
Dataloop best features
- Track dataset changes with versioning and revert to previous versions easily
- Integrate seamlessly with MLOps tools for CI/CD and model deployment
- Enhance collaboration with user roles, task assignments, and progress tracking
- Ensure data accuracy with comprehensive quality control tools
Dataloop limitations
- API could be limited for advanced human-in-the-loop annotation integrations
- Notifications about pipeline issues may be delayed, affecting workflow efficiency
Dataloop pricing
- Custom pricing
Dataloop ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (90 reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
Summarize this article for me pleaseStreamline Visual Feedback With ClickUp
All the above free image annotation tools help automate labeling and support various formats and techniques for training AI datasets. However, the key is to choose software that aligns with your specific needs.
For instance, if speed is your priority, V7 offers rapid annotation, while LabelMe is ideal for precise polygon-based object labeling.
However, image annotation is useful beyond AI training, as it can also enhance software development workflows. This is where ClickUp stands out as the best data annotation tool.
With its proofing and image annotation features, teams can provide clear visual feedback on images and videos, assign tasks, and track changes—all in one place. This reduces unnecessary back-and-forth, making the image annotation process more efficient.
Sign up for ClickUp today to ensure seamless visual feedback!
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