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Doccano
What it is
Doccano is a free, open-source data labeling tool for machine learning work. It supports text classification, sequence labeling, and sequence-to-sequence annotation, with labeled data suited to tasks such as sentiment analysis, named entity recognition, and text summarization. A project workflow lets users configure a project, import datasets, add users, annotate examples, and export the results. Multiple people can work on annotation together, and REST APIs allow scripts to connect with the tool for model-assisted labeling. Installation options include pip, Docker, Docker Compose, source, and cloud deployment. Linux, Windows, and macOS machines are listed, with Python 3.8 or later required by the installation guide. SQLite 3 is the default database; PostgreSQL configuration is also described, and MySQL is mentioned as an option. Imported datasets can be stored in Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage. Doccano also lists mobile support, emoji support, a dark theme, and multi-language support. One upgrade caution: an upgrade while using SQLite 3 can result in database loss.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Supports text classification and sequence labeling
- Collaborative annotation is supported
- REST APIs connect scripts to labeling workflows
- Supports Linux, Windows, and macOS
Against
- SQLite 3 upgrades can result in database loss
- Installation requires Python 3.8 or later
The verdict
Doccano covers several text-labeling tasks and provides collaboration, deployment choices, and REST API access. Users relying on SQLite 3 should account for the stated upgrade risk.
Who it suits
Doccano suits machine learning practitioners who need to create labeled datasets and collaborate on annotation. It may also fit teams seeking self-hosting options and script integrations through REST APIs.
Plans and prices
doccano
Open-source annotation tool; install with pip, Docker, or Docker Compose
Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Annotation tasks
- It supports text classification, sequence labeling, and sequence-to-sequence annotation tasks.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- API
- Doccano provides a RESTful API, and its documentation says it can be integrated with scripts through REST APIs.doccano.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Cloud storage
- The documentation describes storing imported datasets in Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage.doccano.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- Features include collaborative annotation and multi-language support.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Database options
- SQLite 3 is the default database, and the installation guide also describes PostgreSQL and mentions MySQL as an option.doccano.github.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Data storage
- SQLite 3 is the default database; the installation guide also describes configuring PostgreSQL and other database systems.doccano.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The repository lists one-click deployment options for AWS and Heroku, and the guide supports installation locally or in the cloud.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Doccano can be installed using pip, Docker, or Docker Compose.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The auto-labeling guide demonstrates Amazon Comprehend Sentiment Analysis and allows users to configure a custom REST API.doccano.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Interface
- The project lists mobile support, emoji support, and a dark theme among its features.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Known upgrade limitation
- The installation guide warns that upgrading the package while using SQLite 3 can lose the database.doccano.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Labeling workflow
- Users can configure a project, import datasets, add users, annotate data, and export labeled datasets.doccano.github.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Login integrations
- The OAuth guide describes social login via GitHub and Active Directory, and provides Okta setup instructions.doccano.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The installation guide says doccano can be installed on Linux, Windows, or macOS machines running Python 3.8 or later.doccano.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Project origin
- The repository citation lists the project year as 2018 and names Hiroki Nakayama and four coauthors.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Doccano is an open-source text annotation tool for machine-learning practitioners.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- REST API
- Doccano can be integrated with scripts through REST APIs for labeling data with machine learning models.doccano.github.io · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its FAQ and invites them to contact the author for help and feedback.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026