Convert annotation formats

How To Convert CreateML JSON to Pascal VOC XML

In this guide, we show you how to convert data between the CreateML and VOC formats for free. You can use your converted data to train YOLOX models and other models that support the VOC format.

Convert with an AI agent

Paste this prompt into your coding agent

Claude Code, Cursor, Codex or any agent with the Roboflow MCP uploads your CreateML JSON dataset to Roboflow, generates a version and downloads it as Pascal VOC XML.

No Roboflow MCP yet? The prompt has your agent set it up first, or connect your agent before you paste it.

Rather convert it by hand? Follow the steps below

CreateML JSON

Apple's CreateML and Turi Create tools need a special JSON format for object detection tasks.

Below, learn the structure of CreateML JSON.

createml.jsonJSON
[
    {
        "image": "0001.jpg",
        "annotations": [
            {
                "label": "helmet",
                "coordinates": {
                    "x": 162.5,
                    "y": 45,
                    "width": 79,
                    "height": 88
                }
            },
            {
                "label": "person",
                "coordinates": {
                    "x": 145.5,
                    "y": 176,
                    "width": 251,
                    "height": 350
                }
            }
        ]
    }
]

Pascal VOC XML

Pascal VOC is a common XML annotation format that is human readable but doesn't work with any known object detection models.

Below, learn the structure of Pascal VOC XML.

img0001.xml
<annotation>
	<folder></folder>
	<filename>000001.jpg</filename>
	<path>000001.jpg</path>
	<source>
		<database>roboflow.ai</database>
	</source>
	<size>
		<width>500</width>
		<height>375</height>
		<depth>3</depth>
	</size>
	<segmented>0</segmented>
	<object>
		<name>helmet</name>
		<pose>Unspecified</pose>
		<truncated>0</truncated>
		<difficult>0</difficult>
		<occluded>0</occluded>
		<bndbox>
			<xmin>179</xmin>
			<xmax>231</xmax>
			<ymin>85</ymin>
			<ymax>144</ymax>
		</bndbox>
	</object>
	<object>
		<name>helmet</name>
		<pose>Unspecified</pose>
		<truncated>0</truncated>
		<difficult>0</difficult>
		<occluded>0</occluded>
		<bndbox>
			<xmin>112</xmin>
			<xmax>135</xmax>
			<ymin>145</ymin>
			<ymax>175</ymax>
		</bndbox>
	</object>
</annotation>

Step 1: Create a free Roboflow account

Roboflow is a universal conversion tool for computer vision annotation formats. To convert your dataset, start by creating a free Roboflow account.

Create free Roboflow account

Step 2: Upload your data into Roboflow

Once your account has been created, click Create New Project. (opens in a new tab)

Roboflow's create project form, with Object Detection selected as the project type

Upload your data to Roboflow by dragging and dropping your CreateML JSON images and annotations into the upload space.

Roboflow's upload page, with a drag-and-drop area for images, annotations, videos and PDFs

Step 3: Generate Dataset Version

Next, click "Generate New Version" to generate a new version of your dataset:

Roboflow's Generate a Dataset Version page, showing the source images and train/test split for a new version

You can then apply any preprocessing or augmentation steps to your dataset:

The augmentation step of a new dataset version, with 90° Rotate and Brightness added

Step 4: Export Dataset Version

After generating, you will be prompted to Export your dataset. You can choose to receive your dataset as a .zip file or a curl download link. Choose Pascal VOC XML when asked in what format you want to export your data. You will see a dropdown with various options like this:

Roboflow's Download dialog, with the export format list open and COCO highlighted

Congratulations, you have successfully converted your dataset from CreateML JSON format to Pascal VOC XML format!

Video Tutorial

Convert Computer Vision Annotation Formats Tutorial

Want to dive deeper into converting annotation formats with Roboflow? In the tutorial below, we explore how to convert your data in the Roboflow dashboard. We also discuss rejecting annotations and train-test-validation splits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! It is free to convert CreateML JSON data into the Pascal VOC XML format on the Roboflow platform.

If you have between a few and a few thousand images, converting data between these formats will be quick. But, the time it takes to convert between data formats increases with the more images you have.

Show guide

Convert CreateML JSON to other formats

Convert other formats to Pascal VOC XML

Related

Start where you are

Speak with an AI expert

Our team will help you start solving business problems on the first call.

  • Solution architecting
  • Live demonstration
  • Pricing and specifications
  • Feasibility assessment

Over 80,000 organizations build with Roboflow.

Rivian
Pella
Chobani
USG Corporation
BNSF Railway
American Woodmark
Outcomes
Patrick Industries
Peer Robotics
Create free Roboflow account