Feature highlights of WEBKNOSSOS from 2023

Albane le Tournoulx de la Villegeorges
WEBKNOSSOS
Published in
4 min readJan 5, 2024

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2023 was a year full of new features for WEBKNOSSOS, with exciting additions that enhanced our product. From AI-powered quick-select tools to improved touch device support, here are the standout features we want to make sure you haven’t missed!

AI-based Quick-select Tool

We integrated the “Segment Anything” AI model from Meta for a faster and more precise quick-select tool. This is especially powerful when combined with the interpolation feature. Read more!

AI-based quick-select tool in WEBKNOSSOS

Improved support for Wacom tablets and iPads

Customize pen tablet shortcuts to align with WEBKNOSSOS shortcuts for intuitive and efficient annotation. Use your iPad and Apple pencil for on-the-go data showcasing and annotation with an enhanced UI for touch devices. Read more about using WEBKNOSSOS with pen tablets and with iPads.

Annotating on an iPad

Segment Statistics

Access essential information about your annotated segments, including count, volumes, positions, and bounding boxes. Easily export data as CSV to your preferred program for further analysis work. Read more!

Exporting segment statistics from WEBKNOSSOS to CSV

Segment groups

Organize your segments into groups for clarity. Execute batch actions like computing meshes or changing segment colors across entire groups.

Performing batch actions on segment groups

Layer ordering and blend modes

When working with light microscopy datasets, rearrange color layers in the left sidebar and set blend modes to additive or cover, enabling you to view combinations of layer images or only the top one.

Changing the layer order

Brush size presets

Quickly switch between annotation precision levels with preset brush sizes. Customize to fit your needs.

Choosing the brush size from the presets

Measurement tools

Determine path lengths with precise waypoints or measure surface areas of segments with the area tool. Copy the data to your clipboard with a simple click.

Measuring distances with the measurement tools in WEBKNOSSOS

Preview links and dataset thumbnails

Now, you can preview your datasets before even opening them. When sharing a link to a dataset on Slack, MS Teams, or social media, a preview is now integrated into the message.

Preview of a dataset shared via link on Slack

Additionally, when scrolling through your list of datasets in WEBKNOSSOS, you’ll find convenient thumbnails on the dashboard. No more guessing — visualize and differentiate datasets at a glance!

Scrolling through the dataset list and opening a dataset

Improved Python Integration

The Python Integration for WEBKNOSSOS got better and faster! Explore our Python library to automate, enhance, and accelerate your workflows.

Running a Python script to download image data from WEBKNOSSOS

Support for more formats

In addition to working with image stacks, WEBKNOSSOS can now open a wider range of formats, including OME-Zarr, N5, Neuroglancer precomputed, and more. Learn more about supported data sources in the documentation.

Supported formats for dataset upload

Zarr v3

In 2023, the Zarr V3 specification and sharding ZEP were accepted. scalable minds contributed to its development and WEBKNOSSOS now supports the file format Zarr V3. We even baked a cake for the occasion!

Proofreading tools

The proofreading tools in WEBKNOSSOS have been improved and are now much easier to use. Simply click on the two points and use the context menu to merge or split cells. Witness the results in the 3D meshes in real-time!

Correcting split and merge errors with the proofreading tools

Creating animations

Generate beautiful animations showing volumetric image data shrinking to reveal the 3D meshes of your segmented objects. Read more!

Creating an animation

Rebranding

WEBKNOSSOS got a fresh new look in December 2022 and January 2023 across UI, emails, and social media accounts. Read more!

Before and after the rebranding WEBKNOSSOS underwent in 2023

4D datasets for Time Series

View and annotate 4D datasets in WEBKNOSSOS. Use the time slider to navigate through the time axis while keeping the familiar WEBKNOSSOS UI for working on your data. Read more!

Navigating through the time axis in a 4D dataset in WEBKNOSSOS

2023 was a year of innovation and enhancement for WEBKNOSSOS, and we’re excited to continue delivering cutting-edge tools for your research and scientific pursuits. Stay tuned on Twitter and Mastodon to follow the development of WEBKNOSSOS — and all the upcoming features of 2024!

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