---
title: "Export data for ML training"
description: "Convert Pixeltable data to PyTorch DataLoader format for model training."
url: "https://www.pixeltable.com/notebooks/data-export-pytorch"
updated: "2026-05-08"
---

# Export data for ML training

Convert Pixeltable data to PyTorch DataLoader format for model training.

- **Type:** Notebook
- **Group:** Data Import/Export

## How it works

You use query.to_pytorch_dataset() to create an iterable dataset compatible with PyTorch DataLoader.

## What it covers

- Convert query results to PyTorch Dataset
- Use with DataLoader for batch training
- Export to Parquet for external tools

## What it uses

- **Install:** `pip install pixeltable torch torchvision`
- **Pixeltable calls:** `pxt.create_table()`, `insert()`, `add_computed_column()`, `to_pytorch_dataset()`

## A look at the code

```python
# Add a resize step to ensure all images have the same size
training_data.add_computed_column(
    image_resized=training_data.image.resize((224, 224))
)

# Convert to PyTorch dataset
# 'pt' format returns images as CxHxW tensors with values in [0,1]
pytorch_dataset = training_data.select(
    training_data.image_resized, training_data.label
).to_pytorch_dataset(image_format='pt')
```

## Open it

- **Open in Colab:** https://colab.research.google.com/github/pixeltable/pixeltable/blob/release/docs/release/howto/cookbooks/data/data-export-pytorch.ipynb
- **Docs page:** https://docs.pixeltable.com/howto/cookbooks/data/data-export-pytorch
- **Source on GitHub:** https://github.com/pixeltable/pixeltable/blob/release/docs/release/howto/cookbooks/data/data-export-pytorch.ipynb