trainnet

Train deep learning neural network

Since R2023b. Recommended over trainNetwork.

Syntax

netTrained = trainnet(images,net,lossFcn,options)

netTrained = trainnet(images,targets,net,lossFcn,options)

netTrained = trainnet(sequences,net,lossFcn,options)

netTrained = trainnet(sequences,targets,net,lossFcn,options)

netTrained = trainnet(features,net,lossFcn,options)

netTrained = trainnet(features,targets,net,lossFcn,options)

netTrained = trainnet(data,net,lossFcn,options)

[netTrained,info] = trainnet(___)

Description

netTrained = trainnet(images,net,lossFcn,options) trains the neural network specified by net for image tasks using the images and targets specified by images and the training options defined by options.

netTrained = trainnet(images,targets,net,lossFcn,options) trains using the images specified by images and targets specified by targets.

netTrained = trainnet(sequences,net,lossFcn,options) trains a neural network for sequence or time-series tasks (for example, an LSTM or GRU neural network) using the sequences and targets specified by sequences.

netTrained = trainnet(sequences,targets,net,lossFcn,options) trains using the sequences specified by sequences and targets specified by targets.

netTrained = trainnet(features,net,lossFcn,options) trains a neural network for feature tasks (for example, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network) using the feature data and targets specified by features.

netTrained = trainnet(features,targets,net,lossFcn,options) trains using the feature data specified by features and targets specified by targets.

netTrained = trainnet(data,net,lossFcn,options) trains a neural network with other data layouts or combinations of different types of data.

[netTrained,info] = trainnet(___) also returns information on the training using any of the previous syntaxes.

Examples

Train Neural Network with Image Data

If you have a data set of images, then you can train a deep neural network using an image input layer.

Unzip the digit sample data and create an image datastore. The imageDatastore function automatically labels the images based on folder names.

unzip("DigitsData.zip")

imds = imageDatastore("DigitsData", ...
    IncludeSubfolders=true, ...
    LabelSource="foldernames");

Divide the data into training and test data sets, so that each category in the training set contains 750 images, and the test set contains the remaining images from each label. splitEachLabel splits the image datastore into two new datastores for training and test.

numTrainFiles = 750;
[imdsTrain,imdsTest] = splitEachLabel(imds,numTrainFiles,"randomized");

Define the convolutional neural network architecture. Specify the size of the images in the input layer of the network and the number of classes in the final fully connected layer. Each image is 28-by-28-by-1 pixels.

inputSize = [28 28 1];
classNames = categories(imds.Labels);
numClasses = numel(classNames);

layers = [
    imageInputLayer(inputSize)
    convolution2dLayer(5,20)
    batchNormalizationLayer
    reluLayer
    fullyConnectedLayer(numClasses)
    softmaxLayer];

Specify the training options.

• Train using the SGDM solver.

• Train for four epochs.

• Monitor the training progress in a plot and monitor the accuracy metric.

• Disable the verbose output.

options = trainingOptions("sgdm", ...
    MaxEpochs=4, ...
    Verbose=false, ...
    Plots="training-progress", ...
    Metrics="accuracy");

Train the neural network. For classification, use cross-entropy loss.

net = trainnet(imdsTrain,layers,"crossentropy",options);

Test the network using the labeled test set. For single-label classification, evaluate the accuracy. The accuracy is the percentage of the labels that the network predicts correctly.

accuracy = testnet(net,imdsTest,"accuracy")

accuracy = 
98.2400

Predict the classification scores using the trained network, then convert the labels to predictions using the scores2label function.

scoresTest = minibatchpredict(net,imdsTest);
YTest = scores2label(scoresTest,classNames);

Visualize the predictions in a confusion chart.

confusionchart(imdsTest.Labels,YTest)

Train Network with Tabular Data

If you have a data set of numeric features (for example tabular data without spatial or time dimensions), then you can train a deep neural network using a feature input layer.

Read the transmission casing data from the CSV file "transmissionCasingData.csv".

filename = "transmissionCasingData.csv";
tbl = readtable(filename,TextType="String");

Convert the labels for prediction to categorical using the convertvars function.

labelName = "GearToothCondition";
tbl = convertvars(tbl,labelName,"categorical");

To train a network using categorical features, you must first convert the categorical features to numeric. First, convert the categorical predictors to categorical using the convertvars function by specifying a string array containing the names of all the categorical input variables. In this data set, there are two categorical features with names "SensorCondition" and "ShaftCondition".

categoricalPredictorNames = ["SensorCondition" "ShaftCondition"];
tbl = convertvars(tbl,categoricalPredictorNames,"categorical");

Loop over the categorical input variables. For each variable, convert the categorical values to one-hot encoded vectors using the onehotencode function.

for i = 1:numel(categoricalPredictorNames)
    name = categoricalPredictorNames(i);
    tbl.(name) = onehotencode(tbl.(name),2);
end

View the first few rows of the table. Notice that the categorical predictors have been split into multiple columns.

head(tbl)

    SigMean     SigMedian    SigRMS    SigVar     SigPeak    SigPeak2Peak    SigSkewness    SigKurtosis    SigCrestFactor    SigMAD     SigRangeCumSum    SigCorrDimension    SigApproxEntropy    SigLyapExponent    PeakFreq    HighFreqPower    EnvPower    PeakSpecKurtosis    SensorCondition    ShaftCondition    GearToothCondition
    ________    _________    ______    _______    _______    ____________    ___________    ___________    ______________    _______    ______________    ________________    ________________    _______________    ________    _____________    ________    ________________    _______________    ______________    __________________

    -0.94876     -0.9722     1.3726    0.98387    0.81571       3.6314        -0.041525       2.2666           2.0514         0.8081        28562              1.1429             0.031581            79.931            0          6.75e-06       3.23e-07         162.13             0    1             1    0          No Tooth Fault  
    -0.97537    -0.98958     1.3937    0.99105    0.81571       3.6314        -0.023777       2.2598           2.0203        0.81017        29418              1.1362             0.037835            70.325            0          5.08e-08       9.16e-08         226.12             0    1             1    0          No Tooth Fault  
      1.0502      1.0267     1.4449    0.98491     2.8157       3.6314         -0.04162       2.2658           1.9487        0.80853        31710              1.1479             0.031565            125.19            0          6.74e-06       2.85e-07         162.13             0    1             0    1          No Tooth Fault  
      1.0227      1.0045     1.4288    0.99553     2.8157       3.6314        -0.016356       2.2483           1.9707        0.81324        30984              1.1472             0.032088             112.5            0          4.99e-06        2.4e-07         162.13             0    1             0    1          No Tooth Fault  
      1.0123      1.0024     1.4202    0.99233     2.8157       3.6314        -0.014701       2.2542           1.9826        0.81156        30661              1.1469              0.03287            108.86            0          3.62e-06       2.28e-07         230.39             0    1             0    1          No Tooth Fault  
      1.0275      1.0102     1.4338     1.0001     2.8157       3.6314         -0.02659       2.2439           1.9638        0.81589        31102              1.0985             0.033427            64.576            0          2.55e-06       1.65e-07         230.39             0    1             0    1          No Tooth Fault  
      1.0464      1.0275     1.4477     1.0011     2.8157       3.6314        -0.042849       2.2455           1.9449        0.81595        31665              1.1417             0.034159            98.838            0          1.73e-06       1.55e-07         230.39             0    1             0    1          No Tooth Fault  
      1.0459      1.0257     1.4402    0.98047     2.8157       3.6314        -0.035405       2.2757            1.955        0.80583        31554              1.1345               0.0353            44.223            0          1.11e-06       1.39e-07         230.39             0    1             0    1          No Tooth Fault  

View the class names of the data set.

classNames = categories(tbl{:,labelName})

classNames = 2×1 cell
    {'No Tooth Fault'}
    {'Tooth Fault'   }

Set aside data for testing. Partition the data into a training set containing 85% of the data and a test set containing the remaining 15% of the data. To partition the data, use the trainingPartitions function, attached to this example as a supporting file. To access this file, open the example as a live script.

numObservations = size(tbl,1);
[idxTrain,idxTest] = trainingPartitions(numObservations,[0.85 0.15]);

tblTrain = tbl(idxTrain,:);
tblTest = tbl(idxTest,:);

Convert the data to a format that the trainnet function supports. Convert the predictors and targets to numeric and categorical arrays, respectively. For feature input, the network expects data with rows that correspond to observations and columns that correspond to the features. If your data has a different layout, then you can preprocess your data to have this layout or you can provide layout information using data formats. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

predictorNames = ["SigMean" "SigMedian" "SigRMS" "SigVar" "SigPeak" "SigPeak2Peak" ...
    "SigSkewness" "SigKurtosis" "SigCrestFactor" "SigMAD" "SigRangeCumSum" ...
    "SigCorrDimension" "SigApproxEntropy" "SigLyapExponent" "PeakFreq" ...
    "HighFreqPower" "EnvPower" "PeakSpecKurtosis" "SensorCondition" "ShaftCondition"];
XTrain = table2array(tblTrain(:,predictorNames));
TTrain = tblTrain.(labelName);

XTest = table2array(tblTest(:,predictorNames));
TTest = tblTest.(labelName);

Define a network with a feature input layer and specify the number of features. Also, configure the input layer to normalize the data using Z-score normalization.

numFeatures = size(XTrain,2);
numClasses = numel(classNames);
 
layers = [
    featureInputLayer(numFeatures,Normalization="zscore")
    fullyConnectedLayer(16)
    layerNormalizationLayer
    reluLayer
    fullyConnectedLayer(numClasses)
    softmaxLayer];

Specify the training options:

• Train using the L-BFGS solver. This solver suits tasks with small networks and when the data fits in memory.

• Train using the CPU. Because the network and data is small, the CPU is better suited.

• Display the training progress in a plot.

• Suppress the verbose output.

options = trainingOptions("lbfgs", ...
    ExecutionEnvironment="cpu", ...
    Plots="training-progress", ...
    Verbose=false);

Train the network using the trainnet function. For classification, use cross-entropy loss.

net = trainnet(XTrain,TTrain,layers,"crossentropy",options);

Test the network using the labeled test set. For single-label classification, evaluate the accuracy. The accuracy is the percentage of the labels that the network predicts correctly.

accuracy = testnet(net,XTest,TTest,"accuracy")

accuracy = 
100

Predict the labels of the test data using the trained network. Predict the classification scores using the trained network then convert the predictions to labels using the scores2label function.

scoresTest = minibatchpredict(net,XTest);
YTest = scores2label(scoresTest,classNames);

Visualize the predictions in a confusion chart.

confusionchart(TTest,YTest)

Input Arguments

Data

images — Image data

numeric array | dlarray object | datastore | minibatchqueue object (since R2024a) | categorical array (since R2025a)

Image data, specified as a numeric array, dlarray object, datastore, minibatchqueue object, or categorical array.

Tip

For sequences of images, for example video data, use the sequences input argument.

If you have data that fits in memory that does not require additional processing such as data augmentation, then specifying the input data as a numeric or categorical array is usually the easiest option. If you want to train with image files stored on disk, or want to apply additional processing such as data augmentation, then using datastores is usually the easiest option. For neural networks with multiple outputs, you must use a TransformedDatastore, CombinedDatastore, or minibatchqueue object.

Tip

Neural networks expect input data with a specific layout. For example, image classification networks typically expect image representations to be h-by-w-by-c numeric arrays, where h, w, and c are the height, width, and number of channels of the images, respectively. Neural networks typically have an input layer that specifies the expected layout of the data.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the network expects. If your data is in a different layout than what the network expects, then indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the MiniBatchFormat property, or by specifying input data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the input data. If you specify both the InputDataFormats training option and the MiniBatchFormat minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For neural networks that do not have input layers, you must use the InputDataFormats training option, specify the data as a minibatchqueue object and use the InputDataFormats property, or use formatted dlarray objects.

Loss functions expect data with a specific layout. For example for sequence-to-vector regression networks, the loss function typically expects target vectors to be represented as a 1-by-R vector, where R is the number of responses.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the loss function expects. If your target data is in a different layout than what the loss function expects, then indicate that your targets have a different layout by using the TargetDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the TargetDataFormats property, or by specifying the target data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the target data. If you specify both the TargetDataFormats training option and the TargetDataFormats minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Numeric Array or dlarray Object

For data that fits in memory and does not require additional processing like augmentation, you can specify a data set of images as a numeric array or a dlarray object. If you specify images as a numeric array or a dlarray object, then you must also specify the targets argument.

The layout of numeric arrays and unformatted dlarray objects depend on the type of image data and must be consistent with the InputDataFormats training option.

Most networks expect image data in these layouts.

Data	Layout
2-D images	h-by-w-by-c-by-N array, where h, w, and c are the height, width, and number of channels of the images, respectively, and N is the number of images. Data in this layout has the data format "SSCB" (spatial, spatial, channel, batch).
3-D images	h-by-w-by-d-by-c-by-N array, where h, w, d, and c are the height, width, depth, and number of channels of the images, respectively, and N is the number of images. Data in this layout has the data format "SSSCB" (spatial, spatial, spatial, channel, batch).

For data in a different layout, indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option or use a formatted dlarray object instead. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Categorical Array (since R2025a)

For images of categorical values (such as labeled pixel maps) that fit in memory and does not require additional processing, you can specify the images as categorical arrays.

If you specify images as a categorical array, then you must also specify the targets argument.

The software automatically converts categorical inputs to numeric values and passes them to the neural network. To specify how the software converts categorical inputs to numeric values, use the CategoricalInputEncoding argument of the training options function. The layout of categorical arrays depend on the type of image data and must be consistent with the InputDataFormats argument of the training options function.

Most networks expect categorical image data passed to the trainnet function in the layouts in this table.

Data	Layout
2-D categorical images	h-by-w-by-1-by-N array, where h and w are the height and width of the images, respectively, and N is the number of images. After the software converts this data to numeric arrays, data in this layout has the data format "SSCB" (spatial, spatial, channel, batch). The size of the "C" (channel) dimension depends on the CategoricalInputEncoding argument of the training options function.
3-D categorical images	h-by-w-by-d-by-1-by-N array, where h, w, and d are the height, width, and depth of the images, respectively, and N is the number of images. Data in this layout has the data format "SSSCB" (spatial, spatial, spatial, channel, batch). The size of the "C" (channel) dimension depends on the CategoricalInputEncoding argument of the training options function.

For data in a different layout, indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option or use a formatted dlarray object instead. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Datastore

Datastores read batches of images and targets. Datastores are best suited when you have data that does not fit in memory or when you want to apply augmentations or transformations to the data.

For image data, the trainnet function supports these datastores:

Datastore	Description	Example Usage
ImageDatastore	Datastore of images saved on disk.	Train image classification neural network with images saved on disk, where the images are the same size. When the images are different sizes, use an augmentedImageDatastore object. ImageDatastore objects support training image classification networks only. To use image datastores for to train regression neural networks, create a transformed or combined datastore that contains the images and targets using the transform and combine functions, respectively.
augmentedImageDatastore	Datastore that applies random affine geometric transformations, including resizing, rotation, reflection, shear, and translation.	Train image classification neural network with images saved on disk, where the images are different sizes. Train image classification neural network and generate new data using augmentations.
TransformedDatastore	Datastore that transforms batches of data read from an underlying datastore using a custom transformation function.	Train image regression neural network. Train neural networks with multiple inputs. Transform datastores with outputs not supported by the trainnet function. Apply custom transformations to datastore output.
CombinedDatastore	Datastore that reads from two or more underlying datastores.	Train image regression neural network. Train neural networks with multiple inputs. Combine predictors and targets from different data sources.
randomPatchExtractionDatastore (Image Processing Toolbox)	Datastore that extracts pairs of random patches from images or pixel label images and optionally applies identical random affine geometric transformations to the pairs.	Train neural network for object detection.
denoisingImageDatastore (Image Processing Toolbox)	Datastore that applies randomly generated Gaussian noise.	Train neural network for image denoising.
Custom mini-batch datastore	Custom datastore that returns mini-batches of data.	Train neural network using data in a layout that other datastores do not support. For details, see Develop Custom Mini-Batch Datastore.

To specify the targets, the datastore must return cell arrays or tables with numInputs+numOutputs columns, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs columns correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput columns correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames properties of the neural network specify the order of the input and output data, respectively.

Tip

• ImageDatastore objects allow batch reading of JPG or PNG image files using prefetching. For efficient preprocessing of images for deep learning, including image resizing, use an augmentedImageDatastore object. Do not use the ReadFcn property of ImageDatastore objects. If you set the ReadFcn property to a custom function, then the ImageDatastore object does not prefetch image files and is usually significantly slower.

• For best performance, if you are training a network using a datastore with a ReadSize property, such as an imageDatastore, then set the ReadSize property and MiniBatchSize training option to the same value. If you are training a network using a datastore with a MiniBatchSize property, such as an augmentedImageDatastore, then set the MiniBatchSize property of the datastore and the MiniBatchSize training option to the same value.

You can use other built-in datastores for testing deep learning neural networks by using the transform and combine functions. These functions can convert the data read from datastores to the layout required by the trainnet function. The required layout of the datastore output depends on the neural network architecture. For more information, see Datastore Customization.

minibatchqueue Object (since R2024a)

For greater control over how the software processes and transforms mini-batches, you can specify data as a minibatchqueue object that returns the predictors and targets.

If you specify data as a minibatchqueue object, then the trainnet function ignores the MiniBatchSize property of the object and uses the MiniBatchSize training option instead.

To specify the targets, the minibatchqueue must have numInputs+numOutputs outputs, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs outputs, correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput outputs correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames property of the neural network specifies the order of the input and output data, respectively.

Note

This argument supports complex-valued predictors and targets.

sequences — Sequence or time series data

cell array of numeric arrays | cell array of dlarray objects | numeric array | dlarray object | datastore | minibatchqueue object (since R2024a) | categorical array (since R2025a)

Sequence or time series data, specified a numeric array, a cell array of numeric arrays, a dlarray object, a cell array of dlarray objects, datastore, or minibatchqueue object.

If you have sequences of the same length that fit in memory and do not require additional processing, then specifying the input data as a numeric array is usually the easiest option. If you have sequences of different lengths that fit in memory and do not require additional processing, then it is specifying the input data as a cell array of numeric arrays is usually the easiest option. If you want to train with sequences stored on disk, or want to apply additional processing such as custom transformations, then using datastores is usually the easiest option. For neural networks with multiple inputs, you must use a TransformedDatastore or CombinedDatastore object.

Tip

Neural networks expect input data with a specific layout. For example, vector-sequence classification networks typically expect vector-sequence representations to be t-by-c arrays, where t and c are the number of time steps and channels of sequences, respectively. Neural networks typically have an input layer that specifies the expected layout of the data.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the network expects. If your data is in a different layout than what the network expects, then indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the MiniBatchFormat property, or by specifying input data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the input data. If you specify both the InputDataFormats training option and the MiniBatchFormat minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For neural networks that do not have input layers, you must use the InputDataFormats training option, specify the data as a minibatchqueue object and use the InputDataFormats property, or use formatted dlarray objects.

Loss functions expect data with a specific layout. For example for sequence-to-vector regression networks, the loss function typically expects target vectors to be represented as a 1-by-R vector, where R is the number of responses.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the loss function expects. If your target data is in a different layout than what the loss function expects, then indicate that your targets have a different layout by using the TargetDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the TargetDataFormats property, or by specifying the target data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the target data. If you specify both the TargetDataFormats training option and the TargetDataFormats minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Numeric Array, Categorical Array, dlarray Object, or Cell Array

For data that fits in memory and does not require additional processing like custom transformations, you can specify a single sequence as a numeric array, categorical array, or a dlarray object, or a data set of sequences as a cell array of numeric arrays, categorical arrays, or dlarray objects. If you specify sequences as a numeric array, categorical array, cell array, or a dlarray object, then you must also specify the targets argument.

For cell array input, the cell array must be an N-by-1 cell array of numeric arrays, categorical arrays, or dlarray objects, where N is the number of observations.

The software automatically converts categorical inputs to numeric values and passes them to the neural network. To specify how the software converts categorical inputs to numeric values, use the CategoricalInputEncoding argument of the training options function.

The size and shape of the numeric arrays, categorical arrays, or dlarray objects that represent sequences depend on the type of sequence data and must be consistent with the InputDataFormats training option.

Most networks with a sequence input layer expect sequence data passed to the trainnet function in the layouts in this table.

Data	Layout
Vector sequences	s-by-c matrices, where s and c are the numbers of time steps and channels (features) of the sequences, respectively.
Categorical vector sequences	s-by-1 categorical arrays, where s is the number of time steps of the sequences.
1-D image sequences	h-by-c-by-s arrays, where h and c correspond to the height and number of channels of the images, respectively, and s is the sequence length.
Categorical 1-D image sequences	h-by-1-by-s categorical arrays, where h corresponds to the height of the images and s is the sequence length.
2-D image sequences	h-by-w-by-c-by-s arrays, where h, w, and c correspond to the height, width, and number of channels of the images, respectively, and s is the sequence length.
Categorical 2-D image sequences	h-by-w-by-1-by-s arrays, where h and w correspond to the height and width of the images, respectively, and s is the sequence length.
3-D image sequences	h-by-w-by-d-by-c-by-s, where h, w, d, and c correspond to the height, width, depth, and number of channels of the 3-D images, respectively, and s is the sequence length.
Categorical 3-D image sequences	h-by-w-by-d-by-1-by-s, where h, w, and d correspond to the height, width, and depth of the 3-D images, respectively, and s is the sequence length.

For data in a different layout, indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option or use a formatted dlarray object instead. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Datastore

Datastores read batches of sequences and targets. Datastores are best suited when you have data that does not fit in memory or when you want to apply transformations to the data.

For sequence and time-series data, the trainnet function supports these datastores:

Datastore	Description	Example Usage
TransformedDatastore	Datastore that transforms batches of data read from an underlying datastore using a custom transformation function.	Transform datastores with outputs not supported by the trainnet function. Apply custom transformations to datastore output.
CombinedDatastore	Datastore that reads from two or more underlying datastores.	Combine predictors and targets from different data sources.
Custom mini-batch datastore	Custom datastore that returns mini-batches of data.	Train neural network using data in a layout that other datastores do not support. For details, see Develop Custom Mini-Batch Datastore.

To specify the targets, the datastore must return cell arrays or tables with numInputs+numOutputs columns, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs columns correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput columns correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames properties of the neural network specify the order of the input and output data, respectively.

You can use other built-in datastores by using the transform and combine functions. These functions can convert the data read from datastores to the layout required by the trainnet function. For example, you can transform and combine data read from in-memory arrays and CSV files using ArrayDatastore and TabularTextDatastore objects, respectively. The required layout of the datastore output depends on the neural network architecture. For more information, see Datastore Customization.

minibatchqueue Object (since R2024a)

For greater control over how the software processes and transforms mini-batches, you can specify data as a minibatchqueue object that returns the predictors and targets.

If you specify data as a minibatchqueue object, then the trainnet function ignores the MiniBatchSize property of the object and uses the MiniBatchSize training option instead.

To specify the targets, the minibatchqueue must have numInputs+numOutputs outputs, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs outputs, correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput outputs correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames property of the neural network specifies the order of the input and output data, respectively.

Note

This argument supports complex-valued predictors and targets.

features — Feature or tabular data

numeric array | dlarray object | table (since R2024a) | datastore | minibatchqueue object (since R2024a) | categorical array (since R2025a)

Feature or tabular data, specified as a numeric array, datastore, table, or minibatchqueue object.

If you have data that fits in memory that does not require additional processing, then specifying the input data as a numeric array or table is usually the easiest option. If you want to train with feature or tabular data stored on disk, or want to apply additional processing such as custom transformations, then using datastores is usually the easiest option. For neural networks with multiple inputs, you must use a TransformedDatastore or CombinedDatastore object.

Tip

Neural networks expect input data with a specific layout. For example feature classification networks typically expect feature and tabular data representations to be 1-by-c vectors, where c is the number features of the data. Neural networks typically have an input layer that specifies the expected layout of the data.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the network expects. If your data is in a different layout than what the network expects, then indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the MiniBatchFormat property, or by specifying input data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the input data. If you specify both the InputDataFormats training option and the MiniBatchFormat minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For neural networks that do not have input layers, you must use the InputDataFormats training option, specify the data as a minibatchqueue object and use the InputDataFormats property, or use formatted dlarray objects.

Loss functions expect data with a specific layout. For example for sequence-to-vector regression networks, the loss function typically expects target vectors to be represented as a 1-by-R vector, where R is the number of responses.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the loss function expects. If your target data is in a different layout than what the loss function expects, then indicate that your targets have a different layout by using the TargetDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the TargetDataFormats property, or by specifying the target data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the target data. If you specify both the TargetDataFormats training option and the TargetDataFormats minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Numeric Array or dlarray Object

For feature data that fits in memory and does not require additional processing like custom transformations, you can specify feature data as a numeric array. If you specify feature data as a numeric array, then you must also specify the targets argument.

The layout of numeric arrays and unformatted dlarray objects must be consistent with the InputDataFormats training option. Most networks with feature input expect input data specified as a N-by-numFeatures array, where N is the number of observations and numFeatures is the number of features of the input data.

For data in a different layout, indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option or use a formatted dlarray object instead. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Categorical Array (since R2025a)

For discrete features that fit in memory and does not require additional processing like custom transformations, you can specify the feature data as a categorical array.

If you specify features as a categorical array, then you must also specify the targets argument.

The software automatically converts categorical inputs to numeric values and passes them to the neural network. To specify how the software converts categorical inputs to numeric values, use the CategoricalInputEncoding argument of the training options function. The layout of categorical arrays must be consistent with the InputDataFormats argument of the training options function.

Most networks with categorical feature input expect input data specified as a N-by-1 vector, where N is the number of observations. After the software converts this data to numeric arrays, data in this layout has the data format "BC" (batch, channel). The size of the "C" (channel) dimension depends on the CategoricalInputEncoding argument of the training options function.

For data in a different layout, indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option or use a formatted dlarray object instead. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Table (since R2024a)

For feature data that fits in memory and does not require additional processing like custom transformations, you can specify feature data as a table. If you specify feature data as a table, then you must not specify the targets argument.

To specify feature data as a table, specify a table with numObservations rows and numFeatures+1 columns, where numObservations and numFeatures are the number of observations and features of the input data, respectively. The trainnet function uses the first numFeatures columns as the input features and uses the last column as the targets.

Datastore

Datastores read batches of feature data and targets. Datastores are best suited when you have data that does not fit in memory or when you want to apply transformations to the data.

For feature and tabular data, the trainnet function supports these datastores:

Data Type	Description	Example Usage
TransformedDatastore	Datastore that transforms batches of data read from an underlying datastore using a custom transformation function.	Train neural networks with multiple inputs. Transform datastores with outputs not supported by the trainnet function. Apply custom transformations to datastore output.
CombinedDatastore	Datastore that reads from two or more underlying datastores.	Train neural networks with multiple inputs. Combine predictors and targets from different data sources.
Custom mini-batch datastore	Custom datastore that returns mini-batches of data.	Train neural network using data in a layout that other datastores do not support. For details, see Develop Custom Mini-Batch Datastore.

To specify the targets, the datastore must return cell arrays or tables with numInputs+numOutputs columns, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs columns correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput columns correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames properties of the neural network specify the order of the input and output data, respectively.

You can use other built-in datastores for training deep learning neural networks by using the transform and combine functions. These functions can convert the data read from datastores to the table or cell array format required by trainnet. For more information, see Datastore Customization.

minibatchqueue Object (since R2024a)

For greater control over how the software processes and transforms mini-batches, you can specify data as a minibatchqueue object that returns the predictors and targets.

If you specify data as a minibatchqueue object, then the trainnet function ignores the MiniBatchSize property of the object and uses the MiniBatchSize training option instead.

To specify the targets, the minibatchqueue must have numInputs+numOutputs outputs, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs outputs, correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput outputs correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames property of the neural network specifies the order of the input and output data, respectively.

Note

This argument supports complex-valued predictors and targets.

data — Generic data or combinations of data types

numeric array | dlarray object | datastore | minibatchqueue object (since R2024a) | categorical array (since R2025a)

Generic data or combinations of data types, specified as a numeric array, dlarray object, datastore, or minibatchqueue object.

If you have data that fits in memory that does not require additional processing, then specifying the input data as a numeric array is usually the easiest option. If you want to train with data stored on disk, or want to apply additional processing, then using datastores is usually the easiest option. For neural networks with multiple inputs, you must use a TransformedDatastore or CombinedDatastore object.

Tip

Neural networks expect input data with a specific layout. For example, vector-sequence classification networks typically expect vector-sequence representations to be t-by-c arrays, where t and c are the number of time steps and channels of sequences, respectively. Neural networks typically have an input layer that specifies the expected layout of the data.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the network expects. If your data is in a different layout than what the network expects, then indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the MiniBatchFormat property, or by specifying input data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the input data. If you specify both the InputDataFormats training option and the MiniBatchFormat minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For neural networks that do not have input layers, you must use the InputDataFormats training option, specify the data as a minibatchqueue object and use the InputDataFormats property, or use formatted dlarray objects.

Loss functions expect data with a specific layout. For example for sequence-to-vector regression networks, the loss function typically expects target vectors to be represented as a 1-by-R vector, where R is the number of responses.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the loss function expects. If your target data is in a different layout than what the loss function expects, then indicate that your targets have a different layout by using the TargetDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the TargetDataFormats property, or by specifying the target data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the target data. If you specify both the TargetDataFormats training option and the TargetDataFormats minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Numeric Arrays, Categorical Arrays, or dlarray Objects

For data that fits in memory and does not require additional processing like custom transformations, you can specify data as a numeric array, categorical array, or a dlarray object. If you specify data as a numeric array, then you must also specify the targets argument.

For a neural network with an inputLayer object, the expected layout of input data is a given by the InputFormat property of the layer.

The software automatically converts categorical inputs to numeric values and passes them to the neural network. To specify how the software converts categorical inputs to numeric values, use the CategoricalInputEncoding argument of the training options function. The layout of categorical arrays must be consistent with the InputDataFormats argument of the training options function.

For data in a different layout, indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats training option or use a formatted dlarray object instead. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Datastores

Datastores read batches of data and targets. Datastores are best suited when you have data that does not fit in memory or when you want to apply transformations to the data.

Generic data or combinations of data types, the trainnet function supports these datastores:

Data Type	Description	Example Usage
TransformedDatastore	Datastore that transforms batches of data read from an underlying datastore using a custom transformation function.	Train neural networks with multiple inputs. Transform outputs of datastores not supported by trainnet to have the required format. Apply custom transformations to datastore output.
CombinedDatastore	Datastore that reads from two or more underlying datastores.	Train neural networks with multiple inputs. Combine predictors and targets from different data sources.
Custom mini-batch datastore	Custom datastore that returns mini-batches of data.	Train neural network using data in a format that other datastores do not support. For details, see Develop Custom Mini-Batch Datastore.

To specify the targets, the datastore must return cell arrays or tables with numInputs+numOutputs columns, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs columns correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput columns correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames properties of the neural network specify the order of the input and output data, respectively.

You can use other built-in datastores by using the transform and combine functions. These functions can convert the data read from datastores to the table or cell array format required by trainnet. For more information, see Datastore Customization.

minibatchqueue Object (since R2024a)

For greater control over how the software processes and transforms mini-batches, you can specify data as a minibatchqueue object that returns the predictors and targets.

If you specify data as a minibatchqueue object, then the trainnet function ignores the MiniBatchSize property of the object and uses the MiniBatchSize training option instead.

To specify the targets, the minibatchqueue must have numInputs+numOutputs outputs, where numInputs and numOutputs are the number of network inputs and outputs, respectively. The first numInputs outputs, correspond to the network inputs. The last numOutput outputs correspond to the network outputs. The InputNames and OutputNames property of the neural network specifies the order of the input and output data, respectively.

Note

This argument supports complex-valued predictors and targets.

targets — Training targets

categorical array | numeric array | cell array of sequences

Training targets, specified as a categorical array, numeric array, or a cell array of sequences.

To specify targets for networks with multiple outputs, specify the targets using the images, sequences, features, or data arguments.

Tip

Loss functions expect data with a specific layout. For example for sequence-to-vector regression networks, the loss function typically expects target vectors to be represented as a 1-by-R vector, where R is the number of responses.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the loss function expects. If your target data is in a different layout than what the loss function expects, then indicate that your targets have a different layout by using the TargetDataFormats training option, specifying the data as a minibatchqueue object and specifying the TargetDataFormats property, or by specifying the target data as a formatted dlarray object. Specifying data formats is usually easier than preprocessing the target data. If you specify both the TargetDataFormats training option and the TargetDataFormats minibatchqueue property, then they must match.

For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

The expected layout of the targets depends on the loss function and the type of task. The targets listed here are only a subset. The loss functions may support additional targets with different layouts such as targets with additional dimensions. For custom loss functions, the software uses the format information of the network output data to determine the type of target data and applies the corresponding layout in this table.

Loss Function	Target	Target Layout
"crossentropy"	Categorical labels	N-by-1 categorical vector of labels, where N is the number of observations.
	Sequences of categorical labels	t-by-1-by-N categorical array, where t and N are the numbers of time steps and observations, respectively. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of observations. The sequences are t-by-1 categorical vectors. The sequences can have different lengths.
"index-crossentropy"	Categorical labels	N-by-1 categorical vector of labels, where N is the number of observations.
	Class indices	N-by-1 numeric vector of class indices, where N is the number of observations.
	Sequences of categorical labels	t-by-1-by-N categorical array, where t and N are the numbers of time steps and observations, respectively. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of observations. The sequences are t-by-1 categorical vectors. The sequences can have different lengths.
	Sequences of class indices	t-by-1-by-N matrix of class indices, where t and N are the numbers of time steps and observations, respectively. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of observations. The sequences are t-by-1 numeric vectors of class indices. The sequences can have different lengths.
"binary-crossentropy"	Binary labels (single label)	N-by-1 vector, where N is the number of observations.
	Binary labels (multilabel)	N-by-c matrix, where N and c are the numbers of observations and classes, respectively.
"mse" "mean-squared-error" "l2loss" "mae" "mean-absolute-error" "l1loss" "huber"	Numeric scalars	N-by-1 vector, where N is the number of observations.
	Numeric vectors	N-by-R matrix, where N is the number of observations and R is the number of responses.
	2-D images	h-by-w-by-c-by-N numeric array, where h, w, and c are the height, width, and number of channels of the images, respectively, and N is the number of images.
	3-D images	h-by-w-by-d-by-c-by-N numeric array, where h, w, d, and c are the height, width, depth, and number of channels of the images, respectively, and N is the number of images.
	Numeric sequences of scalars	t-by-1-by-N array, where t and N are the numbers of time steps and sequences, respectively. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of sequences. The sequences are t-by-1 vectors, where t is the number of time steps. The sequences can have different lengths.
	Numeric sequences of vectors	t-by-c-by-N array, where t, c, and N are the numbers of time steps, channels, and sequences, respectively. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of sequences. The sequences are t-by-c matrices, where t and c are the numbers of time steps and channels of the sequences, respectively. The sequences can have different lengths.
	Sequences of 1-D images	h-by-c-by-N-by-t array, where h, c, and t are the height, number of channels, and number of time steps of the sequences, respectively, and N is the number of sequences. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of sequences. The sequences are h-by-c-by-t arrays, where h, t, and c are the height, number of time steps, and number of channels of the sequences, respectively. The sequences can have different lengths.
	Sequences of 2-D images	h-by-w-by-c-by-N-by-t array, where h, w, c, and t are the height, width, number of channels, and number of time steps of the sequences, respectively, and N is the number of sequences. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of sequences. The sequences are h-by-w-by-c-by-t arrays, where h, w, t, and c are the height, width, number of time steps, and number of channels of the sequences, respectively. The sequences can have different lengths.
	Sequences of 3-D images	h-by-w-by-d-by-c-by-N-by-t array, where h, w, d, c, and t are the height, width, depth, number of channels, and number of time steps of the sequences, respectively, and N is the number of sequences. N-by-1 cell array of sequences, where N is the number of sequences. The sequences are h-by-w-by-d-by-c-by-t arrays, where h, w, d, t, and c are the height, width, depth, number of time steps, and number of channels of the sequences, respectively. The sequences can have different lengths.

For targets in a different layout, indicate that your targets has a different layout by using the TargetDataFormats training option or use a formatted dlarray object instead. For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

The software automatically converts categorical targets to numeric values and passes them to the loss and metrics functions. If you train using the "index-crossentropy" loss function, then the software converts categorical targets to their integer values. Otherwise, the software converts categorical targets to one-hot encoded vectors.

To specify how the software converts categorical targets to numeric values, use the CategoricalTargetEncoding argument of the training options function. (since R2025a)

Tip

Normalizing the targets often helps to stabilize and speed up training of neural networks for regression. For more information, see Train Convolutional Neural Network for Regression.

Training Details

net — Neural network architecture

dlnetwork object | layer array

Neural network architecture, specified as a dlnetwork object or a layer array.

For a list of built-in neural network layers, see List of Deep Learning Layers.

lossFcn — Loss function

"crossentropy" | "index-crossentropy" (since R2024b) | "binary-crossentropy" | "mse" | "mean-squared-error" | "l2loss" | "mae" | "mean-absolute-error" | "l1loss" | "huber" | function handle | deep.DifferentiableFunction object (since R2024a)

Loss function to use for training, specified as one of these values:

• "crossentropy" — Cross-entropy loss for classification tasks, normalized by dividing by the number of non-channel elements of the network output.

• "index-crossentropy" (since R2024b) — Index cross-entropy loss for classification tasks, normalized by dividing by the number of elements in the targets. Use this option to save memory when there are many categorical classes.

• "binary-crossentropy" — Binary cross-entropy loss for binary and multilabel classification tasks, normalized by dividing by the number of elements of the network output.

• "mae" / "mean-absolute-error" / "l1loss" — Mean absolute error for regression tasks, normalized by dividing by the number of elements of the network output.

• "mse" / "mean-squared-error" / "l2loss" — Mean squared error for regression tasks, normalized by dividing by the number of elements of the network output.

• "huber" — Huber loss for regression tasks, normalized by dividing by the number of elements of the network output.

• Function handle with the syntax loss = f(Y1,...,Yn,T1,...,Tm), where Y1,...,Yn are dlarray objects that correspond to the n network predictions and T1,...,Tm are dlarray objects that correspond to the m targets.

• deep.DifferentiableFunction object (since R2024a) — Function object with custom backward function.

Tip

For weighted cross-entropy, use the function handle @(Y,T)crossentropy(Y,T,weights).

For more information about defining a custom function, see Define Custom Deep Learning Operations.

options — Training options

TrainingOptionsSGDM | TrainingOptionsRMSProp | TrainingOptionsADAM | TrainingOptionsLBFGS | TrainingOptionsLM

Training options, specified as a TrainingOptionsSGDM, TrainingOptionsRMSProp, TrainingOptionsADAM, TrainingOptionsLBFGS, or TrainingOptionsLM object returned by the trainingOptions function.

Output Arguments

netTrained — Trained network

dlnetwork object

Trained network, returned as a dlnetwork object.

info — Training information

TrainingInfo object

Training information, returned as a TrainingInfo object with these properties:

• TrainingHistory — Information about training iterations

• ValidationHistory — Information about validation iterations

• OutputNetworkIteration — Iteration that corresponds to trained network

• StopReason — Reason why training stopped

You can also use info to open and close the training progress plot using the show and close functions.

More About

Floating-Point Arithmetic

By default, the software performs computations using single-precision, floating-point arithmetic to train a neural network using the trainnet function. The trainnet function returns a network with single-precision learnables and state parameters.

When you use prediction or validation functions with a dlnetwork object with single-precision learnable and state parameters, the software performs the computations using single-precision, floating-point arithmetic.

Reproducibility

To provide the best performance, deep learning using a GPU in MATLAB^® is not guaranteed to be deterministic. Depending on your network architecture, under some conditions you might get different results when using a GPU to train two identical networks or make two predictions using the same network and data. If you require determinism when performing deep learning operations using a GPU, use the deep.gpu.deterministicAlgorithms function (since R2024b).

If you use the rng function to set the same random number generator and seed, then training using a CPU is reproducible unless:

• You set the PreprocessingEnvironment training option to "background" or "parallel".

• Your training data is a minibatchqueue object with the PreprocessingEnvironment property set to "background" or "parallel".

Tips

• For regression tasks, normalizing the targets often helps to stabilize and speed up training. For more information, see Train Convolutional Neural Network for Regression.

• In most cases, if the predictor or targets contain NaN values, then they are propagated through the network and the training fails to converge.

• To convert a numeric array to a datastore, use ArrayDatastore.

• When you combine layers in a neural network with mixed types of data, you may need to reformat the data before passing it to a combination layer (such as a concatenation or an addition layer). To reformat the data, you can use a flatten layer to flatten the spatial dimensions into the channel dimension, or create a FunctionLayer object or custom layer that reformats and reshapes the data.

Algorithms

Datastore Customization

Most datastores output data in the layout that neural networks expect. If you create your own datastore, or apply custom transformations to datastores, then you must ensure that the datastore outputs data in the supported layout.

There are two main aspects:

• The structure of the batch of data. The datastore must output a table or cell array with rows that correspond to observations, and columns that correspond to the inputs and targets.

• The layout of the predictors and targets. For example, the predictors and targets must be in a layout that is supported by the network and loss function.

Structure of Batches

When you use a datastore for training a neural network, the structure of the datastore output depends on the neural network architecture.

Neural Network Architecture	Datastore Output	Example Cell Array Output	Example Table Output
Single input layer and single output	Table or cell array with two columns. The first and second columns specify the predictors and targets, respectively. Table elements must be scalars, row vectors, or 1-by-1 cell arrays containing a numeric array. Custom mini-batch datastores must output tables.	Cell array for neural network with one input and one output: data = read(ds) data = 4×2 cell array {224×224×3 double} {[2]} {224×224×3 double} {[7]} {224×224×3 double} {[9]} {224×224×3 double} {[9]}	Table for neural network with one input and one output: data = read(ds) data = 4×2 table Predictors Response __________________ ________ {224×224×3 double} 2 {224×224×3 double} 7 {224×224×3 double} 9 {224×224×3 double} 9
Multiple input layers or multiple outputs	Cell array with (numInputs + numOutputs) columns, where numInputs is the number of neural network inputs and numOutputs is the number of neural network outputs. The first numInputs columns specify the predictors for each input and the last numOutputs columns specify the targets. The order of inputs and outputs are given by the InputNames and OutputNames properties of the neural network respectively.	Cell array for neural network with two inputs and two outputs. data = read(ds) data = 4×4 cell array {224×224×3 double} {128×128×3 double} {[2]} {[-42]} {224×224×3 double} {128×128×3 double} {[2]} {[-15]} {224×224×3 double} {128×128×3 double} {[9]} {[-24]} {224×224×3 double} {128×128×3 double} {[9]} {[-44]}	Not supported

The datastore must return data in a table or cell array. Custom mini-batch datastores must output tables.

Layout of Predictors and Targets

Neural networks and loss functions expect input data with a specific layout. For example vector-sequence classification networks typically expect a sequence to be represented as a t-by-c numeric array, where t and c are the number of time steps and channels of sequences, respectively. Neural networks typically have an input layer that specifies the expected layout of the data.

Most datastores and functions output data in the layout that the networks and loss functions expect. If your data is in a different layout than what the network or loss function expects, then indicate that your data has a different layout by using the InputDataFormats and TargetDataFormats training options or by specifying the data as a formatted dlarray objects. Adjusting the InputDataFormats and TargetDataFormats training options is usually easier than preprocessing the input data.

For neural networks that do not have input layers, you must use the InputDataFormats training option or use formatted dlarray objects.

For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Most networks expect these data layouts of predictors:

Image Input

Data	Predictor Layout
2-D images	h-by-w-by-c numeric array, where h, w, and c are the height, width, and number of channels of the images, respectively.
3-D images	h-by-w-by-d-by-c numeric array, where h, w, d, and c are the height, width, depth, and number of channels of the images, respectively.

Sequence Input

Data	Predictor Layout
Vector sequence	s-by-c matrix, where s is the sequence length and c is the number of features of the sequence.
1-D image sequence	h-by-c-by-s array, where h and c correspond to the height and number of channels of the image, respectively, and s is the sequence length. Each sequence in the batch must have the same sequence length.
2-D image sequence	h-by-w-by-c-by-s array, where h, w, and c correspond to the height, width, and number of channels of the image, respectively, and s is the sequence length. Each sequence in the batch must have the same sequence length.
3-D image sequence	h-by-w-by-d-by-c-by-s array, where h, w, d, and c correspond to the height, width, depth, and number of channels of the image, respectively, and s is the sequence length. Each sequence in the batch must have the same sequence length.

Feature Input

Data	Predictor Layout
Features	c-by-1 column vectors, where c is the number of features.

Most loss functions expect these data layouts for targets:

Target	Target Layout
Categorical labels	Categorical scalar.
Sequences of categorical labels	t-by-1 categorical vector, where t is the number of time steps.
Binary labels (single label)	Numeric scalar
Binary labels (multilabel)	1-by-c vector, where c is the numbers of classes, respectively.
Numeric scalars	Numeric scalar
Numeric vectors	1-by-R vector, where R is the number of responses.
2-D images	h-by-w-by-c numeric array, where h, w, and c are the height, width, and number of channels of the images, respectively.
3-D images	h-by-w-by-d-by-c numeric array, where h, w, d, and c are the height, width, depth, and number of channels of the images, respectively.
Numeric sequences of scalars	t-by-1 vector, where t is the numbers of time steps.
Numeric sequences of vectors	t-by-c array, where t, and c are the numbers of time steps and channels, respectively.
Sequences of 1-D images	h-by-c-by-t array, where h, c, and t are the height, number of channels, and number of time steps of the sequences, respectively.
Sequences of 2-D images	h-by-w-by-c-by-t array, where h, w, c, and t are the height, width, number of channels, and number of time steps of the sequences, respectively.
Sequences of 3-D images	h-by-w-by-d-by-c-by-t array, where h, w, d, c, and t are the height, width, depth, number of channels, and number of time steps of the sequences, respectively.

For more information, see Deep Learning Data Formats.

Extended Capabilities

GPU Arrays

Accelerate code by running on a graphics processing unit (GPU) using Parallel Computing Toolbox™.

This function fully supports GPU acceleration.

By default, the trainnet function uses a GPU if one is available. You can specify the hardware that the trainnet function uses by setting the ExecutionEnvironment training option using the trainingOptions function.

For more information, see Scale Up Deep Learning in Parallel, on GPUs, and in the Cloud.

Version History

Introduced in R2023b

R2025a: Specify categorical input data

The software automatically converts categorical input data and targets to numeric values and passes them to the neural network and loss function, respectively. To specify how the software encodes categorical input data and targets, use the CategoricalInputEncoding and CategoricalTargetEncoding arguments of the trainingOptions function, respectively.

R2024b: Train using index cross-entropy loss

Index cross-entropy loss, also known as sparse cross-entropy loss, is a more memory and computationally efficient alternative to the standard cross-entropy loss algorithm. Unlike the "crossentropy" loss function, which requires converting categorical targets to one-hot encoded vectors, the "index-crossentropy" function operates on the integer values of the categorical targets directly.

Using index cross-entropy loss is well suited for predictions over many classes, where one-hot encoded data presents unnecessary memory overheads.

To specify index cross-entropy loss, specify the lossFcn argument as "index-crossentropy".

R2024a: Recommended over trainNetwork

The trainnet function has these advantages and is recommended over the trainNetwork function:

• trainnet supports dlnetwork objects, which support a wider range of network architectures that you can create or import from external platforms.

• trainnet enables you to easily specify loss functions. You can select from built-in loss functions or specify a custom loss function.

• trainnet outputs a dlnetwork object, which is a unified data type that supports network building, prediction, built-in training, visualization, compression, verification, and custom training loops.

• trainnet is typically faster than trainNetwork.

R2024a: Specify data as minibatchqueue object

Specify in-memory feature data as a minibatchqueue object.

R2024a: Specify feature data as table

Specify in-memory feature data as a table using the features argument.

R2024a: Specify loss function as deep.DifferentiableFunction object

Specify the loss function as deep.DifferentiableFunction object.