"Empty table from specified data source" error in Create ML

Question

I'm trying to train a new object detection model using the Create ML tool from Apple. I've already used RectLabel to generate annotations for all of the JPEG images in my directory of training images.

However, every time I try loading the directory in Create ML, I receive this error message:

Empty table from specified data source

I already looked on the Apple Developer forums and that thread incorrectly claims the problem was solved in a previous update.

What causes this error? How can I get Create ML to accept my training data?

I'm using Create ML Version 2.0 (53.2.2) and RectLabel Version 3.04.2 (3.04.2) on macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B29).

Answer 1

Make sure that there are only images and annotations.json file in your directory of training images.

If there are any other files including .mlproj file in the folder, Create ML shows the "Empty table from specified data source" error.

When you create a new project on Create ML, specify outside the directory of training images.

Answer 2

The “Empty table from specified data source” error occurs if any of the filenames contain spaces.

My solution was to rename all the files so the filenames don't contain spaces.