DECODE is a Python and Pytorch based deep learning tool for single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). It has high accuracy for a large range of imaging modalities and conditions. On the public SMLM 2016 software benchmark competition, it outperformed all other fitters on 12 out of 12 data-sets on both detection accuracy and localization error, often by a substantial margin. DECODE enables live-cell SMLM data with reduced light exposure in just 3 seconds and to image microtubules at ultra-high labeling density.

DECODE works by training a DEep COntext DEpendent (DECODE) neural network to detect and localize emitters at sub-pixel resolution. Notably, DECODE also predicts detection and localization uncertainties, which can be used to generate superior super-resolution reconstructions.

The easiest way to try out the algorithm is to have a look at the Google Colab Notebooks. We provide them for training our algorithm and fitting experimental data. For installation instructions and further information please refer to our docs. You can find these here:

• Documentation
• DECODE Training (NEW: v0.10)
• DECODE Fitting (NEW: v0.10)

Details about the installation can be found in the documentation.

Please reach out to Lucas ([email protected]) if you want to use DECODE, but you do not have the right hardware, or want to use it at a larger scale.

As part of the virtual I2K 2020 conference we organized a workshop on DECODE. Please find the video below. DECODE is being actively developed, therefore the exact commands might differ from those shown in the video.

This is the official implementation of the publication.

Artur Speiser*, Lucas-Raphael Müller*, Philipp Hoess, Ulf Matti, Christopher J. Obara, Wesley R. Legant, Anna Kreshuk, Jakob H. Macke†, Jonas Ries†, and Srinivas C. Turaga†, Deep learning enables fast and dense single-molecule localization with high accuracy. Nat Methods (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-021-01236-x

The data referred to in our paper can be accessed at the following locations:

• Fig 3: Can be downloaded from the SMLM 2016 challenge website
• Fig 4: here
• Fig 5: By request from the authors Wesley R Legant, Lin Shao, Jonathan B Grimm, Timothy A Brown, Daniel E Milkie, Brian B Avants, Luke D Lavis & Eric Betzig, High-density three-dimensional localization microscopy across large volumes, Nature Methods, 13, pages 359–365 (2016).

If you want to get in touch, the best way to get your questions answered is our GitHub discussions page

• Artur Speiser (@aspeiser, [email protected])
• Lucas-Raphael Müller (@haydnspass, [email protected])

Jakob H. Macke and Artur Speiser were supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through Germany’s Excellence Strategy (EXC-Number 2064/1, project no. 390727645) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, project no. ADIMEM, FKZ 01IS18052). Srinivas C. Turaga is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Jonas Ries, Lucas-Raphael Mueller and Philipp Hoess were supported by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, the European Research Council (grant no. CoG-724489 to Jonas Ries) and the National Institutes of Health Common Fund 4D Nucleome Program (grant no. U01 EB021223 to Jonas Ries).

We offer several open positions. Please take a look at the pdf on how to apply.

• Don Olbris (@olbris, [email protected]) for help with python packaging.