---
title: "Installation"
description: "Complete installation guide for Image Matching WebUI"
---

# Installation

## Requirements

- [Python 3.10+](https://www.python.org/downloads/)

<Tip>
<strong>Just getting started?</strong> Try the <a href="/docs/quickstart">quick start guide</a> for the simplest setup.
</Tip>

## Installation Methods

### PyPI (Recommended)

For most users, PyPI is the fastest and easiest way:

```bash
pip install imcui
```

#### With Dataset Support

Include automatic dataset downloading:

```bash
pip install imcui[datasets]
```

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="System Requirements">
    Windows, macOS, or Linux with Python 3.10+
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="GPU Support">
    CUDA 11.8+ for GPU acceleration (optional)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Docker

Use Docker for isolated, reproducible environments:

```bash
docker pull vincentqin/image-matching-webui:latest
docker-compose up webui
```

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Background Mode">
    ```bash
    docker-compose up -d webui
    ```
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Custom Port">
    ```bash
    docker run -p 8080:7860 vincentqin/image-matching-webui:latest
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Source Installation

Install from the GitHub repository for development or latest features:

```bash
git clone https://github.com/Vincentqyw/image-matching-webui.git
cd image-matching-webui
pip install -e .
```

<Note>
This installs in editable mode, allowing you to make changes to the source code without reinstalling.
</Note>

## Environment Setup

### Virtual Environment (Recommended)

```bash
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
pip install imcui
```

### GPU Configuration

For CUDA-enabled systems:

```bash
# Check CUDA availability
python -c "import torch; print(torch.cuda.is_available())"

# Set specific GPU (optional)
export CUDA_VISIBLE_DEVICES=0
```

## Data Management

### Example Datasets

Example datasets (82MB) automatically download on first run:

<AccordionGroup defaultOpenAll>
  <Accordion title="Linux/macOS">
    `~/.cache/imcui/datasets/`
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Windows">
    `%LOCALAPPDATA%\imcui\datasets\`
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Custom Data Paths

Set a custom location for example datasets:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Environment Variable">
    ```bash
    export IMCUI_DATA_DIR=/path/to/datasets
    ```
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="CLI Flag">
    ```bash
    imcui -d /path/to/datasets
    ```
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Configuration File">
    ```yaml
    example_data_root: /path/to/datasets
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Verification

Test your installation:

```bash
# Check version
imcui --version

# Display available options
imcui --help
```

Expected output shows version `1.0.0` and CLI options.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Import Errors">
    Ensure you're using the correct Python environment and all dependencies are installed:
    ```bash
    pip install --upgrade imcui
    ```
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="CUDA Not Found">
    Verify CUDA installation:
    ```bash
    nvidia-smi
    ```
    For CPU-only usage, the application will automatically fallback.
  </Accordion>
  <Accordion title="Permission Denied">
    Use a virtual environment or user installation:
    ```bash
    pip install --user imcui
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
<strong>Still having issues?</strong> Check our <a href="/docs/troubleshooting">troubleshooting guide</a> for common problems and solutions.
</Note>