Learn ONNX with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 24, 2025
Architecture
Graph-based model representation (nodes = operators, edges = tensors)
Supports standard data types and tensor shapes
Includes metadata for inputs, outputs, and training parameters
Extensible operator set for custom computations
ONNX Runtime executes graphs with hardware-specific optimizations
Rendering Model
Graph-based representation of operators and tensors
Supports standard and custom operator sets
Serialization in ModelProto format
Executable via ONNX Runtime or compatible engines
Optimizable via quantization and graph transformations
Architectural Patterns
Graph of nodes representing operations
Tensors as data flowing between nodes
Separation of model definition and runtime execution
Operator sets versioned for backward compatibility
Extensible architecture for custom layers
Real World Architectures
Cross-framework ML model deployment
Mobile and edge AI applications
Cloud inference pipelines
IoT devices with constrained resources
Hybrid models combining multiple frameworks
Design Principles
Framework-agnostic model representation
Interoperable across hardware and software
Optimized for inference performance
Extensible operator set for custom use cases
Simplify cross-platform deployment
Scalability Guide
Optimize graphs for faster inference
Quantize models for reduced memory footprint
Use batching for high-throughput inference
Deploy across multiple CPUs/GPUs or cloud instances
Leverage ONNX Runtime distributed execution for large workloads
Migration Guide
Upgrade ONNX via pip
Ensure runtime compatibility with model opset
Test exported models for inference correctness
Update deployment pipelines for new ONNX version
Verify performance on target hardware