axolotl

Automate LLM fine-tuning configuration and execution via YAML files.

3|Updated Apr 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/DarkArty07/Aether-Agents --skill axolotl-darkarty07
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: axolotl
Source: https://github.com/DarkArty07/Aether-Agents/tree/main/home/skills/mlops/training/axolotl
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/DarkArty07/Aether-Agents --skill axolotl-darkarty07

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Manually configuring Axolotl for LLM fine-tuning is complex and error-prone, requiring deep familiarity with YAML schemas, distributed training setups, and dataset formatting rules for diverse fine-tuning paradigms.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Multi-Paradigm Fine-Tuning Support: Configure supervised fine-tuning (SFT), preference-based post-training (DPO, GRPO, ORPO, KTO), and multimodal model training for 100+ supported model architectures.
  • Distributed Training Guidance: Step-by-step instructions for setting up FSDP, DeepSpeed, context parallelism, and mixed precision (FP16/BF16/FP8) training to optimize performance and memory usage.
  • Dataset Formatting Assistance: Detailed documentation for pre-tokenized, template-free, conversation, and instruction dataset formats, plus troubleshooting for common chat template and tokenization errors.
  • Use Case Example: A machine learning researcher fine-tuning a Llama 3 8B model with LoRA for code generation can use this skill to generate a valid YAML config, validate NCCL communication speeds, and debug EOS token masking issues without searching through scattered documentation.

Quick Start

Use the axolotl skill to create a valid YAML configuration for 4-bit QLoRA fine-tuning of a Mistral 7B model with DeepSpeed ZeRO-3 and a custom instruction dataset.

Frequently Asked Questions about axolotl

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I configure YAML for LLM fine-tuning with LoRA and DeepSpeed?▼

To configure LLM fine-tuning with LoRA and DeepSpeed, you use the Axolotl framework to generate valid YAML configuration files. This skill automates setup for 4-bit QLoRA, DeepSpeed ZeRO-3, and distributed training across 100+ model architectures.

Can I use Axolotl for preference-based post-training like DPO and GRPO?▼

Yes, Axolotl supports preference-based post-training including DPO, GRPO, ORPO, and KTO. You can configure these RLHF workflows alongside supervised fine-tuning and multimodal training by defining the paradigm in your YAML configuration.

What is the best way to format datasets for supervised fine-tuning?▼

The best way to format datasets for supervised fine-tuning is to use Axolotl's supported formats, which include pre-tokenized, template-free, conversation, and instruction datasets. This skill provides formatting assistance and troubleshooting for chat template and tokenization errors.

How do I set up distributed training with FSDP and mixed precision?▼

You set up distributed training with FSDP and mixed precision by configuring Axolotl YAML files. This skill provides guidance for FSDP, DeepSpeed, context parallelism, and mixed precision (FP16/BF16/FP8) to optimize performance and memory usage.

Why does my NCCL communication bottleneck during distributed training?▼

NCCL communication bottlenecks during distributed training can arise from suboptimal network configurations. This skill enables training performance optimization by validating NCCL communication speeds and debugging EOS token masking issues.