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.