simpo-training

Optimize LLM preference alignment without a reference model using beta and gamma margins.

Updated Apr 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gqf2008/hermez-ai --skill simpo-training-gqf2008
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: simpo-training
Source: https://github.com/gqf2008/hermez-ai/tree/main/skills/mlops/simpo
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gqf2008/hermez-ai --skill simpo-training-gqf2008

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires torch, transformers, datasets, trl, accelerate, and includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

SimPO provides a reference-free mechanism to align LLMs to human preferences, removing the need for a reference model while delivering strong alignment performance.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Direct preference optimization without a reference model.
  • Supports standard policy alignment workflows with common models and datasets (e.g., Mistral-7B, Llama-3-8B, Ultrafeedback).
  • Includes guidance on hyperparameters, SFT regularization, and scalable training configurations for efficient results.

Quick Start

Install dependencies and run the training to start SimPO alignment on your model and dataset.

Frequently Asked Questions about simpo-training

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I align LLMs with preference data without using a reference model?

SimPO aligns LLMs with preference data without a reference model by directly maximizing the margin between chosen and rejected outputs using beta and gamma hyperparameters. It removes the reference model dependency entirely while maintaining strong alignment performance.

Can I use transformers and trl for reference-free preference optimization?

Yes, reference-free preference optimization runs using transformers and trl. The training workflow integrates these dependencies alongside torch, datasets, and accelerate to process preference datasets and optimize base to mid-size models.

How does preference optimization preserve model capabilities during alignment?

Preference optimization preserves base model capabilities through optional SFT regularization. This regularization term works alongside the beta and gamma-based reward margins to prevent catastrophic forgetting during the preference alignment training process.

What is the best way to scale LLM alignment training on a single node?

To scale LLM alignment training on a single node or small cluster, use accelerate for distributed training configuration. The reference-free approach reduces memory overhead by eliminating the reference model, making single-node training more efficient.

Does reference-free preference optimization work with Mistral and Llama models?

Yes, reference-free preference optimization works with standard models like Mistral-7B and Llama-3-8B. It processes common preference datasets such as Ultrafeedback to perform direct alignment without requiring a separate reference policy.

Why does preference optimization not require a reference model for alignment?

Preference optimization does not require a reference model because it applies a reference-free mechanism that directly shapes the reward using beta and gamma-based margins. This approach calculates the preference loss by directly comparing chosen versus rejected outputs.