Axolotl
Config-driven fine-tuning for many models
Fine-tuningFine-tuning frameworkApache-2.0Runs locallyPythonAdvanced
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What is Axolotl?
Axolotl is a config-driven fine-tuning framework supporting many model families and training techniques through simple YAML files.
Why people choose Axolotl
- Reproducible YAML-based training configs
- Supports many models and techniques (LoRA, QLoRA)
- Multi-GPU and cloud friendly
Axolotl at a glance
| Category | Fine-tuning |
| Type | Fine-tuning framework |
| License | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Yes |
| Built with | Python |
| Skill level | Advanced |
| Best for | teams running reproducible training configs |
Latest releases
Open-source alternatives to Axolotl
Other open-source fine-tuning tools worth comparing:
UnslothFine-tune LLMs 2x faster on one GPU
LLaMA-FactoryFine-tune 100+ models with a UI
PEFTLoRA and friends from Hugging FaceTRLAlign LLMs (SFT, DPO, PPO)
TorchtunePyTorch-native post-training, hackable recipes
Llama CookbookOfficial recipes to fine-tune Llama
ms-swiftFine-tune 500+ LLMs and VLMsAxolotl head-to-head
Axolotl vs UnslothAxolotl vs LLaMA-FactoryAxolotl vs PEFTAxolotl vs TRLAxolotl vs TorchtuneAxolotl vs Llama CookbookAxolotl vs ms-swift
FAQ
Is Axolotl free?
Axolotl is free and open-source (Apache-2.0 license), so you can use, self-host and modify it at no cost.
Can I run Axolotl locally?
Yes. Axolotl is designed to run on your own machine or server, keeping your data private.
What is the best alternative to Axolotl?
Popular open-source alternatives include Unsloth, LLaMA-Factory, PEFT. See the comparisons above to choose.
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