What is model.yaml?
AI models are often available in multiple formats and variants, while different machines support diverse engines such as llama.cpp and MLX. This diversity can make it challenging for end users to reason about the choices available to them.
model.yaml addresses this by providing a standard description format that defines a model, along with multiple possible sources (potentially in different formats) of a model. It delegates the responsibility of determining the most suitable variant to download and the appropriate engine to use to the client program (e.g. LM Studio), while allowing showing simplified information to the user.
Models in LM Studio's model catalog are all defined using model.yaml.