Model Distillation
Training a small model to mimic a large one.
/ quick answer
Distillation uses a big model to label a dataset, then trains a small model on those labels. Produces fast, cheap models that keep 80-95% of teacher quality on the target task. Training a small model to mimic a large one.
/ frequently asked
What is Model Distillation?
Distillation uses a big model to label a dataset, then trains a small model on those labels. Produces fast, cheap models that keep 80-95% of teacher quality on the target task.
What is an example of Model Distillation?
Distill GPT-4 outputs on your support tickets into a fine-tuned Llama-3-8B — 20x cheaper, near-parity.
Why does Model Distillation matter?
Training a small model to mimic a large one.
What should I learn after Model Distillation?
Open the related workflows and prompts further down this page: they show how this idea is applied in a real task, step by step.
/ continue exploring
Related concepts
The vocabulary this page depends on.
- →Fine-Tuning
Continuing to train a base model on your own examples to specialize its behavior.
- →RLHF
Reinforcement learning from human feedback, the alignment technique behind ChatGPT.
- →DPO (Direct Preference Optimization)
A simpler alternative to RLHF that skips the reward model.
- →LoRA
Low-Rank Adaptation: cheap fine-tuning that patches only small matrices.
Related workflows
Turn this into a repeatable process.
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- →How to Build an AI Content System
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- →How to Start a Niche Website with AI
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- →Personal Research Assistant Workflow
A repeatable system to research any topic deeply in under 30 minutes.
Related tool stacks
The tools that run it in production.
- →AI Research & Knowledge Stack
Default toolset for analysts, founders and creators doing deep research with AI.
Comparisons & alternatives
Pick between the options.
- →ChatGPT vs Claude
Two leading conversational AI assistants compared across reasoning, writing, coding, and pricing.
- →Lovable vs Bolt
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- →OpenAI API vs Anthropic API
Choosing between the two leading LLM API providers for production apps.
- →Lovable vs Cursor
Prompt-to-app builder vs AI-assisted code editor — which one should you reach for?