Safetensors
Also: .safetensors
A file format for stored model numbers. Some local apps use another format called GGUF. Check which format your app accepts.
The fuller definition
Safetensors is a file format for storing model weights safely and quickly. Original model releases on Hugging Face are usually published in it.
- Release
Original weights
- Format
Safetensors
- Local apps
Often convert to GGUF
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
A model's main repository holds safetensors files; GGUF versions for local apps are often in separate repositories.
The distinction that matters
Safetensors files are usually the full-precision originals, much larger than a 4-bit GGUF.
Related terms
GGUF
The file format most local AI apps use for downloaded models.
FoundationsModel weights
The full set of numbers that make up a trained model. Download the weights and you have the model.
Products & model familiesHugging Face
A website where models and datasets are shared and downloaded.
Where it is taught
APIs and JSON: connect a model to a small programSource and further reading
MDN · Web technology glossaryThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.