Import Hugging Face Models into ModelKits

KitOps makes it easy to turn any Hugging Face repository into a versioned ModelKit. Just use the kit import command to:

• Download the model and metadata
• Generate a Kitfile
• Build and store the ModelKit in your local registry

You can then push it to a private OCI registry, or use it in your development and deployment pipelines behind your firewall.

Step 1: Get the Hugging Face Model URL

Visit huggingface.co and copy the model URL you want to import. For example, https://huggingface.co/HuggingFaceTB/SmolLM-135M-Instruct

Step 2: Run kit import

Use the CLI to import the Hugging Face repo and auto-generate a Kitfile:

kit import https://huggingface.co/HuggingFaceTB/SmolLM-135M-Instruct

KitOps will:

• Download the Hugging Face model and files
• Generate a Kitfile
• Launch your text editor for optional edits
• Pack and store the ModelKit locally

If the model requires authentication, use the --token flag to add your Hugging Face access token.

💡 Customize your Kitfile editor by setting the EDITOR environment variable.

Step 3: Verify Your ModelKit

List your local ModelKits:

kit list

You should see a listing for HuggingFaceTB/SmolLM-135M-Instruct:latest.

Next Steps

• Push the ModelKit to a private registry
• Learn more about the import command
• Customize the Kitfile