Open weights explained — Making trained model parameters available
A publisher provides the learned parameters that influence model outputs. Compatible files and software can allow self-hosting or research under the license terms.
An everyday example
You download an appropriately licensed model and run it on your hardware rather than only using a hosted chat interface.
When you’ll encounter it
Check weights, hardware requirements and licensing before local deployment, self-hosting or further training.
What to watch for
Available weights do not automatically make the entire system open source or unrestricted for commercial use. Data, code and redistribution terms may differ.
Related terms & sources
Prepared from the public sources below. Examples illustrate the concept. Reviewed on 2026-10-15.