68 },68 },
69 {69 {
70 title: "Pets",70 title: "Pets",
7171 description: "Choose an animated companion and follow chat activity.", description: "Choose a companion, start chats, and follow activity.",
72 href: "/codex/pets",72 href: "/codex/pets",
73 icon: "customize",73 icon: "customize",
74 },74 },
61 61
62 62
63 Pets are optional animated companions for the app. In **Settings > Pets**,63 Pets are optional animated companions for the app. In **Settings > Pets**,
6464 choose a built-in or custom pet, then use `/pet`, **Wake Pet**, or choose a built-in or custom pet, then use `/pet`, **Show pet**, or **Hide pet**
6565 **Tuck Away Pet** to control the floating overlay. to control the floating overlay. Choose **Mini** to keep the chat controls
66 visible without a pet.
66 67
6768 See [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) to understand pet status, follow See [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) to start chats, use voice, follow
6869 activity across chats, or create your own pet. activity, or create your own pet.
69 70
70 71
71 72
6you're actively working in another app on your computer and want to provide6you're actively working in another app on your computer and want to provide
7ChatGPT with your current context so it can help you with the task.7ChatGPT with your current context so it can help you with the task.
8 8
99Appshots are available in the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS. Press both CommandAppshots are available in the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS and Windows. Press
1010 keys, or your custom Appshots hotkey, to take one. both Command keys on macOS or both Alt keys on Windows to take one. You can
11 also configure a custom Appshots hotkey.
11 12
12## What appshots capture13## What appshots capture
13 14
23 24
24## When to use appshots25## When to use appshots
25 26
2627Use appshots when ChatGPT needs context from a Mac app before it can act.Use appshots when ChatGPT needs context from another app before it can act.
27 28
28Examples:29Examples:
29 30
37## Take an appshot38## Take an appshot
38 39
391. Bring the app window you want to share to the front.401. Bring the app window you want to share to the front.
40412. Press both Command keys, or the custom hotkey you configured in ChatGPT2. Press both Command keys on macOS or both Alt keys on Windows, or use the
4142 settings. custom hotkey you configured in ChatGPT settings.
42433. Allow macOS permissions if ChatGPT asks.3. Complete the permission setup if ChatGPT asks.
434. Ask ChatGPT to perform a task with the appshot.444. Ask ChatGPT to perform a task with the appshot.
44 45
45 46
52chat in the last 60 seconds, ChatGPT adds the appshot to that recent53chat in the last 60 seconds, ChatGPT adds the appshot to that recent
53chat instead. Taking consecutive appshots adds them to the same chat.54chat instead. Taking consecutive appshots adds them to the same chat.
54 55
5556You can change the Appshots hotkey in the app settings.You can change the hotkey and **Appshot destination** in the app settings.
57Choose **Current chat** or **New chat** to set a destination, or keep
58**Automatic** for the behavior described here.
59
60<a id="use-appshots-with-mini"></a>
61
62### Use appshots from the floating controls
63
64On macOS, when the [floating pet controls](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app#app-send-appshots-to-your-pet)
65are open and the main ChatGPT window is in the background, **Automatic** starts
66a new chat from those controls with the appshot. This also works when you select
67**Mini** as your pet. Complete Appshots permission setup in the main app
68first. On Windows, Appshots open in the main app.
56 69
57## Permissions and safety70## Permissions and safety
58 71
5972ChatGPT may ask for permissions before it can take appshots:On macOS, ChatGPT may ask for these permissions before it can take appshots:
60 73
61- **Screen & System Audio Recording** lets ChatGPT capture an image of the74- **Screen & System Audio Recording** lets ChatGPT capture an image of the
62 frontmost window.75 frontmost window.
71 84
72## Limits and troubleshooting85## Limits and troubleshooting
73 86
7487Appshots are available in the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS. If you resume a chatAppshots require the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS or Windows. If you resume a
7588in the CLI that already contains an appshot, the attachment is part of the chatchat in the CLI that already contains an appshot, the attachment is part of
7689history, but the CLI can't create a new appshot.the chat history, but the CLI can't create a new appshot.
77 90
78For some apps and websites, including Google Docs, Gmail, Google Sheets, and91For some apps and websites, including Google Docs, Gmail, Google Sheets, and
79Google Slides, ChatGPT may receive only the visible screenshot and may not receive92Google Slides, ChatGPT may receive only the visible screenshot and may not receive
81matching installed plugin to access the relevant app content and help with your94matching installed plugin to access the relevant app content and help with your
82request.95request.
83 96
8497If appshots don't work:If appshots don't work, update the desktop app, check the configured hotkey,
98and confirm that your organization allows Appshots. On macOS, also check
99permissions:
85 100
861. Open **System Settings > Privacy & Security**.1011. Open **System Settings > Privacy & Security**.
872. Check **Screen & System Audio Recording** and **Accessibility** for Codex1022. Check **Screen & System Audio Recording** and **Accessibility** for Codex
1788`approval_policy = "untrusted"`.1788`approval_policy = "untrusted"`.
1789 1789
1790The `[models.new_thread]` table supplies managed defaults, not enforcement.1790The `[models.new_thread]` table supplies managed defaults, not enforcement.
17911791Explicit launch choices from dedicated CLI flags or `--config` overrides takeIf you explicitly override the model or reasoning effort with `--model`,
17921792precedence. An explicit model or reasoning-effort override skips both managed`--config`, or `--profile`, Codex ignores both `model` and
17931793model fields; `service_tier` is independent.`model_reasoning_effort` in `[models.new_thread]`. `service_tier` is independent.
1794 1794
1795The browser requirements cover three separate surfaces. `in_app_browser`1795The browser requirements cover three separate surfaces. `in_app_browser`
1796controls the browser pane that a person opens and uses directly. `browser_use`1796controls the browser pane that a person opens and uses directly. `browser_use`
1911 {1911 {
1912 key: "models",1912 key: "models",
1913 type: "table",1913 type: "table",
19141914 description: description: "Contains the `[models.new_thread]` table.",
1915 "Managed model defaults for new threads. These values take priority over user and project defaults, but an explicit selection for the new thread can override them.",
1916 },1915 },
1917 {1916 {
1918 key: "models.new_thread",1917 key: "models.new_thread",
1919 type: "table",1918 type: "table",
1920 description:1919 description:
19211920 "Defaults to apply when a new local thread starts. Each model setting is optional.", "Optional defaults to apply when a new local thread starts. They take priority over user and project defaults, but can be superseded by explicit overrides.",
1922 },1921 },
1923 {1922 {
1924 key: "models.new_thread.model",1923 key: "models.new_thread.model",
1925 type: "string",1924 type: "string",
1926 description:1925 description:
19271926 "Default model for new threads. An explicit `--model` or model/reasoning `--config` override takes precedence.", "Default model for new threads. An explicit override of either the model or reasoning effort causes both fields to be ignored.",
1928 },1927 },
1929 {1928 {
1930 key: "models.new_thread.model_reasoning_effort",1929 key: "models.new_thread.model_reasoning_effort",
1931 type: "string",1930 type: "string",
1932 description:1931 description:
19331932 "Default reasoning effort for new threads. An explicit model or reasoning-effort override skips both managed model fields.", "Default reasoning effort for new threads. An explicit override of either the model or reasoning effort causes both fields to be ignored.",
1934 },1933 },
1935 {1934 {
1936 key: "models.new_thread.service_tier",1935 key: "models.new_thread.service_tier",
1937 type: "string",1936 type: "string",
1938 description:1937 description:
19391938 "Default service tier for new threads. An explicit service-tier override takes precedence independently of the model fields.", "Default service tier for new threads. An explicit service-tier override causes this field to be ignored.",
1940 },1939 },
1941 {1940 {
1942 key: "permissions",1941 key: "permissions",
1788`approval_policy = "untrusted"`.1788`approval_policy = "untrusted"`.
1789 1789
1790The `[models.new_thread]` table supplies managed defaults, not enforcement.1790The `[models.new_thread]` table supplies managed defaults, not enforcement.
17911791Explicit launch choices from dedicated CLI flags or `--config` overrides takeIf you explicitly override the model or reasoning effort with `--model`,
17921792precedence. An explicit model or reasoning-effort override skips both managed`--config`, or `--profile`, Codex ignores both `model` and
17931793model fields; `service_tier` is independent.`model_reasoning_effort` in `[models.new_thread]`. `service_tier` is independent.
1794 1794
1795The browser requirements cover three separate surfaces. `in_app_browser`1795The browser requirements cover three separate surfaces. `in_app_browser`
1796controls the browser pane that a person opens and uses directly. `browser_use`1796controls the browser pane that a person opens and uses directly. `browser_use`
1911 {1911 {
1912 key: "models",1912 key: "models",
1913 type: "table",1913 type: "table",
19141914 description: description: "Contains the `[models.new_thread]` table.",
1915 "Managed model defaults for new threads. These values take priority over user and project defaults, but an explicit selection for the new thread can override them.",
1916 },1915 },
1917 {1916 {
1918 key: "models.new_thread",1917 key: "models.new_thread",
1919 type: "table",1918 type: "table",
1920 description:1919 description:
19211920 "Defaults to apply when a new local thread starts. Each model setting is optional.", "Optional defaults to apply when a new local thread starts. They take priority over user and project defaults, but can be superseded by explicit overrides.",
1922 },1921 },
1923 {1922 {
1924 key: "models.new_thread.model",1923 key: "models.new_thread.model",
1925 type: "string",1924 type: "string",
1926 description:1925 description:
19271926 "Default model for new threads. An explicit `--model` or model/reasoning `--config` override takes precedence.", "Default model for new threads. An explicit override of either the model or reasoning effort causes both fields to be ignored.",
1928 },1927 },
1929 {1928 {
1930 key: "models.new_thread.model_reasoning_effort",1929 key: "models.new_thread.model_reasoning_effort",
1931 type: "string",1930 type: "string",
1932 description:1931 description:
19331932 "Default reasoning effort for new threads. An explicit model or reasoning-effort override skips both managed model fields.", "Default reasoning effort for new threads. An explicit override of either the model or reasoning effort causes both fields to be ignored.",
1934 },1933 },
1935 {1934 {
1936 key: "models.new_thread.service_tier",1935 key: "models.new_thread.service_tier",
1937 type: "string",1936 type: "string",
1938 description:1937 description:
19391938 "Default service tier for new threads. An explicit service-tier override takes precedence independently of the model fields.", "Default service tier for new threads. An explicit service-tier override causes this field to be ignored.",
1940 },1939 },
1941 {1940 {
1942 key: "permissions",1941 key: "permissions",
61 61
62 62
63 Pets are optional animated companions for the app. In **Settings > Pets**,63 Pets are optional animated companions for the app. In **Settings > Pets**,
6464 choose a built-in or custom pet, then use `/pet`, **Wake Pet**, or choose a built-in or custom pet, then use `/pet`, **Show pet**, or **Hide pet**
6565 **Tuck Away Pet** to control the floating overlay. to control the floating overlay. Choose **Mini** to keep the chat controls
66 visible without a pet.
66 67
6768 See [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) to understand pet status, follow See [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) to start chats, use voice, follow
6869 activity across chats, or create your own pet. activity, or create your own pet.
69 70
70 71
71 72
4 4
5Personalize ChatGPT so its responses and working style better match your5Personalize ChatGPT so its responses and working style better match your
6preferences. You control which personalization features are enabled and can6preferences. You control which personalization features are enabled and can
77change them at any time in the ChatGPT desktop app settings.change them in settings. Available controls vary between web and desktop.
8 8
9## Choose a personality9## Choose a personality
10 10
21 21
22[Learn how `AGENTS.md` instructions work](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-configuration/agents-md).22[Learn how `AGENTS.md` instructions work](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/agent-configuration/agents-md).
23 23
24## Match your writing style in Work
25
26In ChatGPT Work on the web, writing style uses your own writing from connected
27apps to help drafts sound like you.
28
291. Open [Set up writing style](https://chatgpt.com/?surface=work&writing_style=setup).
302. Connect the available email, messaging, or document apps you want ChatGPT
31 to use. Available apps depend on your account and workspace.
323. Select **Use writing style** to enable it. Connecting an app alone doesn't
33 complete setup.
344. Ask Work to draft an email, message, or document.
35
36To turn it off, open **Settings > Personalization > Writing** on the web and
37disable **Reference my writing style**. You can return to setup from the same
38section.
39
24## Carry context forward with memories40## Carry context forward with memories
25 41
26[Memories](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/customization/memories) let ChatGPT carry useful context from earlier chats42[Memories](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/customization/memories) let ChatGPT carry useful context from earlier chats
6and what it shows depend on the interface you use. Choosing a pet changes its6and what it shows depend on the interface you use. Choosing a pet changes its
7appearance, not how ChatGPT completes tasks.7appearance, not how ChatGPT completes tasks.
8 8
9<ContentModeSwitch group="codex-surface" id="app">
9 10
11## Use a floating pet
10 12
11 13
12 14
13 <CodexPetsDemo client:load mobileAlignment="left" />
14
15
16 15
17<ContentModeSwitch group="codex-surface" id="app">
18 16
19## Use a floating pet
20 17
2118In the ChatGPT desktop app, a pet can float above other app windows and helpIn the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS and Windows, a pet can float above other
2219you follow activity across your chats.app windows. Use the controls below it to start a chat by typing or speaking,
20and follow activity while you work in other apps.
23 21
24### Choose and wake a pet22### Choose and wake a pet
25 23
261. Open the profile menu at the bottom of the app and select **Pets**. You can241. Open the profile menu at the bottom of the app and select **Pets**. You can
27 also open [**Settings**](codex://settings) and go to **Pets**.25 also open [**Settings**](codex://settings) and go to **Pets**.
28262. Choose a built-in or custom pet.2. Choose a built-in or custom pet, or select **Mini** to show the chat controls
29273. Enter `/pet`, or open the command menu and select **Wake Pet**. without a pet. If you haven't created a custom pet yet, select **Create pet**
28 first.
293. Enter `/pet`, or open the command menu and select **Show pet**.
30 You can also right-click the pet and select **Hide** to hide it.
30 31
3132Select **Tuck Away Pet** in **Settings > Pets** or the command menu, or enterTo change your pet's size, select **Customize** in **Settings > Pets** and adjust
3233`/pet` again, to hide the pet. Your selection and the pet's position persist**Pet size**. Select **Reset** to restore the default size.
33when you reopen the app.
34 34
35When you select a custom pet, it also appears in your **Profile** view.35When you select a custom pet, it also appears in your **Profile** view.
36 36
37
38
39
40
41
42> Illustration: A pet above floating chat controls. A cursor types and sends a request, then selects the bell to open the thread activity.
43
44
45
46
47
48### Show or hide the floating controls
49
50With the desktop app running, use the global shortcut to show the controls and
51focus Quick Chat:
52
53| Platform | Default shortcut |
54| -------- | ----------------- |
55| macOS | **Option+Space** |
56| Windows | **Windows+Alt+P** |
57
58You can change **Show pet** in **Settings > Keyboard shortcuts**. Pressing the
59shortcut again keeps the controls open and focuses Quick Chat.
60
61To hide the controls, right-click the pet and select **Hide**, select **Hide pet**
62in the command menu or **Settings > Pets**, or enter `/pet` again. Your pet
63selection and position persist when you reopen the app.
64If the controls aren't available, update the app and check whether your
65workspace allows pets.
66
67### Start a chat
68
691. Move the pointer over the controls below your pet and select the pencil icon.
702. Enter your request and press **Enter** to send it. Use `@` to add context
71 and `$` to choose a skill.
723. Select the bell icon to follow progress in your threads. Select a thread to
73 open the full conversation in ChatGPT, or select the chevron to collapse
74 your threads.
75
76A chat started from these controls is outside a project. To use a project's
77context, start the chat from that project in the main app.
78
79To speak instead, select the voice icon. See
80[ChatGPT Voice](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/features/voice) for voice availability and controls.
81
37### Understand pet status82### Understand pet status
38 83
39| Status | Meaning |84| Status | Meaning |
44| **Blocked** | A chat failed or encountered a system error. |89| **Blocked** | A chat failed or encountered a system error. |
45 90
46When more than one chat has activity, the pet prioritizes chats that need91When more than one chat has activity, the pet prioritizes chats that need
4792input, followed by blocked, ready, and running chats. Open the activity tray toinput, followed by blocked, ready, and running chats. Select the bell icon to
4893choose a chat.show your threads, then choose a thread to open its conversation. Select the
94chevron to collapse your threads.
49 95
50Select the pet to return to ChatGPT, or select an activity to open its chat.
51The activity tray is separate from [system96The activity tray is separate from [system
5297notifications](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/notifications?surface=app).notifications](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/notifications?surface=app#app-configure-desktop-notifications).
98
99### Send Appshots to your pet
100
101On macOS, press both **Command** keys at the same time while using an app to
102take an [Appshot](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/appshots). If your pet is visible and the main ChatGPT
103window is in the background, the appshot goes to your pet and starts a new chat.
104This also works when **Mini** is selected.
105
106Set **Appshot destination** to **Automatic** in settings and authorize Appshots
107permissions in the main app before using this shortcut.
108
109On Windows, Appshots open in the main ChatGPT app.
53 110
54### Follow Computer Use111### Follow Computer Use
55 112
56On macOS, the [Computer Use](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/computer-use) picture-in-picture window can113On macOS, the [Computer Use](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/computer-use) picture-in-picture window can
57114attach to an awake pet. Move the pet, and the window follows.attach to your pet. Move the pet, and the window follows. If your pet is hidden,
115sending the picture-in-picture window to it shows the pet automatically.
58 116
59### Create a custom pet117### Create a custom pet
60 118
611191. Open **Settings > Pets** and select **Create your own pet**.1. Open **Settings > Pets** and select **Create pet**.
622. The app installs the bundled `hatch-pet` skill, reloads skills, and opens a1202. The app installs the bundled `hatch-pet` skill, reloads skills, and opens a
63 new chat.121 new chat.
643. Describe the pet you want and send the prompt.1223. Describe the pet you want and send the prompt.
61 61
62 62
63 Pets are optional animated companions for the app. In **Settings > Pets**,63 Pets are optional animated companions for the app. In **Settings > Pets**,
6464 choose a built-in or custom pet, then use `/pet`, **Wake Pet**, or choose a built-in or custom pet, then use `/pet`, **Show pet**, or **Hide pet**
6565 **Tuck Away Pet** to control the floating overlay. to control the floating overlay. Choose **Mini** to keep the chat controls
66 visible without a pet.
66 67
6768 See [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) to understand pet status, follow See [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) to start chats, use voice, follow
6869 activity across chats, or create your own pet. activity, or create your own pet.
69 70
70 71
71 72
10In the ChatGPT desktop app, ask for current information in a chat. ChatGPT records10In the ChatGPT desktop app, ask for current information in a chat. ChatGPT records
11search activity with the other tool calls in the transcript.11search activity with the other tool calls in the transcript.
12 12
13## Research a topic in Work
14
15Use the Deep research plugin in the desktop app for an investigation across
16multiple sources and a report you can review.
17
181. Switch to **Work** and open [**Plugins**](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/plugins?surface=app).
192. Select **Deep research**. Install or enable it if needed, then select
20 **Try now** to start a Work chat.
213. Describe the question, scope, and result you need. Include relevant files
22 or connected app context.
234. Review the report and its sources, then ask follow-up questions in the chat.
24
25Plugin availability depends on your account and workspace settings.
26
13</ContentModeSwitch>27</ContentModeSwitch>
14 28
15<ContentModeSwitch group="codex-surface" id="web">29<ContentModeSwitch group="codex-surface" id="web">
18citations appear in the chat when ChatGPT uses web search. Workspace32citations appear in the chat when ChatGPT uses web search. Workspace
19settings can limit whether search is available.33settings can limit whether search is available.
20 34
35## Research a topic in Work
36
37Use deep research in Work for a question that needs investigation across
38multiple sources and a report you can review.
39
401. Start a chat in **Work**.
412. Open the **+** menu and select **Deep research**, if it's available for
42 your account and workspace.
433. Describe the question, scope, and result you need. Include relevant files
44 or connected app context.
454. Review the report and its sources, then ask follow-up questions in the chat.
46
47For example: "Research three approaches to reducing food waste in office
48cafeterias. Compare the evidence, costs, and implementation requirements."
49
21</ContentModeSwitch>50</ContentModeSwitch>
22 51
23<ContentModeSwitch group="codex-surface" id="cli">52<ContentModeSwitch group="codex-surface" id="cli">
6work, with examples and links to learn more. For every versioned update, bug fix,6work, with examples and links to learn more. For every versioned update, bug fix,
7and minor improvement, see the [Codex changelog](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/changelog).7and minor improvement, see the [Codex changelog](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/changelog).
8 8
9## September 7–11, 2026
10
11### Start a quick chat from your pet
12
13Type a request or start a voice conversation from the floating
14[Pets controls](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) in the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS
15and Windows. Keep working in another app while you follow progress, then open
16the full conversation when you need it.
17
18Choose a companion in **Settings > Pets**, or select **Mini** to use the
19controls without a pet. Press **Option+Space** on macOS or **Windows+Alt+P** on
20Windows to show the controls and focus Quick Chat. Use `@` to add context and
21`$` to choose a skill, then press **Enter** to send your request.
22
23### Share an app window on Windows
24
25[Appshots](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/appshots?surface=app) bring a screenshot and available text
26from the frontmost Windows app into ChatGPT. Press both **Alt** keys at the
27same time, then ask a question about the window or describe what you want to
28do. Windows Appshots open in the main ChatGPT app.
29
30On macOS, Appshots can also start a new chat in the floating Pets controls
31when they're visible and the main ChatGPT window is in the background. Set
32**Appshot destination** to **Automatic** and authorize Appshots permissions
33in the main app first.
34
35Update the desktop app to use these features. Availability depends on rollout
36and workspace settings.
37
38[Read the September 11 release notes](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/changelog#codex-2026-09-11-app)
39for the full update and smaller improvements.
40
9## August 31–September 4, 202641## August 31–September 4, 2026
10 42
11### Take on demanding work with GPT-6 Astra43### Take on demanding work with GPT-6 Astra
