app/features.md Codex Docs, 2026-02-19 20:37 UTC → 2026-04-20 06:53 UTC

1# Codex app features1# Codex app features

2 2 

3What you can do with the Codex app

4 

5The Codex app is a focused desktop experience for working on Codex threads in parallel,3The Codex app is a focused desktop experience for working on Codex threads in parallel,

6with built-in worktree support, automations, and Git functionality.4with built-in worktree support, automations, and Git functionality.

7 5 

16session in a specific directory.14session in a specific directory.

17 15 

18If you work in a single repository with two or more apps or packages, split16If you work in a single repository with two or more apps or packages, split

19distinct projects into separate app projects so the [sandbox](https://developers.openai.com/codex/security)17distinct projects into separate app projects so the [sandbox](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security)

20only includes the files for that project.18only includes the files for that project.

21 19 

22![Codex app showing multiple projects in the sidebar and threads in the main pane](/images/codex/app/multitask-light.webp) ![Codex app showing multiple projects in the sidebar and threads in the main pane](/images/codex/app/multitask-dark.webp)20![Codex app showing multiple projects in the sidebar and threads in the main pane](/images/codex/app/multitask-light.webp)

23 

24![Codex app showing multiple projects in the sidebar and threads in the main pane](/images/codex/app/multitask-light.webp) ![Codex app showing multiple projects in the sidebar and threads in the main pane](/images/codex/app/multitask-dark.webp)

25 21 

26## Skills support22## Skills support

27 23 

29IDE Extension. You can also view and explore new skills that your team has25IDE Extension. You can also view and explore new skills that your team has

30created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.26created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.

31 27 

32![Skills picker showing available skills in the Codex app](/images/codex/app/skill-selector-light.webp) ![Skills picker showing available skills in the Codex app](/images/codex/app/skill-selector-dark.webp)28![Skills picker showing available skills in the Codex app](/images/codex/app/skill-selector-light.webp)

33 

34![Skills picker showing available skills in the Codex app](/images/codex/app/skill-selector-light.webp) ![Skills picker showing available skills in the Codex app](/images/codex/app/skill-selector-dark.webp)

35 29 

36## Automations30## Automations

37 31 

38You can also combine skills with [automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations) to perform routine tasks32You can also combine skills with [automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations) to perform routine tasks

39such as evaluating errors in your telemetry and submitting fixes or creating reports on recent33such as evaluating errors in your telemetry and submitting fixes or creating reports on recent

40codebase changes.34codebase changes. For ongoing work that should stay in one thread, use a

35[thread automation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations#thread-automations).

41 36 

42![Automation creation form with schedule and prompt fields](/images/codex/app/create-automation-light.webp) ![Automation creation form with schedule and prompt fields](/images/codex/app/create-automation-dark.webp)37![Automation creation form with schedule and prompt fields](/images/codex/app/create-automation-light.webp)

43 

44![Automation creation form with schedule and prompt fields](/images/codex/app/create-automation-light.webp) ![Automation creation form with schedule and prompt fields](/images/codex/app/create-automation-dark.webp)

45 38 

46## Modes39## Modes

47 40 

55 48 

56For the full glossary and concepts, explore the [concepts section](https://developers.openai.com/codex/prompting).49For the full glossary and concepts, explore the [concepts section](https://developers.openai.com/codex/prompting).

57 50 

58![New thread composer with Local, Worktree, and Cloud mode options](/images/codex/app/modes-light.webp) ![New thread composer with Local, Worktree, and Cloud mode options](/images/codex/app/modes-dark.webp)51![New thread composer with Local, Worktree, and Cloud mode options](/images/codex/app/modes-light.webp)

59 

60![New thread composer with Local, Worktree, and Cloud mode options](/images/codex/app/modes-light.webp) ![New thread composer with Local, Worktree, and Cloud mode options](/images/codex/app/modes-dark.webp)

61 52 

62## Built-in Git tools53## Built-in Git tools

63 54 

71 62 

72For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).63For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).

73 64 

74![Git diff and commit panel with a commit message field](/images/codex/app/git-commit-light.webp) ![Git diff and commit panel with a commit message field](/images/codex/app/git-commit-dark.webp)65![Git diff and commit panel with a commit message field](/images/codex/app/git-commit-light.webp)

75 

76![Git diff and commit panel with a commit message field](/images/codex/app/git-commit-light.webp) ![Git diff and commit panel with a commit message field](/images/codex/app/git-commit-dark.webp)

77 66 

78## Worktree support67## Worktree support

79 68 

88 77 

89[Learn more about using worktrees in the Codex app.](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)78[Learn more about using worktrees in the Codex app.](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)

90 79 

91![Worktree thread view showing branch actions and worktree details](/images/codex/app/worktree-light.webp) ![Worktree thread view showing branch actions and worktree details](/images/codex/app/worktree-dark.webp)80![Worktree thread view showing branch actions and worktree details](/images/codex/app/worktree-light.webp)

92 

93![Worktree thread view showing branch actions and worktree details](/images/codex/app/worktree-light.webp) ![Worktree thread view showing branch actions and worktree details](/images/codex/app/worktree-dark.webp)

94 81 

95## Integrated terminal82## Integrated terminal

96 83 

99pressing <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>J</kbd>.86pressing <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>J</kbd>.

100 87 

101Use the terminal to validate changes, run scripts, and perform Git operations88Use the terminal to validate changes, run scripts, and perform Git operations

102without leaving the app.89without leaving the app. Codex can also read the current terminal output, so

90it can check the status of a running development server or refer back to a

91failed build while it works with you.

103 92 

104Common tasks include:93Common tasks include:

105 94 

113Note that <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd> opens the command palette in the Codex102Note that <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd> opens the command palette in the Codex

114app. It doesn't clear the terminal. To clear the terminal use <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>L</kbd>.103app. It doesn't clear the terminal. To clear the terminal use <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>L</kbd>.

115 104 

116![Integrated terminal drawer open beneath a Codex thread](/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-light.webp) ![Integrated terminal drawer open beneath a Codex thread](/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-dark.webp)105![Integrated terminal drawer open beneath a Codex thread](/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-light.webp)

106 

107## Native Windows sandbox

108 

109On Windows, Codex can run natively in PowerShell with a native Windows sandbox

110instead of requiring WSL or a virtual machine. This lets you stay in

111Windows-native workflows while keeping bounded permissions in place.

117 112 

118![Integrated terminal drawer open beneath a Codex thread](/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-light.webp) ![Integrated terminal drawer open beneath a Codex thread](/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-dark.webp)113[Learn more about Windows setup and sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/windows).

114 

115![Codex app Windows sandbox setup prompt above the message composer](/images/codex/windows/windows-sandbox-setup.webp)

119 116 

120## Voice dictation117## Voice dictation

121 118 

122Use your voice to prompt Codex. Hold <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>M</kbd> while the composer is visible and start talking. Your voice will be transcribed. Edit the transcribed prompt or hit send to have Codex start work.119Use your voice to prompt Codex. Hold <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>M</kbd> while the composer is visible and start talking. Your voice will be transcribed. Edit the transcribed prompt or hit send to have Codex start work.

123 120 

124![Voice dictation indicator in the composer with a transcribed prompt](/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-light.webp) ![Voice dictation indicator in the composer with a transcribed prompt](/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-dark.webp)121![Voice dictation indicator in the composer with a transcribed prompt](/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-light.webp)

125 

126![Voice dictation indicator in the composer with a transcribed prompt](/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-light.webp) ![Voice dictation indicator in the composer with a transcribed prompt](/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-dark.webp)

127 122 

128## Floating pop-out window123## Floating pop-out window

129 124 

134You can also toggle the pop-out window to stay on top when you want it to remain129You can also toggle the pop-out window to stay on top when you want it to remain

135visible across your workflow.130visible across your workflow.

136 131 

137![Pop-out window preview in light mode](/images/codex/app/popover-light.webp) ![Pop-out window preview in light mode](/images/codex/app/popover-dark.webp)132![Pop-out window preview in light mode](/images/codex/app/popover-light.webp)

133 

134## In-app browser

135 

136Use the [in-app browser](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/browser) to preview, review, and comment on

137local development servers, file-backed previews, and public pages that don't

138require sign-in while you iterate on a web app.

139 

140The in-app browser doesn't support authentication flows, signed-in pages, your

141regular browser profile, cookies, extensions, or existing tabs.

142 

143Use browser comments to mark specific elements or areas on a page, then ask

144Codex to address that feedback.

145 

146![Codex app showing a browser comment on a local web app preview](/images/codex/app/in-app-browser-light.webp)

147 

148## Computer use

149 

150[Computer use](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/computer-use) helps Codex operate a macOS app by

151seeing, clicking, and typing. This is useful for testing desktop apps, checking

152browser or simulator flows, working with data sources that aren't available as

153plugins, changing app settings, and reproducing GUI-only bugs.

154 

155Because computer use can affect app and system state outside your project

156workspace, keep tasks narrow and review permission prompts before continuing.

157 

158The feature isn't available in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or

159Switzerland at launch.

160 

161![Codex app asking for permission to use Calculator with computer use](/images/codex/app/computer-use-approval-light.webp)

138 162 

139![Pop-out window preview in light mode](/images/codex/app/popover-light.webp) ![Pop-out window preview in light mode](/images/codex/app/popover-dark.webp)163## Work with non-code artifacts

164 

165When a task produces non-code artifacts, the sidebar can preview PDF files,

166spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. Give Codex the source data, expected

167file type, structure, and review criteria you care about.

168 

169For spreadsheets and presentations, describe the sheets, columns, charts, slide

170sections, and checks that matter. Ask Codex to explain where it saved the output

171and how it checked the result.

172 

173Use the task sidebar to follow what Codex is doing while a thread runs. It can

174surface the agent's plan, sources, generated artifacts, and task summary so you

175can steer the work, inspect generated files, and decide what needs another pass.

176 

177![Codex app showing a generated presentation in the artifact viewer](/images/codex/app/artifact-viewer-light.webp)

140 178 

141---179---

142 180 

154If you're unsure whether the app includes context, toggle it off and ask the192If you're unsure whether the app includes context, toggle it off and ask the

155same question again to compare results.193same question again to compare results.

156 194 

195## Thread automations

196 

197Automations can also attach to a single thread. These thread automations are

198recurring wake-up calls that preserve the thread's context so Codex can check

199on long-running work, poll a source for new information, or continue a follow-up

200loop. Use them for heartbeat-style automations that should keep returning to the

201same conversation on a schedule.

202 

203Use a thread automation when the next run depends on the current conversation.

204Use a standalone or project [automation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations) when you want

205Codex to start a fresh recurring task for one or more projects.

206 

157## Approvals and sandboxing207## Approvals and sandboxing

158 208 

159Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.209Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.

172opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam222opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam

173outside the project root.223outside the project root.

174 224 

175For details on how Codex handles sandboxing, check out the [security documentation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/security).225For a high-level overview, see [sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/concepts/sandboxing). For

226configuration details, see the

227[agent approvals & security documentation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security).

176 228 

177## MCP support229## MCP support

178 230 

183 235 

184## Web search236## Web search

185 237 

186Codex ships with a first-party web search tool. For local tasks in the Codex IDE Extension, Codex238Codex ships with a first-party web search tool. For local tasks in the Codex app, Codex

187enables web search by default and serves results from a web search cache. If you configure your239enables web search by default and serves results from a web search cache. If you configure your

188sandbox for [full access](https://developers.openai.com/codex/security), web search defaults to live results. See240sandbox for [full access](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security), web search defaults to live results. See

189[Config basics](https://developers.openai.com/codex/config-basic) to disable web search or switch to live results that fetch the241[Config basics](https://developers.openai.com/codex/config-basic) to disable web search or switch to live results that fetch the

190most recent data.242most recent data.

191 243 

244## Image generation

245 

246Ask Codex to generate or edit images directly in a thread. This is useful for UI assets, banners, backgrounds, illustrations, sprite sheets, and placeholders you want to create alongside code. Add a reference image when you want Codex to transform or extend an existing asset.

247 

248You can ask in natural language or explicitly invoke the image generation skill by including `$imagegen` in your prompt.

249 

250Built-in image generation uses `gpt-image-1.5`, counts toward your general Codex usage limits, and uses included limits 3-5x faster on average than similar turns without image generation, depending on image quality and size. For details, see [Pricing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/pricing#image-generation-usage-limits). For prompting tips and model details, see the [image generation guide](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/image-generation).

251 

252For larger batches of image generation, set `OPENAI_API_KEY` in your environment variables and ask Codex to generate images through the API so API pricing applies instead.

253 

192## Image input254## Image input

193 255 

194You can drag and drop images into the prompt composer to include them as context. Hold down `Shift`256You can drag and drop images into the prompt composer to include them as context. Hold down `Shift`

197You can also ask Codex to view images on your system. By giving Codex tools to take screenshots of259You can also ask Codex to view images on your system. By giving Codex tools to take screenshots of

198the app you are working on, Codex can verify the work it's doing.260the app you are working on, Codex can verify the work it's doing.

199 261 

262## Chats

263 

264Chats are threads you can start when the task doesn't need a specific project

265folder or Git repository. Use them for research, triage, planning,

266plugin-heavy workflows, and other conversations where Codex should use connected

267tools instead of editing a codebase.

268 

269Chats use a Codex-managed `threads` directory under your Codex home as their

270working location. By default, that location is `~/.codex/threads`.

271 

272## Memories

273 

274[Memories](https://developers.openai.com/codex/memories), where available, let Codex carry useful context

275from past tasks into future threads. They're most useful for stable preferences,

276project conventions, recurring work patterns, and known pitfalls that would

277otherwise need to repeat.

278 

200## Notifications279## Notifications

201 280 

202By default, the Codex app sends notifications when a task completes or needs approval while the app281By default, the Codex app sends notifications when a task completes or needs approval while the app

214 293 

215- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)294- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)

216- [Automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations)295- [Automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations)

296- [In-app browser](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/browser)

297- [Computer use](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/computer-use)

298- [Review pane](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/review)

217- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)299- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)

218- [Worktrees](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)300- [Worktrees](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)

219 

220[Previous

221 

222Overview](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app)[Next

223 

224Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)