app/features.md Codex Docs, 2026-02-19 20:37 UTC → 2026-04-22 00:42 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 

6Most Codex app features are available on both macOS and Windows.

7Platform-specific exceptions are noted below.

8 

8---9---

9 10 

10## Multitask across projects11## Multitask across projects

16session in a specific directory.17session in a specific directory.

17 18 

18If you work in a single repository with two or more apps or packages, split19If 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)20distinct projects into separate app projects so the [sandbox](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security)

20only includes the files for that project.21only includes the files for that project.

21 22 

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)23![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 24 

26## Skills support25## Skills support

27 26 

29IDE Extension. You can also view and explore new skills that your team has28IDE Extension. You can also view and explore new skills that your team has

30created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.29created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.

31 30 

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)31![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 32 

36## Automations33## Automations

37 34 

38You can also combine skills with [automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations) to perform routine tasks35You 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 recent36such as evaluating errors in your telemetry and submitting fixes or creating reports on recent

40codebase changes.37codebase changes. For ongoing work that should stay in one thread, use a

41 38[thread automation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations#thread-automations).

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)

43 39 

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

45 41 

46## Modes42## Modes

47 43 

55 51 

56For the full glossary and concepts, explore the [concepts section](https://developers.openai.com/codex/prompting).52For the full glossary and concepts, explore the [concepts section](https://developers.openai.com/codex/prompting).

57 53 

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)54![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 55 

62## Built-in Git tools56## Built-in Git tools

63 57 

71 65 

72For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).66For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).

73 67 

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)68![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 69 

78## Worktree support70## Worktree support

79 71 

88 80 

89[Learn more about using worktrees in the Codex app.](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)81[Learn more about using worktrees in the Codex app.](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)

90 82 

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)83![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 84 

95## Integrated terminal85## Integrated terminal

96 86 

99pressing <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>J</kbd>.89pressing <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>J</kbd>.

100 90 

101Use the terminal to validate changes, run scripts, and perform Git operations91Use the terminal to validate changes, run scripts, and perform Git operations

102without leaving the app.92without leaving the app. Codex can also read the current terminal output, so

93it can check the status of a running development server or refer back to a

94failed build while it works with you.

103 95 

104Common tasks include:96Common tasks include:

105 97 

113Note that <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd> opens the command palette in the Codex105Note 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>.106app. It doesn't clear the terminal. To clear the terminal use <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>L</kbd>.

115 107 

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

109 

110## Native Windows sandbox

111 

112On Windows, Codex can run natively in PowerShell with a native Windows sandbox

113instead of requiring WSL or a virtual machine. This lets you stay in

114Windows-native workflows while keeping bounded permissions in place.

115 

116[Learn more about Windows setup and sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/windows).

117 117 

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

119 119 

120## Voice dictation120## Voice dictation

121 121 

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.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.

123 123 

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)124![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)

127 125 

128## Floating pop-out window126## Floating pop-out window

129 127 

134You can also toggle the pop-out window to stay on top when you want it to remain132You can also toggle the pop-out window to stay on top when you want it to remain

135visible across your workflow.133visible across your workflow.

136 134 

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

136 

137## In-app browser

138 

139Use the [in-app browser](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/browser) to preview, review, and comment on

140local development servers, file-backed previews, and public pages that don't

141require sign-in while you iterate on a web app.

142 

143The in-app browser doesn't support authentication flows, signed-in pages, your

144regular browser profile, cookies, extensions, or existing tabs.

145 

146Use browser comments to mark specific elements or areas on a page, then ask

147Codex to address that feedback.

148 

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

150 

151## Computer use

152 

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

154seeing, clicking, and typing. This is useful for testing desktop apps, checking

155browser or simulator flows, working with data sources that aren't available as

156plugins, changing app settings, and reproducing GUI-only bugs.

157 

158Because computer use can affect app and system state outside your project

159workspace, keep tasks narrow and review permission prompts before continuing.

160 

161The feature isn't available in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or

162Switzerland at launch.

138 163 

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

165 

166## Work with non-code artifacts

167 

168When a task produces non-code artifacts, the sidebar can preview PDF files,

169spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. Give Codex the source data, expected

170file type, structure, and review criteria you care about.

171 

172For spreadsheets and presentations, describe the sheets, columns, charts, slide

173sections, and checks that matter. Ask Codex to explain where it saved the output

174and how it checked the result.

175 

176Use the task sidebar to follow what Codex is doing while a thread runs. It can

177surface the agent's plan, sources, generated artifacts, and task summary so you

178can steer the work, inspect generated files, and decide what needs another pass.

179 

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

140 181 

141---182---

142 183 

154If you're unsure whether the app includes context, toggle it off and ask the195If you're unsure whether the app includes context, toggle it off and ask the

155same question again to compare results.196same question again to compare results.

156 197 

198## Thread automations

199 

200Automations can also attach to a single thread. These thread automations are

201recurring wake-up calls that preserve the thread's context so Codex can check

202on long-running work, poll a source for new information, or continue a follow-up

203loop. Use them for heartbeat-style automations that should keep returning to the

204same conversation on a schedule.

205 

206Use a thread automation when the next run depends on the current conversation.

207Use a standalone or project [automation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations) when you want

208Codex to start a fresh recurring task for one or more projects.

209 

157## Approvals and sandboxing210## Approvals and sandboxing

158 211 

159Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.212Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.

172opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam225opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam

173outside the project root.226outside the project root.

174 227 

175For details on how Codex handles sandboxing, check out the [security documentation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/security).228For a high-level overview, see [sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/concepts/sandboxing). For

229configuration details, see the

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

176 231 

177## MCP support232## MCP support

178 233 

183 238 

184## Web search239## Web search

185 240 

186Codex ships with a first-party web search tool. For local tasks in the Codex IDE Extension, Codex241Codex 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 your242enables 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. See243sandbox 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 the244[Config basics](https://developers.openai.com/codex/config-basic) to disable web search or switch to live results that fetch the

190most recent data.245most recent data.

191 246 

247## Image generation

248 

249Ask 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.

250 

251You can ask in natural language or explicitly invoke the image generation skill by including `$imagegen` in your prompt.

252 

253Built-in image generation uses `gpt-image-2`, 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).

254 

255For 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.

256 

192## Image input257## Image input

193 258 

194You can drag and drop images into the prompt composer to include them as context. Hold down `Shift`259You 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 of262You 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.263the app you are working on, Codex can verify the work it's doing.

199 264 

265## Chats

266 

267Chats are threads you can start when the task doesn't need a specific project

268folder or Git repository. Use them for research, triage, planning,

269plugin-heavy workflows, and other conversations where Codex should use connected

270tools instead of editing a codebase.

271 

272Chats use a Codex-managed `threads` directory under your Codex home as their

273working location. By default, that location is `~/.codex/threads`.

274 

275## Memories

276 

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

278from past tasks into future threads. They're most useful for stable preferences,

279project conventions, recurring work patterns, and known pitfalls that would

280otherwise need to repeat.

281 

200## Notifications282## Notifications

201 283 

202By default, the Codex app sends notifications when a task completes or needs approval while the app284By default, the Codex app sends notifications when a task completes or needs approval while the app

214 296 

215- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)297- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)

216- [Automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations)298- [Automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations)

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

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

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

217- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)302- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)

218- [Worktrees](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)303- [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)