app/features.md +305 −32
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.
7The sections below note platform-specific exceptions.
8
9<YouTubeEmbed
10 title="Introducing the Codex app"
11 videoId="HFM3se4lNiw"
12 class="max-w-md"
13/>
14
8---15---
9 16
17<section class="feature-grid">
18
19<div>
20
10## Multitask across projects21## Multitask across projects
11 22
12Use one Codex app window to run tasks across projects. Add a project for each23Use one Codex app window to run tasks across projects. Add a project for each
16session in a specific directory.27session in a specific directory.
17 28
18If you work in a single repository with two or more apps or packages, split29If you work in a single repository with two or more apps or packages, split
1930distinct projects into separate app projects so the [sandbox](https://developers.openai.com/codex/security)distinct projects into separate app projects so the [sandbox](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security)
20only includes the files for that project.31only includes the files for that project.
21 32
2233 </div>
34
35<CodexScreenshot
36 alt="Codex app showing multiple projects in the sidebar and threads in the main pane"
37 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/multitask-light.webp"
38 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/multitask-dark.webp"
39 maxHeight="400px"
40/>
23 41
2442 </section>
43
44<section class="feature-grid inverse">
45
46<div>
25 47
26## Skills support48## Skills support
27 49
29IDE Extension. You can also view and explore new skills that your team has51IDE Extension. You can also view and explore new skills that your team has
30created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.52created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.
31 53
3254 </div>
55
56<CodexScreenshot
57 alt="Skills picker showing available skills in the Codex app"
58 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/skill-selector-light.webp"
59 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/skill-selector-dark.webp"
60 maxHeight="400px"
61/>
62
63</section>
64
65<section class="feature-grid">
33 66
3467 <div>
35 68
36## Automations69## Automations
37 70
38You can also combine skills with [automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations) to perform routine tasks71You 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 recent72such as evaluating errors in your telemetry and submitting fixes or creating reports on recent
4073codebase changes.codebase changes. For ongoing work that should stay in one thread, use a
74[thread automation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations#thread-automations).
41 75
4276 </div>
43 77
4478 <CodexScreenshot
79 alt="Automation creation form with schedule and prompt fields"
80 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/create-automation-light.webp"
81 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/create-automation-dark.webp"
82 maxHeight="400px"
83/>
84
85</section>
86
87<section class="feature-grid inverse">
88
89<div>
45 90
46## Modes91## Modes
47 92
55 100
56For the full glossary and concepts, explore the [concepts section](https://developers.openai.com/codex/prompting).101For the full glossary and concepts, explore the [concepts section](https://developers.openai.com/codex/prompting).
57 102
58103 </div>
104
105<CodexScreenshot
106 alt="New thread composer with Local, Worktree, and Cloud mode options"
107 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/modes-light.webp"
108 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/modes-dark.webp"
109 maxHeight="400px"
110/>
111
112</section>
113
114<section class="feature-grid">
59 115
60116 <div>
61 117
62## Built-in Git tools118## Built-in Git tools
63 119
71 127
72For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).128For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).
73 129
74130 </div>
75 131
76132 <CodexScreenshot
133 alt="Git diff and commit panel with a commit message field"
134 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/git-commit-light.webp"
135 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/git-commit-dark.webp"
136 maxHeight="400px"
137/>
138
139</section>
140
141<section class="feature-grid inverse">
142
143<div>
77 144
78## Worktree support145## Worktree support
79 146
88 155
89[Learn more about using worktrees in the Codex app.](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)156[Learn more about using worktrees in the Codex app.](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)
90 157
91158 </div>
159
160<CodexScreenshot
161 alt="Worktree thread view showing branch actions and worktree details"
162 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/worktree-light.webp"
163 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/worktree-dark.webp"
164 maxHeight="400px"
165/>
166
167</section>
92 168
93169 <section class="feature-grid">
170
171<div>
94 172
95## Integrated terminal173## Integrated terminal
96 174
99pressing <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>J</kbd>.177pressing <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>J</kbd>.
100 178
101Use the terminal to validate changes, run scripts, and perform Git operations179Use the terminal to validate changes, run scripts, and perform Git operations
102180without leaving the app.without leaving the app. Codex can also read the current terminal output, so
181it can check the status of a running development server or refer back to a
182failed build while it works with you.
103 183
104Common tasks include:184Common tasks include:
105 185
113Note that <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd> opens the command palette in the Codex193Note 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>.194app. It doesn't clear the terminal. To clear the terminal use <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>L</kbd>.
115 195
116196 </div>
197
198<CodexScreenshot
199 alt="Integrated terminal drawer open beneath a Codex thread"
200 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-light.webp"
201 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-dark.webp"
202 maxHeight="400px"
203/>
204
205</section>
206
207<section class="feature-grid inverse">
208
209<div>
210
211## Native Windows sandbox
212
213On Windows, Codex can run natively in PowerShell with a native Windows sandbox
214instead of requiring WSL or a virtual machine. This lets you stay in
215Windows-native workflows while keeping bounded permissions in place.
216
217[Learn more about Windows setup and sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/windows).
218
219</div>
220
221<CodexScreenshot
222 alt="Codex app Windows sandbox setup prompt above the message composer"
223 lightSrc="/images/codex/windows/windows-sandbox-setup.webp"
224 darkSrc="/images/codex/windows/windows-sandbox-setup.webp"
225 maxHeight="400px"
226/>
227
228</section>
117 229
118230 <section class="feature-grid inverse">
231
232<div>
119 233
120## Voice dictation234## Voice dictation
121 235
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.236Use 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.
123 237
124238 </div>
239
240<CodexScreenshot
241 alt="Voice dictation indicator in the composer with a transcribed prompt"
242 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-light.webp"
243 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-dark.webp"
244 maxHeight="400px"
245/>
246
247</section>
125 248
126249 <section class="feature-grid">
250
251<div>
127 252
128## Floating pop-out window253## Floating pop-out window
129 254
134You can also toggle the pop-out window to stay on top when you want it to remain259You can also toggle the pop-out window to stay on top when you want it to remain
135visible across your workflow.260visible across your workflow.
136 261
137262 </div>
263
264<CodexScreenshot
265 alt="Pop-out window preview in light mode"
266 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/popover-light.webp"
267 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/popover-dark.webp"
268 maxHeight="400px"
269/>
270
271</section>
272
273<section class="feature-grid">
274
275<div>
276
277## In-app browser
278
279Use the [in-app browser](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/browser) to preview, review, and comment on
280local development servers, file-backed previews, and public pages that don't
281require sign-in while you iterate on a web app.
138 282
139283 The in-app browser doesn't support authentication flows, signed-in pages, your
284regular browser profile, cookies, extensions, or existing tabs.
285
286Use browser comments to mark specific elements or areas on a page, then ask
287Codex to address that feedback.
288
289When you want Codex to operate the page directly, use
290[browser use](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/browser#browser-use) for local development servers and
291file-backed pages. You can manage the Browser plugin, allowed websites, and
292blocked websites from settings.
293
294</div>
295
296<CodexScreenshot
297 alt="Codex app showing a browser comment on a local web app preview"
298 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/in-app-browser-light.webp"
299 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/in-app-browser-dark.webp"
300 maxHeight="400px"
301 variant="no-wallpaper"
302/>
303
304</section>
305
306<section class="feature-grid inverse">
307
308<div>
309
310## Computer use
311
312[Computer use](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/computer-use) helps Codex operate a macOS app by
313seeing, clicking, and typing. This is useful for testing desktop apps, checking
314browser or simulator flows, working with data sources that aren't available as
315plugins, changing app settings, and reproducing GUI-only bugs.
316
317Because computer use can affect app and system state outside your project
318workspace, keep tasks narrow and review permission prompts before continuing.
319
320The feature isn't available in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or
321Switzerland at launch.
322
323</div>
324
325<CodexScreenshot
326 alt="Codex app asking for permission to use Calculator with computer use"
327 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/computer-use-approval-light.webp"
328 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/computer-use-approval-dark.webp"
329 maxHeight="400px"
330 variant="no-wallpaper"
331/>
332
333</section>
334
335<section class="feature-grid">
336
337<div>
338
339<a id="richer-outputs-and-artifacts"></a>
340<a id="task-sidebar"></a>
341<a id="artifact-viewer"></a>
342
343## Work with non-code artifacts
344
345When a task produces non-code artifacts, the sidebar can preview PDF files,
346spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. Give Codex the source data, expected
347file type, structure, and review criteria you care about.
348
349For spreadsheets and presentations, describe the sheets, columns, charts, slide
350sections, and checks that matter. Ask Codex to explain where it saved the output
351and how it checked the result.
352
353Use the task sidebar to follow what Codex is doing while a thread runs. It can
354surface the agent's plan, sources, generated artifacts, and task summary so you
355can steer the work, inspect generated files, and decide what needs another pass.
356
357</div>
358
359<CodexScreenshot
360 alt="Codex app showing a generated presentation in the artifact viewer"
361 lightSrc="/images/codex/app/artifact-viewer-light.webp"
362 darkSrc="/images/codex/app/artifact-viewer-dark.webp"
363 maxHeight="420px"
364 variant="no-wallpaper"
365/>
366
367</section>
140 368
141---369---
142 370
154If you're unsure whether the app includes context, toggle it off and ask the382If you're unsure whether the app includes context, toggle it off and ask the
155same question again to compare results.383same question again to compare results.
156 384
385## Thread automations
386
387Automations can also attach to a single thread. These thread automations are
388recurring wake-up calls that preserve the thread's context so Codex can check
389on long-running work, poll a source for new information, or continue a follow-up
390loop. Use them for heartbeat-style automations that should keep returning to the
391same conversation on a schedule.
392
393Use a thread automation when the next run depends on the current conversation.
394Use a standalone or project [automation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations) when you want
395Codex to start a fresh recurring task for one or more projects.
396
157## Approvals and sandboxing397## Approvals and sandboxing
158 398
159Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.399Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.
172opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam412opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam
173outside the project root.413outside the project root.
174 414
175415For details on how Codex handles sandboxing, check out the [security documentation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/security).If [automatic review](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security#automatic-approval-reviews)
416is available in your workspace, you can choose it from the permissions selector.
417It keeps the same sandbox boundary but routes eligible approval requests through
418the configured review policy instead of waiting for you.
419
420For a high-level overview, see [sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/concepts/sandboxing). For
421configuration details, see the
422[agent approvals & security documentation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security).
176 423
177## MCP support424## MCP support
178 425
183 430
184## Web search431## Web search
185 432
186433Codex ships with a first-party web search tool. For local tasks in the Codex IDE Extension, CodexCodex 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 your434enables web search by default and serves results from a web search cache. If you configure your
188435sandbox for [full access](https://developers.openai.com/codex/security), web search defaults to live results. Seesandbox 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 the436[Config basics](https://developers.openai.com/codex/config-basic) to disable web search or switch to live results that fetch the
190most recent data.437most recent data.
191 438
439## Image generation
440
441Ask 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.
442
443You can ask in natural language or explicitly invoke the image generation skill by including `$imagegen` in your prompt.
444
445Built-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).
446
447For 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.
448
192## Image input449## Image input
193 450
194You can drag and drop images into the prompt composer to include them as context. Hold down `Shift`451You 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 of454You 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.455the app you are working on, Codex can verify the work it's doing.
199 456
457<a id="projectless-threads"></a>
458
459## Chats
460
461Chats are threads you can start when the task doesn't need a specific project
462folder or Git repository. Use them for research, triage, planning,
463plugin-heavy workflows, and other conversations where Codex should use connected
464tools instead of editing a codebase.
465
466Chats use a Codex-managed `threads` directory under your Codex home as their
467working location. By default, that location is `~/.codex/threads`.
468
469## Memories
470
471[Memories](https://developers.openai.com/codex/memories), where available, let Codex carry useful context
472from past tasks into future threads. They're most useful for stable preferences,
473project conventions, recurring work patterns, and known pitfalls that would
474otherwise need to repeat.
475
200## Notifications476## Notifications
201 477
202By default, the Codex app sends notifications when a task completes or needs approval while the app478By default, the Codex app sends notifications when a task completes or needs approval while the app
214 490
215- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)491- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)
216- [Automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations)492- [Automations](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/automations)
493- [In-app browser](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/browser)
494- [Computer use](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/computer-use)
495- [Review pane](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/review)
217- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)496- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)
218- [Worktrees](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)497- [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)