app/features.md Codex Docs, 2026-03-17 18:24 UTC → 2026-05-14 21:00 UTC

3The 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,

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

5 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 

6---15---

7 16 

17<section class="feature-grid">

18 

19<div>

20 

8## Multitask across projects21## Multitask across projects

9 22 

10Use 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

17distinct projects into separate app projects so the [sandbox](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security)30distinct projects into separate app projects so the [sandbox](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security)

18only includes the files for that project.31only includes the files for that project.

19 32 

20![Codex app showing multiple projects in the sidebar and threads in the main pane](/images/codex/app/multitask-light.webp)33</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/>

41 

42</section>

43 

44<section class="feature-grid inverse">

45 

46<div>

21 47 

22## Skills support48## Skills support

23 49 

25IDE 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

26created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.52created across your different projects by clicking Skills in the sidebar.

27 53 

28![Skills picker showing available skills in the Codex app](/images/codex/app/skill-selector-light.webp)54</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">

66 

67<div>

29 68 

30## Automations69## Automations

31 70 

32You 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

33such 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

34codebase changes.73codebase changes. For ongoing work that should stay in one thread, use a

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

75 

76</div>

77 

78<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/>

35 84 

36![Automation creation form with schedule and prompt fields](/images/codex/app/create-automation-light.webp)85</section>

86 

87<section class="feature-grid inverse">

88 

89<div>

37 90 

38## Modes91## Modes

39 92 

47 100 

48For 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).

49 102 

50![New thread composer with Local, Worktree, and Cloud mode options](/images/codex/app/modes-light.webp)103</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">

115 

116<div>

51 117 

52## Built-in Git tools118## Built-in Git tools

53 119 

61 127 

62For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).128For more advanced Git tasks, use the [integrated terminal](#integrated-terminal).

63 129 

64![Git diff and commit panel with a commit message field](/images/codex/app/git-commit-light.webp)130</div>

131 

132<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>

65 144 

66## Worktree support145## Worktree support

67 146 

76 155 

77[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)

78 157 

79![Worktree thread view showing branch actions and worktree details](/images/codex/app/worktree-light.webp)158</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>

168 

169<section class="feature-grid">

170 

171<div>

80 172 

81## Integrated terminal173## Integrated terminal

82 174 

101Note 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

102app. 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>.

103 195 

104![Integrated terminal drawer open beneath a Codex thread](/images/codex/app/integrated-terminal-light.webp)196</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>

105 210 

106## Native Windows sandbox211## Native Windows sandbox

107 212 

111 216 

112[Learn more about Windows setup and sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/windows).217[Learn more about Windows setup and sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/windows).

113 218 

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

229 

230<section class="feature-grid inverse">

231 

232<div>

115 233 

116## Voice dictation234## Voice dictation

117 235 

118Use 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.

119 237 

120![Voice dictation indicator in the composer with a transcribed prompt](/images/codex/app/voice-dictation-light.webp)238</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>

248 

249<section class="feature-grid">

250 

251<div>

121 252 

122## Floating pop-out window253## Floating pop-out window

123 254 

128You 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

129visible across your workflow.260visible across your workflow.

130 261 

131![Pop-out window preview in light mode](/images/codex/app/popover-light.webp)262</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.

282 

283The 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>

132 368 

133---369---

134 370 

146If 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

147same question again to compare results.383same question again to compare results.

148 384 

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 

149## Approvals and sandboxing397## Approvals and sandboxing

150 398 

151Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.399Your approval and sandbox settings constrain Codex actions.

164opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam412opening separate projects or using worktrees rather than asking Codex to roam

165outside the project root.413outside the project root.

166 414 

167For a high-level overview, see [Sandboxing](https://developers.openai.com/codex/concepts/sandboxing). For415If [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

168configuration details, see the421configuration details, see the

169[agent approvals & security documentation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security).422[agent approvals & security documentation](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security).

170 423 

177 430 

178## Web search431## Web search

179 432 

180Codex ships with a first-party web search tool. For local tasks in the Codex IDE Extension, Codex433Codex ships with a first-party web search tool. For local tasks in the Codex app, Codex

181enables 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

182sandbox for [full access](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security), web search defaults to live results. See435sandbox for [full access](https://developers.openai.com/codex/agent-approvals-security), web search defaults to live results. See

183[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

184most recent data.437most recent data.

185 438 

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 

186## Image input449## Image input

187 450 

188You 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`

191You 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

192the 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.

193 456 

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 

194## Notifications476## Notifications

195 477 

196By 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

208 490 

209- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)491- [Settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/settings)

210- [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)

211- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)496- [Local environments](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/local-environments)

212- [Worktrees](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)497- [Worktrees](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/worktrees)