ide/features.md Codex Docs, 2026-03-07 18:10 UTC → 2026-05-05 23:00 UTC

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17You can switch models with the switcher under the chat input.17You can switch models with the switcher under the chat input.

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19![Codex model switcher](/images/codex/ide/switch_model.png)19<div class="not-prose max-w-[20rem] mr-auto">

20 <img src="https://developers.openai.com/images/codex/ide/switch_model.png"

21 alt="Codex model switcher"

22 class="block h-auto w-full mx-0!"

23 />

24</div>

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21## Adjust reasoning effort26## Adjust reasoning effort

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23You can adjust reasoning effort to control how long Codex thinks before responding. Higher effort can help on complex tasks, but responses take longer. Higher effort also uses more tokens and can consume your rate limits faster (especially with GPT-5-Codex).28You can adjust reasoning effort to control how long Codex thinks before responding. Higher effort can help on complex tasks, but responses take longer. Higher effort also uses more tokens and can consume your rate limits faster, especially with higher-capability models.

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25Use the same model switcher shown above, and choose `low`, `medium`, or `high` for each model. Start with `medium`, and only switch to `high` when you need more depth.30Use the same model switcher shown above, and choose `low`, `medium`, or `high` for each model. Start with `medium`, and only switch to `high` when you need more depth.

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31When you just want to chat, or you want to plan before making changes, switch to `Chat` with the switcher under the chat input.36When you just want to chat, or you want to plan before making changes, switch to `Chat` with the switcher under the chat input.

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33![Codex approval modes](/images/codex/ide/approval_mode.png)38<div class="not-prose max-w-[18rem] mr-auto">

39 <img src="https://developers.openai.com/images/codex/ide/approval_mode.png"

40 alt="Codex approval modes"

41 class="block h-auto w-full mx-0!"

42 />

43</div>

44<br />

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35If you need Codex to read files, make edits, and run commands with network access without approval, use `Agent (Full Access)`. Exercise caution before doing so.46If you need Codex to read files, make edits, and run commands with network access without approval, use `Agent (Full Access)`. Exercise caution before doing so.

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44You can have Codex run from `main` (useful for starting new ideas), or run from your local changes (useful for finishing a task).55You can have Codex run from `main` (useful for starting new ideas), or run from your local changes (useful for finishing a task).

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46![Start a cloud task from the IDE](/images/codex/ide/start_cloud_task.png)57<div class="not-prose max-w-xl mr-auto mb-6">

58 <img src="https://developers.openai.com/images/codex/ide/start_cloud_task.png"

59 alt="Start a cloud task from the IDE"

60 class="block h-auto w-full mx-0!"

61 />

62</div>

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48When you start a cloud task from a local conversation, Codex remembers the conversation context so it can pick up where you left off.64When you start a cloud task from a local conversation, Codex remembers the conversation context so it can pick up where you left off.

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52The Codex extension makes previewing cloud changes straightforward. You can ask for follow-ups to run in the cloud, but often you'll want to apply the changes locally to test and finish. When you continue the conversation locally, Codex also retains context to save you time.68The Codex extension makes previewing cloud changes straightforward. You can ask for follow-ups to run in the cloud, but often you'll want to apply the changes locally to test and finish. When you continue the conversation locally, Codex also retains context to save you time.

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54![Load a cloud task into the IDE](/images/codex/ide/load_cloud_task.png)70<div class="not-prose max-w-xl mr-auto mb-6">

71 <img src="https://developers.openai.com/images/codex/ide/load_cloud_task.png"

72 alt="Load a cloud task into the IDE"

73 class="block h-auto w-full mx-0!"

74 />

75</div>

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56You can also view the cloud tasks in the [Codex cloud interface](https://chatgpt.com/codex).77You can also view the cloud tasks in the [Codex cloud interface](https://chatgpt.com/codex).

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68Hold down `Shift` while dropping an image. VS Code otherwise prevents extensions from accepting a drop.89Hold down `Shift` while dropping an image. VS Code otherwise prevents extensions from accepting a drop.

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91## Image generation

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93Ask Codex to generate or edit images without leaving your editor. This is useful for UI assets, layouts, illustrations, sprite sheets, and quick placeholders while you work. Add a reference image to the prompt when you want Codex to transform or extend an existing asset.

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95You can ask in natural language or explicitly invoke the image generation skill by including `$imagegen` in your prompt.

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97Built-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).

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99For 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.

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70## See also101## See also

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72- [Codex IDE extension settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/ide/settings)103- [Codex IDE extension settings](https://developers.openai.com/codex/ide/settings)