#Codex Desktop App

The Desktop App is the main entry point for this tutorial. It gives you a visual workflow for local projects, cloud tasks, diff review, plugins, automations, and handoff.

#First Launch

After signing in, Codex shows a new-thread screen with a prompt box, model selector, reasoning selector, and permission preset. The left sidebar provides access to threads, search, plugins, automations, tasks, projects, and cloud work.

#Add A Project

Add a Git repository as a project so Codex can inspect files, understand history, and propose changes. A clean Git status is recommended before large edits, but Codex can work in dirty worktrees as long as it avoids reverting unrelated changes.

#Local And Cloud Modes

Use Local when the task needs your machine, local dependencies, development servers, or private files.

Use Cloud when the task can run in a remote environment, especially issue-to-PR or background work.

#Start The First Task

Start with a narrow, verifiable request. Good examples:

• "Fix the failing test in this module and run the related test."
• "Update the homepage layout to match this screenshot."
• "Review this PR for regressions."

#Review Changes (Diff Review)

The app highlights file changes so you can inspect what Codex changed before accepting or committing. Review behavior, tests, and any generated files.

#Parallel Threads And Worktrees

The Desktop App can run multiple threads. For unrelated work, use separate branches or worktrees so experiments do not collide.

#Hand Off Between Surfaces

Hand off a task between the app, CLI, IDE, or cloud when the work moves from exploration to editing, from local to remote, or from one device to another.

#Top Actions: Open / Hand Off / Commit

Common top-bar actions let you open the project, hand the thread to another surface, or commit changes when the work is ready.

#Automations, Plugins, And Computer Use

The app also surfaces recurring automations, plugin-provided capabilities, and computer-use workflows for GUI or browser tasks.

#macOS And Windows Differences

Some computer-use and screen-capture features differ by platform. Permission prompts and shell behavior may also vary.

#Next Steps

Read App Interface for a detailed tour.