Setup Tutorial

Get Started with OpenAI Codex App

A focused desktop experience for AI-powered coding — run multiple tasks in parallel, review diffs, manage Git worktrees, and automate development workflows, all from one app.

macOS with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, or newer)
ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, Edu, or Enterprise account
Included with ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo) and higher plans

Download Now

Click the button below to download. It is free and takes less than a minute to install.

Easy Setup — Just 6 Steps

Follow these simple steps. No technical knowledge needed.

1

Go to the Download Page

Click the "Download Codex App for Mac" button above. This will take you to the official Codex page at chatgpt.com/codex.

You need a Mac with an M1, M2, M3, or newer chip. If you are not sure, click the Apple menu (top-left of your screen) → About This Mac — it will show your chip type.
2

Download & Install

On the Codex page, click "Download for macOS". A .dmg file will download. Double-click it, then drag the Codex icon into your Applications folder — just like installing any other Mac app.

If your Mac says the app cannot be opened, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway.

3

Sign In with Your ChatGPT Account

Open the Codex app from your Applications folder. It will ask you to sign in. Use the same email and password you use for ChatGPT.

If you do not have a ChatGPT account yet, you can create one for free at chat.openai.com. However, you will need at least a Plus subscription ($20/month) for the best experience.

Codex is available on free ChatGPT plans for a limited time. For reliable access, a Plus or higher plan is recommended.
4

Choose a Project Folder

After signing in, Codex will ask you to select a folder to work in. Pick any folder on your computer that contains code or files you want to work with. Click "Open" to select it.

If you are just trying it out, create a new empty folder on your Desktop called "My Codex Project" and select that.
5

Send Your First Message

Type a message in the chat box at the bottom. Try something like "Tell me about this project" or "Build a simple webpage for me". Codex will start working on it right away.

Make sure "Local" is selected (not "Cloud") so Codex works directly on your computer. You will see Codex thinking, writing code, and making changes in real time.

You can run multiple tasks at the same time! Click the "+" button to start a new thread while the first one is still running.
6

Review What Codex Did

When Codex finishes, it will show you exactly what files it created or changed. You can review the changes, accept them, or ask Codex to try again with different instructions.

Codex has built-in Git tools, so all your changes are tracked and you can undo anything.