How to download and install Codex.
Codex is OpenAI’s coding agent. You can use it in the ChatGPT desktop app, in your terminal with the Codex CLI, or in your code editor. This guide links only to OpenAI’s official downloads and walks through each install. Codex Design is an independent plugin for Codex, not OpenAI’s website.
Updated November 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Which Codex should you install?
| Option | Runs on | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT desktop app | macOS, Windows, Linux (preview) | Most people: projects, local files, and Codex in one app |
| Codex CLI | Terminal on macOS, Linux, and Windows | Developers who work in the terminal or automate tasks |
| Codex IDE extension | VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf | Working with Codex next to your code |
| ChatGPT on the web | Any browser, at chatgpt.com | No install; cloud tasks |
Codex’s official pages are openai.com/codex and chatgpt.com/codex. Download only from OpenAI.
Install the ChatGPT desktop app (includes Codex)
Codex runs inside the ChatGPT desktop app. Download it from OpenAI’s official page, chatgpt.com/download.
- Mac: the macOS download on the Codex page is for Apple Silicon. Open the downloaded file and drag the app to Applications.
- Windows: install the ChatGPT desktop app from the Microsoft Store. If you prefer the command line, run this in PowerShell:
winget install --id 9PLM9XGG6VKS -s msstore
- Linux (preview): OpenAI provides
.debpackages for Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04 and Debian 13,.rpmpackages for Fedora 43 and 44, and an install script for Arch Linux, each for x64 and ARM64. Follow OpenAI’s Linux desktop app guide.
Then:
- Open the app and sign in with your ChatGPT account. You can also use Codex with an API key, though some features may not be available.
- Select Codex from the ChatGPT dropdown to work on code. Open a project folder so Codex can read and edit its files.
- Send your first task, for example: “Tell me about this project.”
Install the Codex CLI
Pick one method. Each has a matching update command.
macOS and Linux (standalone installer):
curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | sh
Windows (open a new PowerShell window):
powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.ps1 | iex"
npm:
npm install -g @openai/codex
Homebrew:
brew install --cask codex
To update, run the same installer command again. With npm, run npm install -g @openai/codex again; with Homebrew, run brew upgrade --cask codex.
Then open a project directory, run codex, and choose Sign in with ChatGPT or another available sign-in method.
cd my-project
codex
Install the IDE extension
- VS Code, Cursor, and Windsurf: install the Codex extension from the VS Code Marketplace or your editor’s extension view, then choose the Codex icon. If it is not visible, run Codex: Open Codex Sidebar from the Command Palette.
- Xcode and JetBrains IDEs: these have their own Codex integrations. In Xcode, choose Codex as the agent in the coding assistant; in JetBrains IDEs, open AI Chat and select Codex.
Troubleshooting
codex: command not foundafter installing the CLI. Open a new terminal window so your shell picks up the new command, then try again.- Windows install script does not run. Start it from a new PowerShell window, as OpenAI’s instructions say.
- Not sure if it worked? Run
codexin a project folder and ask “Tell me about this project”. If Codex answers, you are set.
After installing: add a design canvas
Codex can design screens as well as code them. Codex Design is an independent plugin that gives Codex a visual canvas: screens and reference images side by side, with visual editing of fonts, colors, and spacing. It installs with one prompt, see the install guide, and works in the ChatGPT desktop app and the Codex CLI.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official Codex website?
openai.com/codex and chatgpt.com/codex. Desktop downloads are at chatgpt.com/download. codexdesign.io is not affiliated with OpenAI.
Is the Codex app the same as ChatGPT?
The Codex app is now part of the ChatGPT desktop app. Install ChatGPT, sign in, and select Codex for coding work.
Do I need the CLI if I have the desktop app?
No. Use the CLI if you prefer working in a terminal or want to run Codex from scripts.