openaienmodel: gpt-5-mini-2025-08-07
Working with Codex
Key Points
- Threads behave like ChatGPT chats but can act on files
- Projects map to local folders and limit file changes
- Use Steer to adjust tasks while they run
Summary
This guide covers the basics of the Codex workspace: the sidebar, threads, projects, settings, and the chat window. Codex threads act like ChatGPT chats but can take actions on files. Projects map to local folders and constrain what Codex can modify. Use settings to control permissions and whether tasks continue when your computer sleeps.
Key Points
- Start work by selecting New thread. A thread can be standalone or associated with a project.
- Projects correspond to local folders. Codex will only change files inside the linked folder; create a new project for a different file set.
- Project folders may be empty initially; new files you create will live there.
- Use Search in the sidebar to find previous threads, tasks, and projects.
- Configure Settings for permissions, personalization, and "keep running while sleeping" for long tasks.
- Interact in the chat window using plain language: tell Codex what you want, which files to use, and what "done" looks like.
- Use the Steer feature to adjust an in-progress task without restarting it (e.g., change a requested edit to a rewrite).
- Run multiple threads concurrently; starting a new task does not interrupt existing ones.
- Extend Codex with plugins for repeatable processes and tool integrations.
Practical tips
- Before running edits, confirm the project folder to avoid unintended changes.
- Enable keep-running settings when executing long-running tasks.
- Use Steer for quick corrections rather than restarting threads.