IDE Setup

tutorialbeginner5 min readVerified Mar 8, 2026

Install the Codex extension in VS Code, Cursor, or Windsurf. Configure agent modes, cloud tasks, and shared settings.

codexidevscodecursorwindsurfextension

IDE Setup

The Codex IDE extension brings the full Codex agent into your code editor. It uses the same agent as the CLI, shares the same config.toml, and supports Chat, Agent, and Full Access modes.

Supported Editors#

  • VS Code — Full support on macOS and Linux. Experimental on Windows (use WSL for best results).
  • Cursor — Full support. Some UI adjustments needed for sidebar placement.
  • Windsurf — Full support as a VS Code-compatible editor.

Installation#

From the Marketplace#

  1. Open your editor's extension panel
  2. Search for "Codex" (publisher: OpenAI)
  3. Click Install
  4. Restart your editor if the Codex icon does not appear immediately

Or install directly from the VS Code Marketplace.

Tip

The extension appears in your left sidebar. If you do not see it, check that it is not hidden behind collapsed items in the activity bar.

### Cursor-Specific Tips

Cursor displays the activity bar horizontally by default, which can hide Codex:

  1. Open Settings and search for "activity bar"
  2. Change orientation to vertical temporarily
  3. Drag the Codex icon to the right sidebar (next to Cursor chat)
  4. Reset the activity bar to horizontal

Authentication#

After installation, the extension prompts you to sign in:

  • ChatGPT account — Uses your plan credits (recommended)
  • API key — Pay-as-you-go at standard API rates

The extension shares credentials with the CLI, so if you have already authenticated in the terminal, the extension picks it up automatically.

Agent Modes#

Switch between three modes depending on how much autonomy you want:

| Mode | Can Read Files | Can Edit Files | Can Run Commands | Network Access | |------|---------------|----------------|------------------|----------------| | Chat | Yes | No | No | No | | Agent (default) | Yes | Yes | Yes (workspace only) | Requires approval | | Agent (Full Access) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |

Warning

Agent (Full Access) runs commands with full network access without asking for approval. Only use this in trusted environments where you understand the risks.

Use the mode switcher below the chat input to change modes.

Cloud Tasks from Your Editor#

The extension lets you manage cloud tasks without leaving your IDE:

  • Create new cloud tasks from the command palette
  • Track in-progress tasks in the sidebar
  • Review completed tasks with diffs
  • Open cloud tasks locally to make finishing touches

Shared Configuration#

The IDE extension reads from the same ~/.codex/config.toml as the CLI and desktop app. Changes to your model, safety settings, or MCP servers apply everywhere.

# These settings work in CLI, IDE, and app
model = "gpt-5.4"
approval_policy = "on-request"
sandbox_mode = "workspace-write"

Slash Commands#

Type / in the chat to access slash commands:

| Command | Action | |---------|--------| | /review | Review uncommitted changes, a specific commit, or custom criteria | | /diff | Show current file changes | | /model | Switch the active model | | /theme | Change the syntax highlighting theme | | /agent | Manage multi-agent workflows | | /mcp | View active MCP servers |

Platform Notes#

  • Windows: For the best experience, open a WSL workspace. Native Windows is experimental.
  • macOS/Linux: Full support with native sandbox integration.

Next Steps#

PreviousCodex vs CursorNextCodex Features