Tutorials
A longer walkthrough for applying your first Codex skin and keeping it reversible.
Before you start
Skins style Codex at the visual layer only, over <code class="font-mono text-fg-2">127.0.0.1</code>. No app files are modified and your API key is never touched.
-
Install an engine once
Clone or download a skin engine such as Codex Dream Skin, or use a manager like Codex Skin Manager. This is a one-time setup on your machine.
-
Find a skin in the index
Browse categories or search by mood and color. Open the skin page to see its description, compatible platforms, and the exact install prompt.
-
Copy and apply
Click Copy on the install prompt, paste it into Codex Desktop, or run the CLI command. The workspace updates immediately.
-
Verify and keep the source
Confirm the new look, then bookmark the source link. If Codex updates and a skin breaks, re-run the source restore step to return to stock.
Tips
- Start with a featured skin — it is the most likely to apply cleanly through the engine's default preset.
- Copy the exact prompt text; small edits can change what the engine applies.
- Keep the source link handy so you can restore or re-apply after a Codex update.
- Use the category and mood filters to narrow 100+ skins to a handful that fit your taste.
Choosing an engine
The engine decides how skins are applied and which formats you can use. All are free and open source.
| Engine | Platforms | Install style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codex Dream Skin | macOS, Windows | Agent prompt / preset | Core open-source engine; local CDP injection, no app modification. |
| Codex Skin Manager | macOS, Windows | Built-in manager | 14 built-in themes plus a theme creator and Codex Skill. |
| Codex Themes (desktop) | macOS | .codextheme import | Gallery and creator center at theme.codexguide.ai. |
| ReTheme | macOS, Windows | Signed themes | Tauri-based; signed, updatable, community themes. |
| Codex Themes CLI | Cross-platform | CLI /theme | Validate, preview, apply, rollback, export palettes. |
| Codepilot | Cross-platform | Built-in TUI /skin | Codex CLI distribution with 16 built-in TUI skins. |
Troubleshooting
The four most common issues and their fixes.
-
Prompt applies but nothing visibly changes
Confirm the engine is running and pointed at the right Codex window. Restart Codex Desktop, then re-apply.
-
Skin looks different from the preview
Previews approximate the source palette. Check the source link for the exact theme file and version.
-
Codex updated and the skin stopped working
Use the engine's restore-to-default option, then re-apply. Keeping the source link makes this a two-minute fix.
-
CLI /theme says no themes installed
Run the port install script first, then reopen the CLI prompt. Some ports cache colors at startup.
Need the short version? See the install guide, the FAQ, or the full install blog post.