Before you begin
Codex Dream Skin requirements
| Requirement | macOS | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Official Codex app | Installed and opened once | Microsoft Store version installed |
| Node.js | No separate install required | Node.js 22 or newer |
| Before install | Close Codex | Close Codex |
| Package | CodexSkin ZIP built from Fei-Away/Codex-Dream-Skin 1.1.2 | |
- Save current work before closing or restarting Codex.
- Verify the ZIP against the published SHA-256 checksums if download integrity matters.
- Review or build from the original GitHub source when you need full supply-chain control.
Apple Silicon and Intel Mac
No global Node.js installation is required. The macOS workflow validates and uses the Node runtime bundled with the signed Codex app.
- Download and unzip one package.Download the macOS ZIP and open the extracted folder.
- Open the visible installer.Double-click
Install Codex Dream Skin.command. If macOS blocks it, Control-click it, choose Open, then confirm. - Let it create Desktop launchers.The complete engine is copied to
~/.codex/codex-dream-skin-studio. - Choose your artwork.Use the Customize launcher or Finder picker. Wide images of at least 2000 px work best.
- Start the themed session.Open
Codex Dream Skin.commandfrom the created Desktop launchers.
Microsoft Store Codex app
The Windows workflow requires Node.js 22 or newer. The customer installer hides the PowerShell commands and keeps the engine in a stable local folder.
- Install Node.js 22 or newer.The ZIP includes a link to the official Node.js download when it is missing.
- Close Codex.Finish or save current work and close the desktop application.
- Download and unzip one package.Download the Windows ZIP and open the extracted folder.
- Open the visible installer.Double-click
Install Codex Dream Skin.cmd. It copies the engine to%LOCALAPPDATA%\CodexDreamSkin\engineand creates Desktop shortcuts. - Start and verify.Use the Codex Dream Skin shortcut, then check the home screen and a normal task.
Verification
Check that the real interface still works.
- Sidebar navigation remains clickable.
- The project selector opens normally.
- Suggestion cards and the composer accept input.
- Task content and Diff views remain readable.
- No background image blocks native controls.
Rollback
Practice restore before you need it.
Use the Codex Dream Skin - Restore launcher created on your Desktop. Restore stops the saved theme session and reopens Codex normally on both platforms.
Security note
CDP is local, but powerful.
The engine binds CDP to 127.0.0.1 and does not modify the official application bundle or signature. Chromium CDP has no same-user authentication, so avoid untrusted local software while the theme is running.
Installation FAQ
Common Codex Dream Skin questions
Is Codex Dream Skin safe to install?
The upstream project avoids modifying the official app bundle or signature and binds CDP to 127.0.0.1. CDP is still powerful, so review the source, use only the original repository, and avoid untrusted local software while the theme runs.
How do I install Codex Dream Skin on a Mac?
Download and unzip the macOS package, open Install Codex Dream Skin.command, then use the created Desktop launchers to customize, start, verify or restore the theme.
How do I install Codex Dream Skin on Windows?
Install Node.js 22 or newer, close Codex, download and unzip the Windows package, then double-click Install Codex Dream Skin.cmd. It copies the engine to a stable local folder and creates start and restore shortcuts.
Does Codex Dream Skin change app.asar?
No. The documented macOS and Windows flows do not patch app.asar, the official application bundle, WindowsApps files or the official code signature.
How do I uninstall or restore Codex Dream Skin?
Use the Codex Dream Skin - Restore Desktop launcher on macOS or Windows. The restore flow stops the saved CDP session and reopens Codex normally.
Primary sources