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 | A custom ZIP created in Studio from upstream version 1.2.0 | |
- Use an image you own or have permission to use.
- Save current work before closing or restarting Codex.
- Your generated ZIP displays its own SHA-256 checksum in Studio.
- Review the original GitHub source when you need full supply-chain control.
Apple Silicon and Intel Mac
No global Node.js installation is required. The installer validates and uses the Node runtime bundled with the signed Codex app.
- Create the macOS package.Open CodexSkin Studio, choose or drop an image, check the preview, select macOS, and download your skin.
- Unzip the download.Open the generated folder in Finder. It already contains your processed artwork and theme settings.
- Open the visible installer.Double-click
Install Codex Dream Skin.command. If macOS blocks it, Control-click it, choose Open, then confirm. - Let it install and apply your skin.The engine is copied to
~/.codex/codex-dream-skin-studio, your custom preset is selected, and the themed session starts. - Keep the Restore launcher.Use the Desktop Restore entry whenever you want the normal Codex appearance.
Microsoft Store Codex app
The Windows workflow requires Node.js 22 or newer. The installer keeps the complete engine and your artwork in a stable local folder.
- Create the Windows package.Open CodexSkin Studio, choose or drop an image, check the preview, select Windows, and download your skin.
- Install Node.js 22 or newer.The ZIP includes a link to the official Node.js download when it is missing.
- Close Codex and unzip the package.Save current work, close Codex, and open the generated folder.
- Open the visible installer.Double-click
Install Codex Dream Skin.cmd. It installs your artwork, copies the engine to%LOCALAPPDATA%\CodexDreamSkin\engine, and creates Desktop shortcuts. - Start and verify.Use the Codex Dream Skin shortcut, then check the home screen and a normal task.
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.
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.
Read the full Codex skin safety guide
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 a custom Codex Dream Skin on a Mac?
Create the skin in CodexSkin Studio, unzip the downloaded macOS package, and open Install Codex Dream Skin.command. It installs the included artwork, applies it, and creates Desktop launchers for future use and restore.
How do I install a custom Codex Dream Skin on Windows?
Create the skin in CodexSkin Studio, install Node.js 22 or newer, close Codex, unzip the Windows package, and double-click Install Codex Dream Skin.cmd. It installs your artwork 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
CodexSkin packages the open-source engine
CodexSkin Studio provides the no-code preview and local packaging flow. The underlying Codex Dream Skin engine comes from the pinned upstream repository below.