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Codex

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OpenAI's Codex, run inside Palette Desktop. Pick it per chat like any other agent.

Setup

  1. In a chat, choose Codex as the agent. If you don't have Codex yet, Palette installs it for you in one click from Settings. No terminal needed.
  2. Connect your OpenAI access one of two ways:
    • Sign in with your ChatGPT or Codex plan (recommended). Palette opens a browser sign-in. Usage then draws on your plan, per user. If you already pay for ChatGPT, this is usually the best value.
    • Add an OpenAI API key. Bring a key instead of signing in. Palette stores it in your operating system's keychain and passes it to Codex as OPENAI_API_KEY. Usage is metered and billed to your own OpenAI account.

Both paths are fully supported. Pick whichever matches how you already pay for OpenAI.

Models

Codex does not use a fixed Palette model list. The models you can pick are resolved at runtime from your own Codex or OpenAI plan, so the picker shows whatever your plan gives you. If your plan changes, the list changes with it. There is nothing to configure in Palette for this.

You can pick any model your plan offers and switch per chat. For what each model is best at, see OpenAI's model docs.

Usage & billing

On a subscription, usage draws on your ChatGPT or Codex plan, per user. On an API key, usage is metered and billed to your own OpenAI account, the same as using the key anywhere else. Palette does not add a markup on Codex usage.

Connectors and MCP

Palette Desktop runs Codex with your existing setup, so MCP servers (connectors) you have configured for Codex are available here too, with nothing to reconnect.

Limits & notes

  • Codex reads your workspace context from AGENTS.md at the root of your folder (Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md). See Working with CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md.
  • Plan mode is available with Claude Code and the Palette agent. Slash commands are specific to Claude Code. Neither is available for Codex.

FAQ

Should I use my subscription or an API key?

We recommend signing in with your ChatGPT or Codex plan if you already have one, it is usually the best value. Add an OpenAI API key if you would rather meter usage against your own OpenAI account.

Which models can I use?

Whatever your OpenAI or Codex plan gives you. Palette does not set a fixed list for Codex; the picker is built at runtime from your plan.

Where is my API key stored, and is it safe?

It's stored in your computer's keychain and only passed to the Codex agent as an environment variable (OPENAI_API_KEY). It never leaves your machine through Palette.

Related

  • Agents, all five agents and how model access works.
  • Chats, pick an agent per chat.
  • Quick Start, install and run your first session.