How to Install a Codex Skin
Follow these steps to safely download, review, apply, and verify your custom Codex skin. Each step includes verification and restore options.
Download your skin package
After creating your skin in the Studio, download the package. Dream Skin packages include a manifest, theme data, background image, preview, rights declaration, integrity summary, and README.
Review the package contents
Before applying, review what's in the package. The manifest.json lists all files and their purposes. Check that you recognize and approve all contents.
Choose your platform
Installation steps differ between Windows and macOS. Select your platform below to see the specific instructions.
Apply the skin
Follow the platform-specific instructions to apply the skin to your Codex Desktop application.
Verify the result
After applying, check that Home, Task, and Diff views look correct. Test text readability, control visibility, and diff color distinction.
Restore if needed
If something doesn't look right, you can always restore the default appearance using the restore instructions.
Platform-Specific Instructions
Windows
- Close Codex Desktop if it's running
- Extract the downloaded ZIP package
- Run the installation script (install-dream-skin.ps1)
- Follow the on-screen prompts
- Launch Codex Desktop
- Verify the skin is applied correctly
Requires PowerShell 5.1+ and Node.js 22+. The script modifies Codex configuration files and creates a desktop shortcut.
macOS
- Close Codex Desktop if it's running
- Extract the downloaded ZIP package
- Run the installation script (install-dream-skin.sh)
- Grant necessary permissions if prompted
- Launch Codex Desktop
- Verify the skin is applied correctly
Requires macOS 12+ and Node.js 22+. The script may request accessibility permissions.
Native Theme Installation
Native Themes use Codex's built-in appearance settings. No additional scripts or tools are required.
- Copy the theme string from your export
- Open Codex Desktop
- Go to Settings → Appearance
- Paste the theme string in the import field
- Click Apply
Native Themes are the safest option. They only modify Codex-supported color and font settings.
Verification Checklist
After applying your skin, check these items to ensure everything works correctly:
- Home screen displays correctly with readable text
- Task view shows proper contrast for all elements
- Diff view distinguishes added and removed lines clearly
- Sidebar navigation is fully visible and functional
- Composer/input area has adequate contrast
- All controls (buttons, links, dropdowns) are visible
- No visual glitches or overlapping elements
Restore Default Appearance
Need to go back?
If you want to return to the default Codex appearance, follow these steps:
For Dream Skins:
- Close Codex Desktop
- Run the restore script (restore-dream-skin.ps1 or .sh)
- Restart Codex Desktop
For Native Themes:
- Open Codex Desktop
- Go to Settings → Appearance
- Click "Reset to Default"
Ready to create your skin?
Start with a preset, your image, or your colors. Preview it, then download and apply it safely.