Codex CLI Commands

Codex CLI command reference with core commands, key options, setup methods, and practical workflows

How to UseExpand how to use

1
Filter by category
Switch between Core Commands, Key Options, Setup, and Workflow Examples to focus on the commands you need.
2
Search details
Use keyword search to match command names, option notes, and example commands at once.
3
Copy and run
Copy the command snippet with one click, then run it directly in your terminal.

codex
Start an interactive Codex CLI session.

Key points

codex "<prompt>": Start with an initial prompt.
codex --help: Show available subcommands and global options.

Examples

codex

Launch interactive mode in the current directory.

codex "Summarize this repository structure"

Start a session with a task-focused prompt.

codex exec
Run Codex non-interactively for automation and CI-style tasks.

Key points

--sandbox: Choose execution sandbox mode.
--profile: Load a predefined profile from config.toml.

Examples

codex exec "Review this PR diff"

Run a one-shot review task from the CLI.

cat plan.md | codex exec -

Read instructions from stdin.

codex review
Run a code review directly from the command line.

Key points

--uncommitted: Review staged, unstaged, and untracked changes.
--base <branch>: Compare the current branch against a base branch.

Examples

codex review --uncommitted

Review local changes before committing.

codex review --base main

Review changes against main branch.

codex resume
Resume a previous interactive session.

Key points

--last: Resume the most recent session immediately.
--all: Show all sessions beyond current working directory filter.

Examples

codex resume --last

Continue the latest session quickly.

codex resume <SESSION_ID>

Resume a specific saved session.

codex fork
Fork a previous interactive session into a new conversation branch.

Key points

--last: Fork the most recent session without opening the picker.
--all: Show sessions across all working directories in the picker.

Examples

codex fork --last

Fork the latest session and continue in a new direction.

codex fork <SESSION_ID> "Try an alternative implementation"

Start a new branch from a specific session.

codex apply
Apply the latest diff generated by Codex to your local working tree via `git apply`.

Key points

<TASK_ID>: Specify the Codex task ID to apply.
Review the generated diff in Codex Cloud before applying locally.

Examples

codex apply <TASK_ID>

Apply the latest diff for the specified task.

codex cloud diff <TASK_ID>

Preview the patch before applying it locally.

codex cloud
Manage Codex Cloud tasks and apply results locally from the CLI.

Key points

codex cloud list: List tasks in Codex Cloud.
codex cloud apply <TASK_ID>: Apply a cloud task diff to local repository.

Examples

codex cloud list

Check available tasks from Codex Cloud.

codex cloud diff <TASK_ID>

Preview task diff before applying locally.

codex app
Launch the Codex desktop app (downloads installer if it is missing).

Key points

codex app: Open Codex desktop app on macOS.
Useful when switching between terminal workflows and desktop session management.

Examples

codex app

Launch (or install then launch) the desktop app.

codex app --help

Check platform support and startup options.

--profile
Select a profile defined in ~/.codex/config.toml.

Key points

fast: Quick lookup and lightweight analysis.
default | deep | max: Increase reasoning depth for complex tasks.

Examples

codex exec --profile fast "Inspect routing"

Run a low-cost analysis task.

codex exec --profile deep "Design refactor plan"

Use deeper reasoning for architecture tasks.

--sandbox
Control filesystem permissions for model-executed commands.

Key points

read-only: Prevent file writes.
workspace-write | danger-full-access: Allow broader editing access.

Examples

codex exec --sandbox read-only "List potential bugs"

Analyze code without changing files.

codex exec --sandbox workspace-write "Apply the fix"

Allow edits in the current workspace.

--ask-for-approval
Set when Codex asks for approval before running commands.

Key points

untrusted: Ask for approval for commands outside the trusted set.
on-request | never: Switch approval behavior by interactive vs non-interactive workflows.
on-failure: Deprecated in the latest CLI.

Examples

codex -a on-request

Start interactive mode with request-based approvals.

codex exec -a never "Run checks and summarize"

Use no-approval policy for scripted runs.

--full-auto
Apply low-friction approval and sandbox defaults for interactive runs.

Key points

Shortcut for `-a on-request` and `--sandbox workspace-write`.
Useful for iterative implementation where command throughput matters.

Examples

codex exec --full-auto "Implement and test this fix"

Run with request-based approvals and workspace-write sandbox.

codex resume --last --full-auto

Resume the latest session with the same convenience defaults.

--search
Enable live web search in supported sessions.

Key points

codex --search: Enable web search for a new interactive session.
When enabled, the Responses `web_search` tool is available.
codex resume --search: Resume a session with web search enabled.

Examples

codex --search "Check latest framework changes"

Start with web search enabled.

codex resume --last --search

Continue the latest session with web search.

-c, --config
Override config values from the command line.

Key points

-c model="gpt-5-codex": Set model for the current run.
-c features.name=true: Toggle a feature flag for this run only.

Examples

codex -c model="gpt-5-codex"

Launch with a specific model override.

codex exec -c 'sandbox_permissions=["workspace-write"]' "Explain risk"

Override sandbox permissions inline.

codex login --with-api-key
Authenticate Codex using API key or device auth flow.

Key points

--with-api-key: Read API key from stdin.
--device-auth: Use browser-based device authentication.

Examples

printenv OPENAI_API_KEY | codex login --with-api-key

codex login --device-auth

Start interactive device authentication.

codex mcp add
Manage external MCP servers in Codex.

Key points

codex mcp list: Show configured MCP servers.
codex mcp remove <name>: Remove an MCP server from config.

Examples

codex mcp add docs -- command --flag

codex mcp get docs

Inspect details of a configured MCP server.

codex mcp-server
Run Codex itself as an MCP server over stdio.

Key points

Use this when integrating Codex into MCP-compatible clients and tools.
Supports `-c/--config` and feature flags just like other subcommands.

Examples

codex mcp-server

Start Codex in MCP server mode on stdio.

codex mcp-server -c model="gpt-5-codex"

Launch MCP server mode with a one-off config override.

codex features
Inspect and manage Codex feature flags from the CLI.

Key points

codex features list: Show known features and their effective state.
codex features enable|disable <name>: Persist toggles in config.toml.

Examples

codex features list

Check staged and experimental flags before enabling.

codex features enable <feature_name>

Enable a feature flag in your local Codex config.

codex completion zsh
Generate shell completion scripts.

Key points

codex completion zsh: Output zsh completion script.
codex completion bash: Output bash completion script.

Examples

codex completion zsh > ~/.zsh/completions/_codex

Install zsh completion manually.

codex completion fish > ~/.config/fish/completions/codex.fish

Install fish completion script.

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "<prompt>"
Safe analysis workflow for read-only inspection.

Key points

--profile fast: Use lower-cost profile for quick checks.
--sandbox read-only: Guarantee no file modifications.

Examples

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "Find dead code candidates"

Run static analysis without editing files.

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "Map i18n key usage"

Inspect translation usage safely.

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "<prompt>"
Standard implementation workflow with editable workspace.

Key points

--profile default: Balanced speed and reasoning.
--sandbox workspace-write: Allow edits inside project workspace.

Examples

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "Implement tooltip improvements"

Run a typical implementation task.

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "Update docs and tests"

Apply code and documentation updates together.

codex review --uncommitted
Review local changes before commit.

Key points

--uncommitted: Include staged, unstaged, and untracked files.
--title <name>: Add context label to review summary.

Examples

codex review --uncommitted

Run a quick local review pass.

codex review --uncommitted --title "before-merge-check"

Attach a custom review title.

codex exec --json -o result.json "<prompt>"
Produce machine-readable output for automation pipelines.

Key points

--json: Stream execution events as JSONL.
-o <file>: Save the last assistant message to a file.

Examples

codex exec --json -o result.json "List migration risks"

Capture structured events and final summary.

codex exec --json "Generate release notes draft"

Use JSONL stream in custom tooling.

About This Tool

This page consolidates Codex CLI essentials into one searchable reference so you can move from lookup to execution quickly.

What You Can Check

Core Codex CLI commands for interactive and non-interactive usage
Key global options for profile, sandbox, approvals, and web search
Practical setup commands for login, MCP, completion, and config overrides
Workflow-ready examples you can copy and run immediately

When It Helps

Onboarding teammates to Codex CLI quickly
Standardizing command usage in team runbooks
Reducing mistakes in sandbox and approval settings
Creating repeatable CLI workflows for review and implementation

FAQ

What does this tool cover?

It covers Codex CLI basics, major options, setup commands, and reusable workflow examples in a single searchable view.

Are the examples safe to run as-is?

Examples are templates. Replace placeholder prompts and choose sandbox/approval settings appropriate for your environment.

How often should I review these commands?

Review after CLI updates and when your team changes profiles, sandbox policies, or automation scripts.

Can I copy commands directly?

Yes. Each card has a copy button that copies the command string so you can paste it into your terminal immediately.

Codex CLI Commands

Codex CLI command reference with core commands, key options, setup methods, and practical workflows

How to UseExpand how to use

1
Filter by category
Switch between Core Commands, Key Options, Setup, and Workflow Examples to focus on the commands you need.
2
Search details
Use keyword search to match command names, option notes, and example commands at once.
3
Copy and run
Copy the command snippet with one click, then run it directly in your terminal.

codex
Start an interactive Codex CLI session.

Key points

codex "<prompt>": Start with an initial prompt.
codex --help: Show available subcommands and global options.

Examples

codex

Launch interactive mode in the current directory.

codex "Summarize this repository structure"

Start a session with a task-focused prompt.

codex exec
Run Codex non-interactively for automation and CI-style tasks.

Key points

--sandbox: Choose execution sandbox mode.
--profile: Load a predefined profile from config.toml.

Examples

codex exec "Review this PR diff"

Run a one-shot review task from the CLI.

cat plan.md | codex exec -

Read instructions from stdin.

codex review
Run a code review directly from the command line.

Key points

--uncommitted: Review staged, unstaged, and untracked changes.
--base <branch>: Compare the current branch against a base branch.

Examples

codex review --uncommitted

Review local changes before committing.

codex review --base main

Review changes against main branch.

codex resume
Resume a previous interactive session.

Key points

--last: Resume the most recent session immediately.
--all: Show all sessions beyond current working directory filter.

Examples

codex resume --last

Continue the latest session quickly.

codex resume <SESSION_ID>

Resume a specific saved session.

codex fork
Fork a previous interactive session into a new conversation branch.

Key points

--last: Fork the most recent session without opening the picker.
--all: Show sessions across all working directories in the picker.

Examples

codex fork --last

Fork the latest session and continue in a new direction.

codex fork <SESSION_ID> "Try an alternative implementation"

Start a new branch from a specific session.

codex apply
Apply the latest diff generated by Codex to your local working tree via `git apply`.

Key points

<TASK_ID>: Specify the Codex task ID to apply.
Review the generated diff in Codex Cloud before applying locally.

Examples

codex apply <TASK_ID>

Apply the latest diff for the specified task.

codex cloud diff <TASK_ID>

Preview the patch before applying it locally.

codex cloud
Manage Codex Cloud tasks and apply results locally from the CLI.

Key points

codex cloud list: List tasks in Codex Cloud.
codex cloud apply <TASK_ID>: Apply a cloud task diff to local repository.

Examples

codex cloud list

Check available tasks from Codex Cloud.

codex cloud diff <TASK_ID>

Preview task diff before applying locally.

codex app
Launch the Codex desktop app (downloads installer if it is missing).

Key points

codex app: Open Codex desktop app on macOS.
Useful when switching between terminal workflows and desktop session management.

Examples

codex app

Launch (or install then launch) the desktop app.

codex app --help

Check platform support and startup options.

--profile
Select a profile defined in ~/.codex/config.toml.

Key points

fast: Quick lookup and lightweight analysis.
default | deep | max: Increase reasoning depth for complex tasks.

Examples

codex exec --profile fast "Inspect routing"

Run a low-cost analysis task.

codex exec --profile deep "Design refactor plan"

Use deeper reasoning for architecture tasks.

--sandbox
Control filesystem permissions for model-executed commands.

Key points

read-only: Prevent file writes.
workspace-write | danger-full-access: Allow broader editing access.

Examples

codex exec --sandbox read-only "List potential bugs"

Analyze code without changing files.

codex exec --sandbox workspace-write "Apply the fix"

Allow edits in the current workspace.

--ask-for-approval
Set when Codex asks for approval before running commands.

Key points

untrusted: Ask for approval for commands outside the trusted set.
on-request | never: Switch approval behavior by interactive vs non-interactive workflows.
on-failure: Deprecated in the latest CLI.

Examples

codex -a on-request

Start interactive mode with request-based approvals.

codex exec -a never "Run checks and summarize"

Use no-approval policy for scripted runs.

--full-auto
Apply low-friction approval and sandbox defaults for interactive runs.

Key points

Shortcut for `-a on-request` and `--sandbox workspace-write`.
Useful for iterative implementation where command throughput matters.

Examples

codex exec --full-auto "Implement and test this fix"

Run with request-based approvals and workspace-write sandbox.

codex resume --last --full-auto

Resume the latest session with the same convenience defaults.

--search
Enable live web search in supported sessions.

Key points

codex --search: Enable web search for a new interactive session.
When enabled, the Responses `web_search` tool is available.
codex resume --search: Resume a session with web search enabled.

Examples

codex --search "Check latest framework changes"

Start with web search enabled.

codex resume --last --search

Continue the latest session with web search.

-c, --config
Override config values from the command line.

Key points

-c model="gpt-5-codex": Set model for the current run.
-c features.name=true: Toggle a feature flag for this run only.

Examples

codex -c model="gpt-5-codex"

Launch with a specific model override.

codex exec -c 'sandbox_permissions=["workspace-write"]' "Explain risk"

Override sandbox permissions inline.

codex login --with-api-key
Authenticate Codex using API key or device auth flow.

Key points

--with-api-key: Read API key from stdin.
--device-auth: Use browser-based device authentication.

Examples

printenv OPENAI_API_KEY | codex login --with-api-key

codex login --device-auth

Start interactive device authentication.

codex mcp add
Manage external MCP servers in Codex.

Key points

codex mcp list: Show configured MCP servers.
codex mcp remove <name>: Remove an MCP server from config.

Examples

codex mcp add docs -- command --flag

codex mcp get docs

Inspect details of a configured MCP server.

codex mcp-server
Run Codex itself as an MCP server over stdio.

Key points

Use this when integrating Codex into MCP-compatible clients and tools.
Supports `-c/--config` and feature flags just like other subcommands.

Examples

codex mcp-server

Start Codex in MCP server mode on stdio.

codex mcp-server -c model="gpt-5-codex"

Launch MCP server mode with a one-off config override.

codex features
Inspect and manage Codex feature flags from the CLI.

Key points

codex features list: Show known features and their effective state.
codex features enable|disable <name>: Persist toggles in config.toml.

Examples

codex features list

Check staged and experimental flags before enabling.

codex features enable <feature_name>

Enable a feature flag in your local Codex config.

codex completion zsh
Generate shell completion scripts.

Key points

codex completion zsh: Output zsh completion script.
codex completion bash: Output bash completion script.

Examples

codex completion zsh > ~/.zsh/completions/_codex

Install zsh completion manually.

codex completion fish > ~/.config/fish/completions/codex.fish

Install fish completion script.

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "<prompt>"
Safe analysis workflow for read-only inspection.

Key points

--profile fast: Use lower-cost profile for quick checks.
--sandbox read-only: Guarantee no file modifications.

Examples

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "Find dead code candidates"

Run static analysis without editing files.

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "Map i18n key usage"

Inspect translation usage safely.

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "<prompt>"
Standard implementation workflow with editable workspace.

Key points

--profile default: Balanced speed and reasoning.
--sandbox workspace-write: Allow edits inside project workspace.

Examples

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "Implement tooltip improvements"

Run a typical implementation task.

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "Update docs and tests"

Apply code and documentation updates together.

codex review --uncommitted
Review local changes before commit.

Key points

--uncommitted: Include staged, unstaged, and untracked files.
--title <name>: Add context label to review summary.

Examples

codex review --uncommitted

Run a quick local review pass.

codex review --uncommitted --title "before-merge-check"

Attach a custom review title.

codex exec --json -o result.json "<prompt>"
Produce machine-readable output for automation pipelines.

Key points

--json: Stream execution events as JSONL.
-o <file>: Save the last assistant message to a file.

Examples

codex exec --json -o result.json "List migration risks"

Capture structured events and final summary.

codex exec --json "Generate release notes draft"

Use JSONL stream in custom tooling.

About This Tool

This page consolidates Codex CLI essentials into one searchable reference so you can move from lookup to execution quickly.

What You Can Check

Core Codex CLI commands for interactive and non-interactive usage
Key global options for profile, sandbox, approvals, and web search
Practical setup commands for login, MCP, completion, and config overrides
Workflow-ready examples you can copy and run immediately

When It Helps

Onboarding teammates to Codex CLI quickly
Standardizing command usage in team runbooks
Reducing mistakes in sandbox and approval settings
Creating repeatable CLI workflows for review and implementation

FAQ

What does this tool cover?

It covers Codex CLI basics, major options, setup commands, and reusable workflow examples in a single searchable view.

Are the examples safe to run as-is?

Examples are templates. Replace placeholder prompts and choose sandbox/approval settings appropriate for your environment.

How often should I review these commands?

Review after CLI updates and when your team changes profiles, sandbox policies, or automation scripts.

Can I copy commands directly?

Yes. Each card has a copy button that copies the command string so you can paste it into your terminal immediately.

Codex CLI Commands

Filter by category

Search details

Copy and run

codexStart an interactive Codex CLI session.

Key points

Examples

codex execRun Codex non-interactively for automation and CI-style tasks.

Key points

Examples

codex reviewRun a code review directly from the command line.

Key points

Examples

codex resumeResume a previous interactive session.

Key points

Examples

codex forkFork a previous interactive session into a new conversation branch.

Key points

Examples

codex applyApply the latest diff generated by Codex to your local working tree via `git apply`.

Key points

Examples

codex cloudManage Codex Cloud tasks and apply results locally from the CLI.

Key points

Examples

codex appLaunch the Codex desktop app (downloads installer if it is missing).

Key points

Examples

--profileSelect a profile defined in ~/.codex/config.toml.

Key points

Examples

--sandboxControl filesystem permissions for model-executed commands.

Key points

Examples

--ask-for-approvalSet when Codex asks for approval before running commands.

Key points

Examples

--full-autoApply low-friction approval and sandbox defaults for interactive runs.

Key points

Examples

--searchEnable live web search in supported sessions.

Key points

Examples

-c, --configOverride config values from the command line.

Key points

Examples

codex login --with-api-keyAuthenticate Codex using API key or device auth flow.

Key points

Examples

codex mcp addManage external MCP servers in Codex.

Key points

Examples

codex mcp-serverRun Codex itself as an MCP server over stdio.

Key points

Examples

codex featuresInspect and manage Codex feature flags from the CLI.

Key points

Examples

codex completion zshGenerate shell completion scripts.

Key points

Examples

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "<prompt>"Safe analysis workflow for read-only inspection.

Key points

Examples

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "<prompt>"Standard implementation workflow with editable workspace.

Key points

Examples

codex review --uncommittedReview local changes before commit.

Key points

Examples

codex exec --json -o result.json "<prompt>"Produce machine-readable output for automation pipelines.

Key points

Examples

About This Tool

What You Can Check

When It Helps

FAQ

Related Tools

Codex CLI Commands

Filter by category

codex
Start an interactive Codex CLI session.

codex exec
Run Codex non-interactively for automation and CI-style tasks.

codex review
Run a code review directly from the command line.

codex resume
Resume a previous interactive session.

codex fork
Fork a previous interactive session into a new conversation branch.

codex apply
Apply the latest diff generated by Codex to your local working tree via `git apply`.

codex cloud
Manage Codex Cloud tasks and apply results locally from the CLI.

codex app
Launch the Codex desktop app (downloads installer if it is missing).

--profile
Select a profile defined in ~/.codex/config.toml.

--sandbox
Control filesystem permissions for model-executed commands.

--ask-for-approval
Set when Codex asks for approval before running commands.

--full-auto
Apply low-friction approval and sandbox defaults for interactive runs.

--search
Enable live web search in supported sessions.

-c, --config
Override config values from the command line.

codex login --with-api-key
Authenticate Codex using API key or device auth flow.

codex mcp add
Manage external MCP servers in Codex.

codex mcp-server
Run Codex itself as an MCP server over stdio.

codex features
Inspect and manage Codex feature flags from the CLI.

codex completion zsh
Generate shell completion scripts.

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "<prompt>"
Safe analysis workflow for read-only inspection.

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "<prompt>"
Standard implementation workflow with editable workspace.

codex review --uncommitted
Review local changes before commit.

codex exec --json -o result.json "<prompt>"
Produce machine-readable output for automation pipelines.

codex
Start an interactive Codex CLI session.

codex exec
Run Codex non-interactively for automation and CI-style tasks.

codex review
Run a code review directly from the command line.

codex resume
Resume a previous interactive session.

codex fork
Fork a previous interactive session into a new conversation branch.

codex apply
Apply the latest diff generated by Codex to your local working tree via `git apply`.

codex cloud
Manage Codex Cloud tasks and apply results locally from the CLI.

codex app
Launch the Codex desktop app (downloads installer if it is missing).

--profile
Select a profile defined in ~/.codex/config.toml.

--sandbox
Control filesystem permissions for model-executed commands.

--ask-for-approval
Set when Codex asks for approval before running commands.

--full-auto
Apply low-friction approval and sandbox defaults for interactive runs.

--search
Enable live web search in supported sessions.

-c, --config
Override config values from the command line.

codex login --with-api-key
Authenticate Codex using API key or device auth flow.

codex mcp add
Manage external MCP servers in Codex.

codex mcp-server
Run Codex itself as an MCP server over stdio.

codex features
Inspect and manage Codex feature flags from the CLI.

codex completion zsh
Generate shell completion scripts.

codex exec --profile fast --sandbox read-only "<prompt>"
Safe analysis workflow for read-only inspection.

codex exec --profile default --sandbox workspace-write "<prompt>"
Standard implementation workflow with editable workspace.

codex review --uncommitted
Review local changes before commit.

codex exec --json -o result.json "<prompt>"
Produce machine-readable output for automation pipelines.