FAQ
Is CodexSkin official?
No. CodexSkin is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI.
Is the CodexSkin download code-signed?
Not yet. The current runner is an unsigned preview. Verify the ZIP SHA-256 published on the download page. The Windows runner separately verifies the official Microsoft Store Codex package before opening CDP.
What does Windows require?
Windows 10 or 11, Node.js 22 or newer, and the official Microsoft Store OpenAI.Codex app. Other unsigned or development builds are rejected.
Does it modify Codex files?
No. It launches the verified application with a loopback debugging port and applies a style/background to the live renderer. It does not patch WindowsApps, app.asar, installers, or official signatures.
Does it read API keys or conversations?
The runner does not need to read or rewrite API keys, authentication files, base URLs, model provider settings, conversations, or project files.
How does the $2.99 custom theme work?
Upload and preview locally for free. After PayPal confirms payment, one customization code unlocks a 30-minute edit session beginning with the first generation and up to three successful installer builds. The latest completed package can be recovered with the same code.
Are third-party theme packs safe?
Do not assume so. Use packs containing only theme.json, one image, and documentation. Never run scripts from a theme author. The Windows runner rejects unknown JSON fields, arbitrary CSS, unsafe paths, extra scripts, unsafe URLs, and oversized images.
Will Windows ask me to sign in again for a skin?
Normally no. CodexSkin keeps the existing Codex profile and adds a launch-only Chromium compatibility flag instead of creating or copying a user data directory. Restore starts Codex without that flag or CDP.
Why does Codex need to restart?
The loopback debugger must be enabled when Codex starts. Save unfinished input first; Windows asks for explicit consent before closing the verified app.
How do I return to the official appearance?
Run Restore CodexSkin from the same extracted package. Restore validates the saved session identities, stops the matching watcher, closes the themed Codex session, and reopens the official app without CDP.
Will a Codex update break a skin?
Official updates remain untouched, but a renderer DOM change can make a theme look wrong. Restore immediately, update CodexSkin to a compatible release, and reapply only after verification.
Read the technical safety model before broad use.