Install CodexSkin safely

CodexSkin is a portable local runner, not a Codex extension or app patch. It starts the verified desktop app with a loopback debugging port, validates a data-only theme, and styles the live renderer.

1. Verify the download

Download only from the official CodexSkin download page. Compare the ZIP SHA-256 before extraction. The current preview scripts are not code-signed.

2. Save your work

Enabling or removing a skin requires restarting Codex. Save unfinished composer text and running task context before approving the prompt. The Windows runner will not close Codex without consent.

3. Windows

1. Install Node.js 22 or newer and the official Microsoft Store Codex app.
2. Extract the complete ZIP and keep its directory structure intact.
3. Open windows, then double-click Apply CodexSkin.bat.
4. Choose a bundled skin. The themed launch keeps your existing Codex profile and sign-in; it does not copy or migrate credential files.
5. Approve restart only after saving work. If validation fails, the runner stops and preserves safe recovery state.

4. macOS

1. Extract the complete ZIP.
2. Right-click Apply CodexSkin.command, then choose Open.
3. Select a bundled skin and follow the restart prompt.

5. Verify and restore

Check Home, a normal task, scrolling, the project selector, and the composer. If controls become hard to read or Codex updates its interface, restore first. On Windows run Restore CodexSkin.bat; on macOS runRestore CodexSkin.command.