Real Interactive Interface
The sidebar, suggestion cards, project picker, task content, menus, and composer remain native Codex controls.
Open-source Codex Desktop theming
Custom Themes & Backgrounds for Codex Desktop
Turn your Codex workspace into a focused, atmospheric environment. Dream Skin works on macOS and Windows without modifying the official Codex installation.
- Windows
- macOS
- Open Source
- One-click Restore
Eight moods. One real workspace.
These repository-provided composites show how Dream Skin can reshape the home and task views while the native interface stays interactive.
Theme images are provided for demonstration. Users are responsible for ensuring they have the right to use and redistribute their chosen images.
A theme layer, not a fake interface
Dream Skin changes the atmosphere around the official app while preserving the controls you already use.
Use Your Own Image on macOS
The macOS studio can prepare a supported local image and turn it into a home banner and task background.
Windows & macOS Support
The repository includes separate, platform-aware install, start, verify, and restore workflows.
No Official App Modification
Dream Skin does not patch .app, app.asar, WindowsApps, or the official code signature.
One-click Restore
Platform launchers and scripts stop the themed session and reopen the official appearance.
Local CDP Injection
The theme is applied to expected Codex renderer targets through a loopback-only debugging endpoint.
From repository to a new look
1. Install Dream Skin
Follow the platform guide and use the real installer entry included in the repository.
2. Apply the available theme
Use the platform launcher. On macOS, you can also prepare your own supported image.
3. Launch Codex
Dream Skin starts the official app with a local themed session; your normal controls remain usable.
Designed around the Codex you already use
The visual treatment sits behind native navigation, suggestion cards, project controls, tasks, and the composer instead of replacing them with a screenshot.
Clear safety boundaries
CDP is powerful. Dream Skin narrows its use to local Codex targets, but a themed session should still be treated as a sensitive local debugging session.
- The CDP listener binds only to the local loopback address.
- The official .app, app.asar, WindowsApps package, and code signature are not modified.
- API keys, Base URLs, and model-provider settings are not automatically rewritten.
- Do not run untrusted local software while a themed CDP session is active.
- A Codex update can require Dream Skin to be reapplied or adapted.
- This is an independent project, not an official OpenAI product.
Frequently asked questions
What is Codex Dream Skin?
It is an open-source theme layer that launches the official Codex Desktop app with CSS and decorative interface elements injected through local CDP.
Is Codex Dream Skin an official OpenAI product?
No. It is an independent open-source project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI.
Does it modify the Codex installation?
No. The project does not patch the official .app, app.asar, WindowsApps package, or code signature.
Does it support Windows?
Yes. The repository includes Windows install, start, verify, and restore scripts for the official Store-installed Codex app.
Does it support Apple Silicon and Intel Mac?
Yes. The macOS workflow validates the installed official Codex app and supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Can I use my own background image?
The documented macOS studio supports local PNG, JPEG, HEIC, TIFF, and WebP images. The current Windows workflow does not document the same image picker.
How do I restore the default Codex appearance?
Use the platform Restore launcher or restore script. It stops the recorded themed session and reopens the official app.
Will it continue working after Codex updates?
Not always without action. App updates can change renderer details, so you may need to reinstall, reapply, or wait for a compatibility update.
Does it change my API configuration?
It does not automatically change API keys, Base URLs, or model providers. Theme configuration and API provider configuration are separate.
Where can I report a problem?
Use the issue templates in the swg209/Codex-Dream-Skin GitHub repository and include your platform and verification results.
Codex Dream Skin
Give Codex a New Look
Choose your platform, read the verified steps, and keep the Restore launcher nearby.