Codex: How to install Codex in MacOs?

For macOS, you have two good options: Codex Desktop App or Codex CLI.

Option 1: Install Codex Desktop App on macOS

This is the recommended option if you want a GUI app.

1. Download the Codex app for macOS.
2. Choose the correct build:
   • Apple Silicon for M1/M2/M3/M4 Macs
   • Intel for older Intel-based Macs
3. Install it like a normal macOS app.
4. Open Codex.
5. Sign in using your ChatGPT account or an OpenAI API key.
6. Select a project folder.
7. Make sure Local mode is selected if you want Codex to work on your machine. (OpenAI Developers)

OpenAI says the Codex app is available on macOS and Windows, and ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, Edu, and Enterprise plans include Codex. (OpenAI Developers)

Option 2: Install Codex CLI on macOS

This is best if you want to use Codex from Terminal.

Method A: Using npm

First, make sure Node.js and npm are installed:

node -v
npm -v

Then install Codex:

npm i -g @openai/codex

Run it:

codex

The first time you run it, Codex will ask you to sign in with your ChatGPT account or an OpenAI API key. (OpenAI Developers)

Method B: Using Homebrew

If you use Homebrew:

brew install codex

Then run:

codex

OpenAI’s quickstart lists both npm and Homebrew installation methods for Codex CLI on macOS. (OpenAI Developers)

Upgrade Codex CLI later

For npm install:

npm i -g @openai/codex@latest

OpenAI notes that new CLI versions are released regularly, so upgrading is useful. (OpenAI Developers)

Recommended setup for developers

Use both:

brew install codex

Then install the Codex macOS app too.

That gives you:

So the clean macOS setup is:

brew install codex
codex

Then install the desktop app for a smoother GUI workflow.