Current support
Apple Silicon is verified. Intel is not tested.
The first verification baseline is macOS 26.3.2 on arm64 with Codex 26.707.72221, build 5307. Stop if your environment does not match the checks below.
Before you start
Use the official Codex Desktop app on macOS, launch it at least once, and confirm that you can identify the app and the local files the upstream tool will create.
Official app
The expected bundle identifier is com.openai.codex. A repackaged or renamed app is outside the verified boundary.
Apple Silicon
The launch baseline is arm64. Intel Macs remain explicitly untested.
Codex initialized
Open Codex once so its normal local configuration exists before adding the theme engine.
A restore plan
Know where the Restore launcher lives and close sensitive work before enabling local CDP.
Install with Codex
The theme detail page generates a fixed prompt. It asks Codex to inspect your machine and guide the upstream workflow; it is not a deep link and does not execute anything by itself.
- 01Choose a verified theme and copy its Install with Codex prompt.
- 02Let Codex inspect the OS, architecture, official bundle identifier, Codex version, and expected paths.
- 03Review every command before approving it. The prompt pins one upstream commit and forbids curl piped into a shell.
- 04Download the theme background to a temporary file and compare its SHA-256 with the value on the theme page.
- 05Apply the theme, run the upstream Verify launcher, and confirm the Restore launcher location before considering the install complete.
Manual installation
Prefer to work directly? Follow the macOS README at the pinned upstream commit. DreamSkin Studio does not mirror the installer, host executable ZIP files, or copy the upstream engine.
- Expected engine path after upstream install
- ~/.codex/codex-dream-skin-studio
- Expected state, logs, images, and backup path
- ~/Library/Application Support/CodexDreamSkinStudio
Stop conditions
Do not improvise around a failed safety check. Stop and inspect the mismatch if any of these conditions occurs.
Identity mismatch
The app bundle identifier, signature, Team ID, architecture, or bundled Node does not match upstream expectations.
Moving source
A command points at the current main branch instead of the pinned commit shown on this site.
Checksum mismatch
The downloaded background SHA-256 differs from its ThemeRecord value.
Unexpected scope
Any step proposes changing an API key, Base URL, model provider, proxy, account, or unrelated Codex setting.
Theme install stops at appearance
Installing a skin must never configure HiAPI or any other model provider. API setup is a separate, optional workflow with its own review and consent.