In the ChatGPT desktop app, open the ChatGPT dropdown and select Codex. When starting a Codex chat, choose where it runs:
- Local: work directly in your current project directory.
- Worktree: isolate changes in a Git worktree. Learn more.
- Cloud: start a remote task in its own workspace from a published, reusable environment. See Cloud environments to prepare and publish the repositories, dependencies, and tools your tasks need.
Both Local and Worktree chats run on your computer. Use Work in to choose This computer or Cloud. For a local Git project, the separate Worktree control lets you isolate changes from your current checkout.
A cloud task requires a published environment you can access. If none is available, create one on the web or in the desktop app, or ask a workspace admin for access to a shared environment. Selecting an environment is separate from creating or publishing it. Shared access lets you use the environment; it doesn’t grant permission to edit it.
To create an environment, start a new task on the web or in the desktop app. Choose Work in > Cloud, open Select environment, then select Create environment. Codex inspects your selected repositories and helps prepare and test their setup before you publish it.
Each Cloud task has its own working files. File changes in a task don’t update the reusable environment. To change the starting point for future tasks, update and republish the environment’s setup.
A cloud task uses the files and services available in its cloud environment. Your computer’s local files, running processes, browser sign-ins, and VPN access aren’t automatically transferred to it.
For more terms, see Codex concepts.