OpenAI has launched a Codex Chrome extension for Mac and PC to streamline browser-based workflows that have been beforehand tough to deal with by way of APIs or plugins. This launch follows a pattern the place most customers most popular working in a browser after the launch of “Pc Use,” permitting Codex to function extra successfully throughout varied web-based duties.
What the Extension Truly Does
Earlier than this launch, Codex had entry to an in-app browser — a sandboxed browser constructed into the Codex desktop app itself — and a rising library of devoted plugins for companies like GitHub, Slack, Figma, and Notion. The brand new Chrome extension fills a spot these two approaches couldn’t cowl: duties that require your actual, signed-in browser state.
The Codex Chrome extension lets Codex use Chrome for browser duties that want your signed-in browser state. It’s meant to be used when Codex must learn or act on websites reminiscent of LinkedIn, Salesforce, Gmail, or inside instruments. For every thing else like native growth servers, file-backed previews, and public pages that don’t require a sign-in you possibly can proceed utilizing the in-app browser, which retains that preview and verification work inside Codex with out touching your Chrome profile.
Codex now operates throughout three distinct device tiers relying on the duty: plugins when a devoted integration is obtainable, Chrome when it wants logged-in browser context, and the in-app browser for localhost. The agent selects which tier to make use of mechanically, although customers can even invoke Chrome instantly in a immediate utilizing the @Chrome point out syntax — for instance: @Chrome open Salesforce and replace the account from these name notes. If Chrome isn’t already open, Codex can open it.
On the practical facet, the brand new browser-based capabilities of the plugin embrace testing internet apps, accumulating context from throughout open tabs, and utilizing Chrome DevTools in parallel whereas the consumer performs different duties. Critically, Codex works in task-specific tab teams, so it will probably collect context and take actions with out taking on your energetic looking session.
The way to Set up and Use Codex Chrome extension
Fast Begin Information
Putting in and Utilizing the Codex Chrome Extension
5 steps to attach Codex to your signed-in browser. Works on macOS and Home windows. Not obtainable in EU or UK but.
Set up the extension from the Chrome Internet Retailer
Open Chrome and go to the Codex itemizing within the Chrome Internet Retailer. Click on Add to Desktop and make sure the immediate that seems.
Exhibits the Codex extension card with model, writer, and Add to Desktop button
>
Codex
by OpenAI · v1.1.4 · 109 KiB · Instruments
Management Chrome with Codex
Add to Desktop
⚠ Codex doesn’t assist different Chromium-based browsers (Courageous, Edge, Arc) at the moment.
Add the Chrome plugin contained in the Codex app
Open the Codex desktop app and navigate to Plugins. Discover the Chrome plugin and click on Add. Codex will stroll you thru the connection move.
Codex App
›
Plugins
›
Chrome
›
Add
Chrome
Let Codex use your signed-in browser
Add
Approve Chrome permissions and make sure “Linked”
Chrome will ask you to just accept a set of extension permissions. After approving, open Chrome and make sure the Codex extension exhibits Linked within the toolbar.
Permissions requested by the extension
Extension standing in Chrome toolbar
These permissions let the extension function browser workflows. Codex nonetheless applies its personal per-site affirmation prompts and allowlist/blocklist on high of those Chrome permissions.
Begin a brand new Codex thread and invoke Chrome
Open a brand new thread in Codex. You’ll be able to let Codex select the precise device mechanically, or invoke Chrome instantly utilizing the @Chrome point out. Codex will open Chrome if it isn’t already working.
@Chrome open Salesforce and replace the account from these name notes.
You may also simply describe the duty naturally — Codex will choose Chrome mechanically when the duty requires a signed-in web site.
Assessment and approve web site entry when prompted
By default, Codex asks earlier than interacting with every new web site host. Select one in all three choices every time it asks. Handle a everlasting allowlist and blocklist in Pc Use settings.
Codex is asking to make use of salesforce.com
Enable this chat
All the time permit host
Decline
Instance: Codex working in Chrome
@Chrome Go to my LinkedIn notifications, summarize any messages from recruiters, and draft a brief reply to every.
Opening Chrome · Requesting entry to linkedin.com
Working in tab group · Your energetic tabs are unaffected
Sara H. — Eng Supervisor function
Draft prepared
James Ok. — ML Lead, Collection B
Draft prepared
Priya M. — Employees Engineer
Draft prepared
Activity full · Pages stored open for overview
Codex tab group in Chrome
LinkedIn — Inbox
Message · Sara H.
+2 extra
Earlier than you employ it — three issues to know
Deal with web page content material as untrusted. Malicious pages can embed directions designed to redirect Codex’s habits (immediate injection). Assessment web sites earlier than approving entry.
Reminiscences setting impacts browser duties. If Reminiscences is on, Codex can use beforehand saved context throughout Chrome duties. Flip Reminiscences off for totally remoted periods.
File uploads want an additional setting. Go to Chrome Extensions › Codex › Particulars and allow Enable entry to file URLs if any job requires importing an area file.
Permission Mannequin and Safety Issues
The Codex Chrome extension requires intensive browser permissions—together with entry to your historical past, bookmarks, and web page knowledge—to operate as an built-in AI agent. To mitigate safety dangers, OpenAI has carried out a per-site affirmation layer that asks for permission earlier than Codex interacts with a brand new area. Customers can handle these permissions by way of an allowlist or blocklist, although sure options like browser historical past entry carry greater danger and require handbook approval for every session.
Past commonplace permissions, builders have to be cautious of immediate injection, the place malicious web site content material may probably take over Codex’s directions. To make sure knowledge privateness, OpenAI solely shops browser exercise when it’s explicitly added to a chat’s context, reminiscent of via screenshots or textual content summaries. For these searching for most isolation, turning off the Reminiscences function ensures that browser-based duties stay untainted by earlier session knowledge or consumer preferences.
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