codex - 💡(How to fix) Fix Codex app: add a draggable workspace file tree/sidebar [1 comments, 2 participants]

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openai/codex#19785Fetched 2026-04-28 06:37:17
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Root Cause

This is a frequent workflow when moving files between Codex, ChatGPT, editors, and other tools. VS Code's sidebar makes this easy; Codex would be easier to use as a primary coding surface if the workspace files were visible and draggable without asking the agent to launch Finder.

Fix Action

Fix / Workaround

When I am working in a Codex thread, I may not have a clear, persistent view of where the current project files are stored. The practical workaround is to ask Codex to open Finder for the workspace folder, then drag files from Finder into the target app. That costs a turn and breaks flow.

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Feedback

In the Codex desktop app, I often need to drag and drop copies of files from the current workspace into other apps, such as ChatGPT. A text-only file tree in the chat is not enough for this workflow because the files themselves are not draggable.

Current behavior

When I am working in a Codex thread, I may not have a clear, persistent view of where the current project files are stored. The practical workaround is to ask Codex to open Finder for the workspace folder, then drag files from Finder into the target app. That costs a turn and breaks flow.

Desired behavior

Add a persistent workspace file tree/sidebar in the Codex app, similar to VS Code's file explorer, where files and folders are real draggable items. Ideally, users could drag files directly from Codex into other apps, or reveal/open the containing folder from the same sidebar.

Why this matters

This is a frequent workflow when moving files between Codex, ChatGPT, editors, and other tools. VS Code's sidebar makes this easy; Codex would be easier to use as a primary coding surface if the workspace files were visible and draggable without asking the agent to launch Finder.

extent analysis

TL;DR

Implementing a persistent workspace file tree/sidebar in the Codex app with draggable files and folders would likely address the user's workflow issue.

Guidance

  • Consider adding a file explorer component to the Codex app, similar to VS Code's file explorer, to provide a clear view of the current project files.
  • Design the file tree to allow users to drag and drop files directly from the Codex app into other applications.
  • Ensure the file tree includes functionality to reveal or open the containing folder, enhancing the user's workflow efficiency.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of integrating this feature without requiring users to ask the agent to launch Finder, thus streamlining the file management process.

Example

No specific code example can be provided without more technical details about the Codex app's architecture and technology stack.

Notes

The implementation details may vary based on the Codex app's underlying technology and design constraints. This suggestion assumes that adding such a feature is technically feasible and aligns with the app's development roadmap.

Recommendation

Apply workaround: Implement a persistent workspace file tree/sidebar with draggable items to enhance user workflow efficiency, as this directly addresses the described use case and improves the app's usability.

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codex - 💡(How to fix) Fix Codex app: add a draggable workspace file tree/sidebar [1 comments, 2 participants]