codex - 💡(How to fix) Fix [VS Code extension] Support opening Codex sessions as full editor tabs [1 participants]

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openai/codex#20951Fetched 2026-05-05 05:55:44
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Root Cause

For long coding-agent sessions, the current layout is much less comfortable than Claude Code.

Claude Code can occupy the main editor area as a normal tab, which makes it easier to:

  • Read long responses
  • Review diffs
  • Compare code
  • Use the agent as the main coding workspace
  • Work for long periods without feeling constrained by the side-panel layout

This UI difference makes users less likely to use Codex in VS Code, even if the model itself is useful.

RAW_BUFFERClick to expand / collapse

What variant of Codex are you using?

IDE Extension

What feature would you like to see?

Feature request

Please add support for opening Codex sessions as normal VS Code editor tabs, similar to how Claude Code works in VS Code.

Current behavior

In the VS Code extension, Codex appears constrained to a side chat / webview-style area or a split editor layout.

Even after using VS Code layout commands such as:

  • Close editor group
  • Maximize editor group
  • Reset editor layout
  • Zen Mode
  • Full screen mode

Codex still does not provide the same full central editor workspace experience as Claude Code.

Expected behavior

Please add a command such as:

  • Codex: Open Session in Editor Area
  • Codex: Open Chat as Editor Tab
  • Codex: Move Session to Editor Tab

The Codex session should behave like a normal VS Code editor tab:

  • It can occupy the main editor area
  • It can be moved between editor groups
  • It can be maximized
  • It works naturally with Zen Mode
  • It can be used as the primary coding-agent workspace

Why this matters

For long coding-agent sessions, the current layout is much less comfortable than Claude Code.

Claude Code can occupy the main editor area as a normal tab, which makes it easier to:

  • Read long responses
  • Review diffs
  • Compare code
  • Use the agent as the main coding workspace
  • Work for long periods without feeling constrained by the side-panel layout

This UI difference makes users less likely to use Codex in VS Code, even if the model itself is useful.

Environment

  • IDE: VS Code
  • OS: Windows
  • Codex extension version: [fill in version]
  • Screenshot: attached

Additional information

No response

extent analysis

TL;DR

To improve the Codex experience in VS Code, consider adding a feature to open Codex sessions as normal editor tabs, similar to Claude Code.

Guidance

  • Investigate the feasibility of implementing a command to open Codex sessions in the main editor area, such as Codex: Open Session in Editor Area.
  • Review the VS Code extension API to determine if it supports creating custom editor tabs or modifying the layout to accommodate Codex sessions.
  • Compare the implementation of Claude Code in VS Code to identify potential approaches for integrating Codex in a similar manner.
  • Consider gathering user feedback on the proposed feature to prioritize its development.

Notes

The solution may require significant changes to the Codex extension, and its feasibility depends on the capabilities of the VS Code extension API.

Recommendation

Apply workaround: Implement a feature request to add support for opening Codex sessions as normal VS Code editor tabs, as this would provide a more comfortable user experience and increase the likelihood of users adopting Codex in VS Code.

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FAQ

Expected behavior

Please add a command such as:

  • Codex: Open Session in Editor Area
  • Codex: Open Chat as Editor Tab
  • Codex: Move Session to Editor Tab

The Codex session should behave like a normal VS Code editor tab:

  • It can occupy the main editor area
  • It can be moved between editor groups
  • It can be maximized
  • It works naturally with Zen Mode
  • It can be used as the primary coding-agent workspace

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codex - 💡(How to fix) Fix [VS Code extension] Support opening Codex sessions as full editor tabs [1 participants]