Walkthrough
Open a Local Project Folder in Codex
A local project keeps related Codex tasks attached to the folder that owns the work.
A saved project for `This Project` and one Local task opened in the right folder.
How it works
- 1Choose the project folder, not its parent
- 2Add the folder as a Codex project
- 3Select the folder that owns the files
- 4Open one Local task and check the folder
Attach the folder and check one Local task
- 1
Choose the project folder, not its parent
Open `This Project`, the folder that contains this project's files and instructions. Do not select `My Agent Projects` if it also contains other projects.
Tip: The project folder sets the normal context. The task's permission profile still controls broader access.
- 2
Add the folder as a Codex project
Open Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app. Under Projects, choose the + button, then `Use an existing folder`.
Tip: `Start from scratch` creates a new empty folder. Use the existing-folder option when your files are already on the computer.
- 3
Select the folder that owns the files
In the folder picker, select `This Project` and click `Open`. Codex adds that folder to Projects, usually under the same name.
Tip: The example name is replaced with your real project folder name.
- 4
Open one Local task and check the folder
Open `This Project` from Projects and start a task. Confirm the composer shows that project and `Local`. Ask Codex to list the top-level files, then compare the result with the folder on your computer.
Tip: Use Worktree when you want Git changes isolated from the main folder. Use Cloud only after configuring a remote environment.
Understanding
The project and environment do different jobs
The project supplies the folder and its instructions. The environment decides where the task runs: Local edits this folder, Worktree isolates Git changes, and Cloud uses a configured remote environment.
Official sources and check dates
The dates below show when each official source was checked against the steps on this page.