How to restore the default Codex theme
Open Codex Desktop Settings, find the visible Appearance or theme controls, and select the default or previous built-in choice. If your build has no such control, do not delete preferences or application data; consult current OpenAI support information first.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-17
- Applies to
- Codex Desktop versions with visible appearance controls
Restore through settings
- Open Codex Desktop Settings.
- Open the visible Appearance or theme section, if available.
- Select the default or the built-in light or dark option you used previously.
- Close and reopen the relevant window only if the application asks you to.
If settings are unavailable
Avoid deleting preferences, reinstalling, or running cleanup scripts as an initial step. Record the Codex version and consult current OpenAI documentation or support guidance.
Prevent the problem next time
Review the theme preview and variant before applying it, and retain the name of your previous built-in theme. Prefer reversible application controls over file modification.
Sources and next steps
These sources establish general Codex product context. They did not document a stable codex-theme-v1 Desktop import contract when reviewed, which is why this guide labels the import workflow as observed and version-dependent.