---
title: Set up Codex
description: 'Install the Charming plugin once, then build in the Codex app or CLI.'
sidebar:
  label: Codex
  order: 7
---

## Install from the shared listing

The Codex desktop app shares its listing with ChatGPT. Open [the Charming listing](https://chatgpt.com/plugins/plugin_asdk_app_6a56c533cd7c8191b9a16cb7973a65e6), click **Install plugin**, and start a new thread. Nothing to paste, and no developer mode.

## Install the plugin

The Codex CLI takes the Tambo Labs marketplace instead. Add it:

```sh
codex plugin marketplace add https://github.com/tambo-labs/charming-codex-plugin.git
```

The plugin adds the Charming tools and the instructions Codex needs to build apps.

## Finish setup

1. Restart Codex after the command finishes.
2. Open Plugins. In the Codex CLI, enter `/plugins`.
3. Choose **Tambo Labs**, then install **Charming**.
4. Start a new thread.
5. Ask Codex to build an app. Approve access when the browser opens.

The Codex app renders the finished app in the conversation. Codex CLI opens its Charming URL in the browser.

## Start building

Ask for the app you need in plain words. For example:

```text
Build a shared project tracker with owners, due dates, and status filters.
```

## Add the MCP server without the plugin

If plugin installation is unavailable, add Charming as a remote MCP server with one command:

```sh
codex mcp add charming --url https://charm.ing/mcp
```

Then finish the setup, whichever path you took:

1. Restart Codex.
2. Start a new thread and ask Codex to build an app.
3. Follow the browser sign-in prompt when Codex first calls a Charming tool.

Or edit the config by hand instead of the command:

1. Open `~/.codex/config.toml`. Create the file if it does not exist.
2. Add this block:

   ```toml
   [mcp_servers.charming]
   url = "https://charm.ing/mcp"
   ```

3. Save the file and restart Codex.
4. Start a new thread and ask Codex to build an app.
5. Follow the browser sign-in prompt when Codex first calls a Charming tool.

## Build without MCP

MCP is the shortest path here. If MCP is unavailable, or you would rather not add a server, any agent that can make HTTP requests builds the same apps through Charming's HTTP API. See [Build over the HTTP API](../guides/build-over-the-http-api).

Paste this instead of adding the MCP server:

```text
Connect me to Charming and help me build my first app. Use Charming's
HTTP API. Ask before starting account pairing, wait for me to approve
it, then read https://charm.ing/docs/build-http.md and ask me what I
want to build.
```

Your agent shows a pairing link and a short code. Open the link, enter the code if asked, and approve the connection. Both paths build the same apps in the same account, so pick one.

## Troubleshooting

| What you see                           | What to try                                          |
| -------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| The Tambo Labs marketplace is missing  | Restart Codex, then open Plugins again.              |
| Charming is missing after installation | Restart Codex and start a new thread.                |
| No browser sign-in appears             | Ask Codex to list the Charming tools, then call one. |
| Plugin installation is unavailable     | Use the MCP server setup above.                      |

## Related

- [AI clients](.)
- [Connect to any AI agent](../capabilities/connect-any-agent)

Found a bug or need a feature? [Tell us](/docs/capabilities/feedback) with `submit_feedback` or `POST /app/{id}/feedback`. Your feedback shapes what we build next.