codex-keysmith

codex-keysmith is an open-source Python tool by Jia-Ethan that installs a managed instruction set into a local Codex configuration. It follows a preview-first workflow: nothing is written until the user confirms, and the change can be undone. The latest listed release is v0.6.0.

What It Is

Keysmith deploys instructions for the Codex AI coding tool on the user's machine. Once installed, newly started Codex conversations follow the instruction. The README states that it does not modify the Codex application itself and does not read accounts or keys. By default it installs a single prompt.

Workflow

The process has four steps: review the plan with a dry run, confirm to write, start a new Codex conversation, and revert when needed. The single-file release script is run with Python against a Codex directory such as ~/.codex. Flags cover status, dry-run, confirmed install, hook restore, uninstall, and reactivate (available from v0.3.9). Uninstall and reactivate also show a plan before applying. Release downloads can be checked against a SHA256SUMS file.

Environment and Related Tools

Codex must already be installed, along with Python 3.10 or newer. macOS and Linux are the primary supported platforms, while fresh Windows deployment is labeled a beta channel. Unsigned desktop builds exist for Apple Silicon and Windows x64 and may trigger Gatekeeper or SmartScreen warnings. The same author publishes sibling installers for Claude Code, Grok Build, and ZCode. The README says the installer does not actively collect or upload user data.