Your ChatGPT account.
Your computer.
Let’s put them to work.
New to AI? Start here. We’ll take you from your first chat to your first file in Codex, one small step at a time.
Start the walkthrough Download the setup manual ↓One step. Then the next.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
- Download the Markdown manual to Downloads.
- Open ChatGPT and start a new chat.
- Use the + or paperclip to attach the file.
- Copy this message and send it with the attachment.
Markdown (.md) is a text document. Uploading the guide gives ChatGPT context; it does not install Codex. If upload fails, open the file in a text editor and paste its contents instead.
Read the attached Codex setup manual. I’m a beginner. Help me one step at a time. First ask whether I use Windows or Mac, which ChatGPT plan I have, and what screen I’m seeing. Wait for my answer before each next step. Use my existing account. If GitHub appears, ask for the exact prompt before telling me what to click. Help me create and open START-HERE.md when setup is finished.
Watch and learn
Start with the basics, then watch a task being done. Pause when you need to, try the example, and come back for the next video.
Videos open on YouTube. Screens, prices and available features may change; use our setup lessons and the current official instructions alongside them. Some videos include sponsored segments or optional tools.
ChatGPT for beginners
Practice asking for help, improving a reply, and uploading a file. A useful first stop if you’re still getting comfortable with ChatGPT.
Try afterward: Draft a customer follow-up and ask ChatGPT to make it shorter.
Watch the beginner tutorial ↗Use Codex, step by step
Follow an idea into a working project, then see how to request changes and review the result.
Start with: The desktop project and plain-language requests. GitHub and cloud features later in the video are optional for our local practice task.
Watch the Codex walkthrough ↗ChatGPT Work for beginners
See a file-based business task, how to give useful instructions, and how to steer the work when the first result needs revision.
Use with: ChatGPT’s Work mode. This is a companion lesson to the Codex guide.
Watch the business-work tutorial ↗Meet the Codex app
Get a broader introduction to the app and its project workflow from OpenAI. Use the written setup guide for today’s installation steps.
Best for: Understanding the app before exploring more features.
Watch OpenAI’s introduction ↗Something look different?
Buttons and names change. Use the exact message on your screen to get help.
It’s asking me to sign up for GitHub.
You may be in the cloud coding setup, which connects repositories. Return to the desktop app and choose a local folder. A GitHub account is not required for our local practice task. If no local choice is visible, share the exact message with your coordinator.
Compare the official cloud setup ↗I already pay, but it asks me to upgrade.
Check the account email and sign-in method first. Use the account holding your subscription. Don’t purchase a second plan to fix a sign-in mismatch.
It wants an API key, or I reached a limit.
For this walkthrough, choose ChatGPT sign-in. API billing is separate. If you reach a usage limit, check the displayed reset and available options before deciding to spend more.
Where did my file go?
Ask Codex: “Show me the full path to START-HERE.md and explain how to open it.” Check the Agent Practice folder with File Explorer or Finder.
How do I ask Annie’s for help?
Send your coordinator your operating system, app version, completed step, and exact error. Include a screenshot with personal information hidden. Never send passwords or verification codes.
Contact Annie’s ↗Get set up once.
Keep learning as you work.
Complete your practice task, then ask your coordinator for your project files and first assignment.