diff --git a/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts b/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts
index ed8b1a7c..2f5730ce 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts
+++ b/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts
@@ -31,6 +31,9 @@ import { listGatewayModels } from '@x/core/dist/models/gateway.js';
 import type { IModelConfigRepo } from '@x/core/dist/models/repo.js';
 import type { IOAuthRepo } from '@x/core/dist/auth/repo.js';
 import { IGranolaConfigRepo } from '@x/core/dist/knowledge/granola/repo.js';
+import { ICodeModeConfigRepo } from '@x/core/dist/code-mode/repo.js';
+import { checkCodeModeAgentStatus } from '@x/core/dist/code-mode/status.js';
+import { invalidateCopilotInstructionsCache } from '@x/core/dist/application/assistant/instructions.js';
 import { triggerSync as triggerGranolaSync } from '@x/core/dist/knowledge/granola/sync.js';
 import { ISlackConfigRepo } from '@x/core/dist/slack/repo.js';
 import { isOnboardingComplete, markOnboardingComplete } from '@x/core/dist/config/note_creation_config.js';
@@ -526,7 +529,7 @@ export function setupIpcHandlers() {
       return runsCore.createRun(args);
     },
     'runs:createMessage': async (_event, args) => {
-      return { messageId: await runsCore.createMessage(args.runId, args.message, args.voiceInput, args.voiceOutput, args.searchEnabled, args.middlePaneContext) };
+      return { messageId: await runsCore.createMessage(args.runId, args.message, args.voiceInput, args.voiceOutput, args.searchEnabled, args.middlePaneContext, args.codeMode) };
     },
     'runs:authorizePermission': async (_event, args) => {
       await runsCore.authorizePermission(args.runId, args.authorization);
@@ -630,6 +633,20 @@ export function setupIpcHandlers() {
       const config = await repo.getConfig();
       return { enabled: config.enabled };
     },
+    'codeMode:getConfig': async () => {
+      const repo = container.resolve<ICodeModeConfigRepo>('codeModeConfigRepo');
+      const config = await repo.getConfig();
+      return { enabled: config.enabled };
+    },
+    'codeMode:setConfig': async (_event, args) => {
+      const repo = container.resolve<ICodeModeConfigRepo>('codeModeConfigRepo');
+      await repo.setConfig({ enabled: args.enabled });
+      invalidateCopilotInstructionsCache();
+      return { success: true };
+    },
+    'codeMode:checkAgentStatus': async () => {
+      return await checkCodeModeAgentStatus();
+    },
     'granola:setConfig': async (_event, args) => {
       const repo = container.resolve<IGranolaConfigRepo>('granolaConfigRepo');
       await repo.setConfig({ enabled: args.enabled });
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx
index 3c653b1b..2bf0c571 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx
@@ -966,7 +966,7 @@ function App() {
     voice.start()
   }, [voice])
 
-  const handlePromptSubmitRef = useRef<((message: PromptInputMessage, mentions?: FileMention[], stagedAttachments?: StagedAttachment[], searchEnabled?: boolean) => Promise<void>) | null>(null)
+  const handlePromptSubmitRef = useRef<((message: PromptInputMessage, mentions?: FileMention[], stagedAttachments?: StagedAttachment[], searchEnabled?: boolean, codeMode?: 'claude' | 'codex') => Promise<void>) | null>(null)
   const pendingVoiceInputRef = useRef(false)
 
   // Palette: per-tab editor handles for capturing cursor context on Cmd+K, and pending payload
@@ -2190,6 +2190,19 @@ function App() {
               status: 'running',
               timestamp: Date.now(),
             }])
+            // Detect acpx-driven coding-agent runs so the composer can retroactively
+            // flip code mode on with the right agent (when the user reached the skill
+            // via plain prompt rather than the explicit toggle).
+            if (llmEvent.toolName === 'executeCommand') {
+              const input = llmEvent.input as { command?: unknown } | undefined
+              const cmd = typeof input?.command === 'string' ? input.command : ''
+              const match = cmd.match(/\bacpx\b[\s\S]*?\b(claude|codex)\b/)
+              if (match) {
+                window.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('code-mode-detected', {
+                  detail: { runId: event.runId, agent: match[1] as 'claude' | 'codex' },
+                }))
+              }
+            }
           } else if (llmEvent.type === 'finish-step') {
             const nextUsage = normalizeUsage(llmEvent.usage)
             if (nextUsage) {
@@ -2304,7 +2317,7 @@ function App() {
             return next
           })
 
-          if (event.toolCallId && event.toolName !== 'executeCommand') {
+          if (event.toolCallId) {
             setToolOpenForTab(activeChatTabIdRef.current, event.toolCallId, false)
           }
 
@@ -2482,6 +2495,7 @@ function App() {
     mentions?: FileMention[],
     stagedAttachments: StagedAttachment[] = [],
     searchEnabled?: boolean,
+    codeMode?: 'claude' | 'codex',
   ) => {
     if (isProcessing) return
 
@@ -2593,6 +2607,7 @@ function App() {
           voiceInput: pendingVoiceInputRef.current || undefined,
           voiceOutput: ttsEnabledRef.current ? ttsModeRef.current : undefined,
           searchEnabled: searchEnabled || undefined,
+          codeMode: codeMode || undefined,
           middlePaneContext,
         })
         analytics.chatMessageSent({
@@ -2608,6 +2623,7 @@ function App() {
           voiceInput: pendingVoiceInputRef.current || undefined,
           voiceOutput: ttsEnabledRef.current ? ttsModeRef.current : undefined,
           searchEnabled: searchEnabled || undefined,
+          codeMode: codeMode || undefined,
           middlePaneContext,
         })
         analytics.chatMessageSent({
@@ -5836,7 +5852,6 @@ function App() {
                                       const response = tabState.permissionResponses.get(item.id) || null
                                       return (
                                         <React.Fragment key={item.id}>
-                                          {rendered}
                                           <PermissionRequest
                                             toolCall={permRequest.toolCall}
                                             permission={permRequest.permission}
@@ -5844,9 +5859,28 @@ function App() {
                                             onApproveSession={() => handlePermissionResponse(permRequest.toolCall.toolCallId, permRequest.subflow, 'approve', 'session')}
                                             onApproveAlways={() => handlePermissionResponse(permRequest.toolCall.toolCallId, permRequest.subflow, 'approve', 'always')}
                                             onDeny={() => handlePermissionResponse(permRequest.toolCall.toolCallId, permRequest.subflow, 'deny')}
+                                            onSwitchAgent={async (newAgent) => {
+                                              const runIdForSwitch = tab.runId
+                                              await handlePermissionResponse(permRequest.toolCall.toolCallId, permRequest.subflow, 'deny')
+                                              window.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('code-mode-detected', {
+                                                detail: { runId: runIdForSwitch, agent: newAgent },
+                                              }))
+                                              if (runIdForSwitch) {
+                                                try {
+                                                  await window.ipc.invoke('runs:createMessage', {
+                                                    runId: runIdForSwitch,
+                                                    message: `Use ${newAgent === 'claude' ? 'Claude Code' : 'Codex'} instead — rerun the same task with the same prompt, just swap the agent binary to \`${newAgent}\`.`,
+                                                    codeMode: newAgent,
+                                                  })
+                                                } catch (err) {
+                                                  console.error('Failed to send swap-agent follow-up', err)
+                                                }
+                                              }
+                                            }}
                                             isProcessing={isActive && isProcessing}
                                             response={response}
                                           />
+                                          {rendered}
                                         </React.Fragment>
                                       )
                                     }
@@ -5858,6 +5892,7 @@ function App() {
                                   <AskHumanRequest
                                     key={request.toolCallId}
                                     query={request.query}
+                                    options={request.options}
                                     onResponse={(response) => handleAskHumanResponse(request.toolCallId, request.subflow, response)}
                                     isProcessing={isActive && isProcessing}
                                   />
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/ask-human-request.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/ask-human-request.tsx
index 2e92e2ca..6571e54e 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/ask-human-request.tsx
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/ask-human-request.tsx
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import { useState, useRef, useEffect } from "react";
 
 export type AskHumanRequestProps = ComponentProps<"div"> & {
   query: string;
+  options?: string[];
   onResponse: (response: string) => void;
   isProcessing?: boolean;
 };
@@ -16,17 +17,21 @@ export type AskHumanRequestProps = ComponentProps<"div"> & {
 export const AskHumanRequest = ({
   className,
   query,
+  options,
   onResponse,
   isProcessing = false,
   ...props
 }: AskHumanRequestProps) => {
   const [response, setResponse] = useState("");
   const textareaRef = useRef<HTMLTextAreaElement>(null);
+  const hasOptions = Array.isArray(options) && options.length > 0;
 
   useEffect(() => {
-    // Auto-focus the textarea when component mounts
-    textareaRef.current?.focus();
-  }, []);
+    // Auto-focus the textarea when in free-text mode; nothing to focus for buttons.
+    if (!hasOptions) {
+      textareaRef.current?.focus();
+    }
+  }, [hasOptions]);
 
   const handleSubmit = () => {
     const trimmed = response.trim();
@@ -36,6 +41,11 @@ export const AskHumanRequest = ({
     }
   };
 
+  const handleOptionClick = (option: string) => {
+    if (isProcessing) return;
+    onResponse(option);
+  };
+
   const handleKeyDown = (e: React.KeyboardEvent<HTMLTextAreaElement>) => {
     if (e.key === "Enter" && !e.shiftKey) {
       e.preventDefault();
@@ -65,30 +75,47 @@ export const AskHumanRequest = ({
                 {query}
               </p>
             </div>
-            <div className="space-y-2">
-              <Textarea
-                ref={textareaRef}
-                value={response}
-                onChange={(e) => setResponse(e.target.value)}
-                onKeyDown={handleKeyDown}
-                placeholder="Type your response..."
-                disabled={isProcessing}
-                rows={3}
-                className="resize-none"
-              />
-              <div className="flex justify-end">
-                <Button
-                  variant="default"
-                  size="sm"
-                  onClick={handleSubmit}
-                  disabled={!canSubmit}
-                  className="gap-2"
-                >
-                  <ArrowUpIcon className="size-4" />
-                  Send Response
-                </Button>
+            {hasOptions ? (
+              <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-2">
+                {options!.map((option) => (
+                  <Button
+                    key={option}
+                    variant="outline"
+                    size="sm"
+                    onClick={() => handleOptionClick(option)}
+                    disabled={isProcessing}
+                    className="bg-background"
+                  >
+                    {option}
+                  </Button>
+                ))}
               </div>
-            </div>
+            ) : (
+              <div className="space-y-2">
+                <Textarea
+                  ref={textareaRef}
+                  value={response}
+                  onChange={(e) => setResponse(e.target.value)}
+                  onKeyDown={handleKeyDown}
+                  placeholder="Type your response..."
+                  disabled={isProcessing}
+                  rows={3}
+                  className="resize-none"
+                />
+                <div className="flex justify-end">
+                  <Button
+                    variant="default"
+                    size="sm"
+                    onClick={handleSubmit}
+                    disabled={!canSubmit}
+                    className="gap-2"
+                  >
+                    <ArrowUpIcon className="size-4" />
+                    Send Response
+                  </Button>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
           </div>
         </div>
       </div>
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/permission-request.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/permission-request.tsx
index c0369a9a..d99d2e8b 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/permission-request.tsx
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/ai-elements/permission-request.tsx
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ import {
   DropdownMenuItem,
 } from "@/components/ui/dropdown-menu";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
-import { AlertTriangleIcon, CheckCircleIcon, CheckIcon, ChevronDownIcon, XCircleIcon, XIcon } from "lucide-react";
-import type { ComponentProps } from "react";
+import { AlertTriangleIcon, CheckIcon, ChevronDownIcon, RefreshCwIcon, Terminal, XIcon } from "lucide-react";
+import { useState, type ComponentProps } from "react";
 import { ToolCallPart } from "@x/shared/dist/message.js";
 import { ToolPermissionMetadata } from "@x/shared/dist/runs.js";
 import z from "zod";
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ export type PermissionRequestProps = ComponentProps<"div"> & {
   onApproveSession?: () => void;
   onApproveAlways?: () => void;
   onDeny?: () => void;
+  onSwitchAgent?: (newAgent: 'claude' | 'codex') => void;
   isProcessing?: boolean;
   response?: 'approve' | 'deny' | null;
   permission?: z.infer<typeof ToolPermissionMetadata>;
@@ -41,6 +42,7 @@ export const PermissionRequest = ({
   onApproveSession,
   onApproveAlways,
   onDeny,
+  onSwitchAgent,
   isProcessing = false,
   response = null,
   permission,
@@ -54,17 +56,33 @@ export const PermissionRequest = ({
     : null;
   const filePermission = permission?.kind === "file" ? permission : null;
 
+  // Detect acpx coding-agent invocations so we can show the agent identity and
+  // offer a one-click swap-and-retry.
+  const acpxAgent: 'claude' | 'codex' | null = (() => {
+    if (!command) return null;
+    const match = command.match(/\bacpx\b[\s\S]*?\b(claude|codex)\b\s+exec\b/);
+    return match ? (match[1] as 'claude' | 'codex') : null;
+  })();
+  const otherAgent: 'claude' | 'codex' | null = acpxAgent === 'claude' ? 'codex' : acpxAgent === 'codex' ? 'claude' : null;
+  const agentDisplay = acpxAgent === 'claude' ? 'Claude Code' : acpxAgent === 'codex' ? 'Codex' : null;
+  const otherDisplay = otherAgent === 'claude' ? 'Claude Code' : otherAgent === 'codex' ? 'Codex' : null;
+
   const isResponded = response !== null;
   const isApproved = response === 'approve';
 
+  // Once a response is chosen, collapse the details to just the header.
+  // Users can click the header to expand them again.
+  const [expanded, setExpanded] = useState(false);
+  const showDetails = !isResponded || expanded;
+
   return (
     <div
       className={cn(
         "not-prose mb-4 w-full rounded-md border",
         isResponded
           ? isApproved
-            ? "border-green-500/50 bg-green-50/50 dark:bg-green-950/20"
-            : "border-red-500/50 bg-red-50/50 dark:bg-red-950/20"
+            ? "border-green-500/60 bg-green-200/80 dark:border-green-500/40 dark:bg-green-900/40"
+            : "border-[#fa2525]/70 bg-[#fa2525]/30 dark:border-[#fa2525]/60 dark:bg-[#fa2525]/30"
           : "border-amber-500/50 bg-amber-50/50 dark:bg-amber-950/20",
         className
       )}
@@ -72,50 +90,41 @@ export const PermissionRequest = ({
     >
       <div className="p-4 space-y-4">
         <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
-          {isResponded ? (
-            isApproved ? (
-              <CheckCircleIcon className="size-5 text-green-600 dark:text-green-500 shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
-            ) : (
-              <XCircleIcon className="size-5 text-red-600 dark:text-red-500 shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
-            )
-          ) : (
+          {!isResponded && (
             <AlertTriangleIcon className="size-5 text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-500 shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
           )}
           <div className="flex-1 space-y-2">
-            <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+            <div
+              className={cn("flex items-center gap-2", isResponded && "cursor-pointer select-none")}
+              onClick={isResponded ? () => setExpanded((v) => !v) : undefined}
+            >
               <div className="flex-1">
                 <h3 className="font-semibold text-sm text-foreground">
                   {isResponded ? (isApproved ? "Permission Granted" : "Permission Denied") : "Permission Required"}
                 </h3>
                 <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground mt-1">
                   {isResponded ? "Requested:" : "The agent wants to execute:"} <span className="font-mono font-medium">{toolCall.toolName}</span>
+                  {agentDisplay && (
+                    <Badge
+                      variant="secondary"
+                      className="ml-2 align-middle bg-secondary text-foreground"
+                    >
+                      <Terminal className="size-3 mr-1" />
+                      {agentDisplay}
+                    </Badge>
+                  )}
                 </p>
               </div>
               {isResponded && (
-                <Badge 
-                  variant="secondary" 
+                <ChevronDownIcon
                   className={cn(
-                    "shrink-0",
-                    isApproved 
-                      ? "bg-green-100 text-green-700 dark:bg-green-900/50 dark:text-green-400" 
-                      : "bg-red-100 text-red-700 dark:bg-red-900/50 dark:text-red-400"
+                    "size-4 shrink-0 text-muted-foreground transition-transform",
+                    expanded ? "rotate-180" : "rotate-0"
                   )}
-                >
-                  {isApproved ? (
-                    <>
-                      <CheckIcon className="size-3 mr-1" />
-                      Approved
-                    </>
-                  ) : (
-                    <>
-                      <XIcon className="size-3 mr-1" />
-                      Denied
-                    </>
-                  )}
-                </Badge>
+                />
               )}
             </div>
-            {command && (
+            {showDetails && command && (
               <div className="rounded-md border bg-background/50 p-3 mt-3">
                 <p className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1.5 uppercase tracking-wide">
                   Command
@@ -125,7 +134,7 @@ export const PermissionRequest = ({
                 </pre>
               </div>
             )}
-            {filePermission && (
+            {showDetails && filePermission && (
               <div className="rounded-md border bg-background/50 p-3 mt-3 space-y-3">
                 <div>
                   <p className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1.5 uppercase tracking-wide">
@@ -153,7 +162,7 @@ export const PermissionRequest = ({
                 </div>
               </div>
             )}
-            {!command && !filePermission && toolCall.arguments && (
+            {showDetails && !command && !filePermission && toolCall.arguments && (
               <div className="rounded-md border bg-background/50 p-3 mt-3">
                 <p className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1.5 uppercase tracking-wide">
                   Arguments
@@ -211,6 +220,18 @@ export const PermissionRequest = ({
               <XIcon className="size-4" />
               Deny
             </Button>
+            {otherAgent && otherDisplay && onSwitchAgent && (
+              <Button
+                variant="secondary"
+                size="sm"
+                onClick={() => onSwitchAgent(otherAgent)}
+                disabled={isProcessing}
+                className="flex-1"
+              >
+                <RefreshCwIcon className="size-4" />
+                Use {otherDisplay} instead
+              </Button>
+            )}
           </div>
         )}
       </div>
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-input-with-mentions.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-input-with-mentions.tsx
index d59b4047..360a8657 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-input-with-mentions.tsx
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-input-with-mentions.tsx
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import {
   Mic,
   Plus,
   Square,
+  Terminal,
   X,
 } from 'lucide-react'
 
@@ -108,7 +109,7 @@ function getAttachmentIcon(kind: AttachmentIconKind) {
 }
 
 interface ChatInputInnerProps {
-  onSubmit: (message: PromptInputMessage, mentions?: FileMention[], attachments?: StagedAttachment[], searchEnabled?: boolean) => void
+  onSubmit: (message: PromptInputMessage, mentions?: FileMention[], attachments?: StagedAttachment[], searchEnabled?: boolean, codeMode?: 'claude' | 'codex') => void
   onStop?: () => void
   isProcessing: boolean
   isStopping?: boolean
@@ -178,6 +179,9 @@ function ChatInputInner({
   const [searchEnabled, setSearchEnabled] = useState(false)
   const [searchAvailable, setSearchAvailable] = useState(false)
   const [isRowboatConnected, setIsRowboatConnected] = useState(false)
+  const [codingAgent, setCodingAgent] = useState<'claude' | 'codex'>('claude')
+  const [codeModeEnabled, setCodeModeEnabled] = useState(false)
+  const [codeModeFeatureEnabled, setCodeModeFeatureEnabled] = useState(false)
 
   // When a run exists, freeze the dropdown to the run's resolved model+provider.
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -260,8 +264,89 @@ function ChatInputInner({
     return () => window.removeEventListener('models-config-changed', handler)
   }, [loadModelConfig])
 
+  // Load the global code-mode feature flag (from settings) and stay in sync.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const load = () => {
+      window.ipc.invoke('codeMode:getConfig', null)
+        .then((r) => setCodeModeFeatureEnabled(r.enabled))
+        .catch(() => setCodeModeFeatureEnabled(false))
+    }
+    load()
+    window.addEventListener('code-mode-config-changed', load)
+    return () => window.removeEventListener('code-mode-config-changed', load)
+  }, [])
+
+  // If the feature is turned off in settings, also turn off any per-conversation chip.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!codeModeFeatureEnabled && codeModeEnabled) {
+      setCodeModeEnabled(false)
+    }
+  }, [codeModeFeatureEnabled, codeModeEnabled])
+
+  // Listen for coding-agent runs that were triggered without the explicit code-mode
+  // toggle. App.tsx dispatches this when it sees an acpx executeCommand fire. We
+  // flip the pill on with the detected agent so the UI reflects what's happening.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const handler = (ev: Event) => {
+      const detail = (ev as CustomEvent<{ runId?: string; agent?: 'claude' | 'codex' }>).detail
+      if (!detail || !detail.agent) return
+      if (runId && detail.runId && detail.runId !== runId) return
+      setCodeModeEnabled(true)
+      setCodingAgent(detail.agent)
+    }
+    window.addEventListener('code-mode-detected', handler)
+    return () => window.removeEventListener('code-mode-detected', handler)
+  }, [runId])
+
+  // Cross-platform basename — handles both / and \ separators.
+  const basename = useCallback((p: string): string => {
+    const trimmed = p.replace(/[\\/]+$/, '')
+    const idx = Math.max(trimmed.lastIndexOf('/'), trimmed.lastIndexOf('\\'))
+    return idx >= 0 ? trimmed.slice(idx + 1) : trimmed
+  }, [])
+
+  // Load coding-agent preference for a given workdir.
+  // Storage: config/coding-agents.json — { [workDirPath]: 'claude' | 'codex' }
+  const loadCodingAgentFor = useCallback(async (dir: string | null): Promise<'claude' | 'codex'> => {
+    if (!dir) return 'claude'
+    try {
+      const result = await window.ipc.invoke('workspace:readFile', { path: 'config/coding-agents.json' })
+      const parsed = JSON.parse(result.data) as Record<string, unknown>
+      const value = parsed?.[dir]
+      if (value === 'codex' || value === 'claude') return value
+    } catch {
+      /* file missing or invalid — fall through to default */
+    }
+    return 'claude'
+  }, [])
+
+  const persistCodingAgent = useCallback(async (dir: string, agent: 'claude' | 'codex') => {
+    let existing: Record<string, 'claude' | 'codex'> = {}
+    try {
+      const result = await window.ipc.invoke('workspace:readFile', { path: 'config/coding-agents.json' })
+      const parsed = JSON.parse(result.data) as Record<string, unknown>
+      for (const [k, v] of Object.entries(parsed ?? {})) {
+        if (v === 'claude' || v === 'codex') existing[k] = v
+      }
+    } catch { /* start fresh */ }
+    existing[dir] = agent
+    await window.ipc.invoke('workspace:writeFile', {
+      path: 'config/coding-agents.json',
+      data: JSON.stringify(existing, null, 2),
+    })
+  }, [])
+
   // Work directory is owned per-chat by the parent (App). This component only
-  // drives the picker dialog and reports changes up via onWorkDirChange.
+  // drives the picker dialog and reports changes up via onWorkDirChange. Whenever
+  // the work directory changes, load its persisted coding-agent preference.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    let cancelled = false
+    loadCodingAgentFor(workDir).then((agent) => {
+      if (!cancelled) setCodingAgent(agent)
+    })
+    return () => { cancelled = true }
+  }, [workDir, loadCodingAgentFor])
+
   const handleSetWorkDir = useCallback(async () => {
     try {
       let defaultPath: string | undefined = workDir ?? undefined
@@ -282,18 +367,35 @@ function ChatInputInner({
       })
       if (!chosen) return
       onWorkDirChange?.(chosen)
+      setCodingAgent(await loadCodingAgentFor(chosen))
       toast.success(`Work directory set: ${chosen}`)
     } catch (err) {
       console.error('Failed to set work directory', err)
       toast.error('Failed to set work directory')
     }
-  }, [workDir, onWorkDirChange])
+  }, [workDir, onWorkDirChange, loadCodingAgentFor])
 
   const handleClearWorkDir = useCallback(() => {
     onWorkDirChange?.(null)
+    setCodingAgent('claude')
     toast.success('Work directory cleared')
   }, [onWorkDirChange])
 
+  const handleToggleCodingAgent = useCallback(async () => {
+    const next: 'claude' | 'codex' = codingAgent === 'claude' ? 'codex' : 'claude'
+    setCodingAgent(next)
+    // Persist only when scoped to a workdir; without one there's nothing to key on.
+    if (!workDir) return
+    try {
+      await persistCodingAgent(workDir, next)
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error('Failed to save coding agent', err)
+      toast.error('Failed to save coding agent')
+      // revert on failure
+      setCodingAgent(codingAgent)
+    }
+  }, [workDir, codingAgent, persistCodingAgent])
+
   // Check search tool availability (exa or signed-in via gateway)
   useEffect(() => {
     const checkSearch = async () => {
@@ -378,13 +480,15 @@ function ChatInputInner({
 
   const handleSubmit = useCallback(() => {
     if (!canSubmit) return
-    onSubmit({ text: message.trim(), files: [] }, controller.mentions.mentions, attachments, searchEnabled || undefined)
+    // codeMode is sticky per conversation — don't reset after send.
+    const effectiveCodeMode = codeModeEnabled ? codingAgent : undefined
+    onSubmit({ text: message.trim(), files: [] }, controller.mentions.mentions, attachments, searchEnabled || undefined, effectiveCodeMode)
     controller.textInput.clear()
     controller.mentions.clearMentions()
     setAttachments([])
     // Web search toggle stays on for the rest of the chat session; the user
     // turns it off explicitly. (Not persisted across app restarts.)
-  }, [attachments, canSubmit, controller, message, onSubmit, searchEnabled])
+  }, [attachments, canSubmit, controller, message, onSubmit, searchEnabled, codeModeEnabled, codingAgent, workDir])
 
   const handleKeyDown = useCallback((e: React.KeyboardEvent) => {
     if (e.key === 'Enter' && !e.shiftKey) {
@@ -529,15 +633,20 @@ function ChatInputInner({
       </div>
       <div className="flex items-center gap-2 px-4 pb-3">
         <DropdownMenu>
-          <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
-            <button
-              type="button"
-              className="flex h-7 w-7 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted hover:text-foreground"
-              aria-label="Add"
-            >
-              <Plus className="h-4 w-4" />
-            </button>
-          </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+          <Tooltip>
+            <TooltipTrigger asChild>
+              <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
+                <button
+                  type="button"
+                  className="flex h-7 w-7 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted hover:text-foreground"
+                  aria-label="Add"
+                >
+                  <Plus className="h-4 w-4" />
+                </button>
+              </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+            </TooltipTrigger>
+            <TooltipContent side="top">Add files or set work directory</TooltipContent>
+          </Tooltip>
           <DropdownMenuContent align="start" className="min-w-56">
             <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => fileInputRef.current?.click()}>
               <ImagePlus className="size-4" />
@@ -559,7 +668,7 @@ function ChatInputInner({
                   className="flex min-w-0 items-center gap-1.5"
                 >
                   <FolderCog className="h-3.5 w-3.5 shrink-0" />
-                  <span className="truncate">{workDir.split('/').pop() || workDir}</span>
+                  <span className="truncate">{basename(workDir) || workDir}</span>
                 </button>
                 <button
                   type="button"
@@ -600,6 +709,52 @@ function ChatInputInner({
             </span>
           </button>
         )}
+        {codeModeFeatureEnabled && (codeModeEnabled ? (
+          <div className="flex h-7 shrink-0 items-center rounded-full bg-secondary text-xs font-medium text-foreground">
+            <Tooltip>
+              <TooltipTrigger asChild>
+                <button
+                  type="button"
+                  onClick={() => setCodeModeEnabled(false)}
+                  className="flex h-full items-center gap-1.5 rounded-l-full pl-2.5 pr-2 transition-colors hover:bg-secondary/70"
+                >
+                  <Terminal className="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
+                  <span>Code</span>
+                </button>
+              </TooltipTrigger>
+              <TooltipContent side="top">Code mode on — click to disable</TooltipContent>
+            </Tooltip>
+            <span className="text-foreground/30">·</span>
+            <Tooltip>
+              <TooltipTrigger asChild>
+                <button
+                  type="button"
+                  onClick={handleToggleCodingAgent}
+                  className="flex h-full items-center rounded-r-full pl-2 pr-2.5 transition-colors hover:bg-secondary/70"
+                >
+                  <span>{codingAgent === 'claude' ? 'Claude' : 'Codex'}</span>
+                </button>
+              </TooltipTrigger>
+              <TooltipContent side="top">
+                Coding agent: {codingAgent === 'claude' ? 'Claude Code' : 'Codex'} — click to swap
+              </TooltipContent>
+            </Tooltip>
+          </div>
+        ) : (
+          <Tooltip>
+            <TooltipTrigger asChild>
+              <button
+                type="button"
+                onClick={() => setCodeModeEnabled(true)}
+                className="flex h-7 w-7 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted hover:text-foreground"
+                aria-label="Code mode"
+              >
+                <Terminal className="h-4 w-4" />
+              </button>
+            </TooltipTrigger>
+            <TooltipContent side="top">Use a coding agent (Claude Code or Codex)</TooltipContent>
+          </Tooltip>
+        ))}
         <div className="flex-1" />
         {lockedModel ? (
           <span
@@ -760,7 +915,7 @@ export interface ChatInputWithMentionsProps {
   knowledgeFiles: string[]
   recentFiles: string[]
   visibleFiles: string[]
-  onSubmit: (message: PromptInputMessage, mentions?: FileMention[], attachments?: StagedAttachment[]) => void
+  onSubmit: (message: PromptInputMessage, mentions?: FileMention[], attachments?: StagedAttachment[], searchEnabled?: boolean, codeMode?: 'claude' | 'codex') => void
   onStop?: () => void
   isProcessing: boolean
   isStopping?: boolean
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-sidebar.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-sidebar.tsx
index ba7b364e..7987e6dd 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-sidebar.tsx
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-sidebar.tsx
@@ -645,7 +645,6 @@ export function ChatSidebar({
                                     const response = tabState.permissionResponses.get(item.id) || null
                                     return (
                                       <React.Fragment key={item.id}>
-                                        {rendered}
                                         <PermissionRequest
                                           toolCall={permRequest.toolCall}
                                           onApprove={() => onPermissionResponse(permRequest.toolCall.toolCallId, permRequest.subflow, 'approve')}
@@ -655,6 +654,7 @@ export function ChatSidebar({
                                           isProcessing={isActive && isProcessing}
                                           response={response}
                                         />
+                                        {rendered}
                                       </React.Fragment>
                                     )
                                   }
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/settings-dialog.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/settings-dialog.tsx
index c7750d6c..37e0a930 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/settings-dialog.tsx
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/settings-dialog.tsx
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 import * as React from "react"
 import { useState, useEffect, useCallback, useMemo } from "react"
-import { Server, Key, Shield, Palette, Monitor, Sun, Moon, Loader2, CheckCircle2, Plus, X, Wrench, Search, ChevronRight, Link2, Tags, Mail, BookOpen, User, Plug, HelpCircle, MessageCircle, Bug } from "lucide-react"
+import { Server, Key, Shield, Palette, Monitor, Sun, Moon, Loader2, CheckCircle2, Plus, X, Wrench, Search, ChevronRight, Link2, Tags, Mail, BookOpen, User, Plug, HelpCircle, MessageCircle, Bug, Terminal, AlertTriangle, RefreshCw } from "lucide-react"
 
 import {
   Dialog,
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ import { toast } from "sonner"
 import { AccountSettings } from "@/components/settings/account-settings"
 import { ConnectedAccountsSettings } from "@/components/settings/connected-accounts-settings"
 
-type ConfigTab = "account" | "connections" | "models" | "mcp" | "security" | "appearance" | "note-tagging" | "help"
+type ConfigTab = "account" | "connections" | "models" | "mcp" | "security" | "code-mode" | "appearance" | "note-tagging" | "help"
 
 interface TabConfig {
   id: ConfigTab
@@ -70,6 +70,12 @@ const tabs: TabConfig[] = [
     path: "config/security.json",
     description: "Configure allowed shell commands",
   },
+  {
+    id: "code-mode",
+    label: "Code Mode",
+    icon: Terminal,
+    description: "Delegate coding tasks to Claude Code or Codex",
+  },
   {
     id: "appearance",
     label: "Appearance",
@@ -1648,6 +1654,198 @@ function NoteTaggingSettings({ dialogOpen }: { dialogOpen: boolean }) {
   )
 }
 
+// --- Code Mode Settings ---
+
+type AgentStatus = { installed: boolean; signedIn: boolean }
+type CodeModeAgentStatus = { claude: AgentStatus; codex: AgentStatus }
+
+function AgentStatusRow({
+  name,
+  installLink,
+  signInCommand,
+  status,
+}: {
+  name: string
+  installLink: string
+  signInCommand: string
+  status: AgentStatus | null
+}) {
+  const ready = status?.installed && status?.signedIn
+  const needsSignInOnly = status?.installed && !status?.signedIn
+  return (
+    <div className="rounded-md border px-3 py-2.5 flex items-center gap-3">
+      <Terminal className="size-4 text-muted-foreground shrink-0" />
+      <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
+        <div className="text-sm font-medium">{name}</div>
+        <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5 flex items-center gap-3">
+          <span className={cn("inline-flex items-center gap-1", status?.installed ? "text-green-600" : "text-muted-foreground")}>
+            {status?.installed ? <CheckCircle2 className="size-3" /> : <X className="size-3" />}
+            Installed
+          </span>
+          <span className={cn("inline-flex items-center gap-1", status?.signedIn ? "text-green-600" : "text-muted-foreground")}>
+            {status?.signedIn ? <CheckCircle2 className="size-3" /> : <X className="size-3" />}
+            Signed in
+          </span>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+      {ready ? (
+        <span className="rounded-full bg-green-500/10 px-2 py-0.5 text-[10px] font-medium leading-none text-green-600">
+          Ready
+        </span>
+      ) : needsSignInOnly ? (
+        <span className="text-xs text-muted-foreground shrink-0">
+          Run <code className="rounded bg-muted px-1 py-0.5 font-mono text-[11px] text-foreground">{signInCommand}</code>
+        </span>
+      ) : (
+        <a
+          href={installLink}
+          target="_blank"
+          rel="noopener noreferrer"
+          className="text-xs text-primary hover:underline shrink-0"
+        >
+          Install &amp; sign in
+        </a>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
+function CodeModeSettings({ dialogOpen }: { dialogOpen: boolean }) {
+  const [enabled, setEnabled] = useState(false)
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true)
+  const [saving, setSaving] = useState(false)
+  const [status, setStatus] = useState<CodeModeAgentStatus | null>(null)
+  const [statusLoading, setStatusLoading] = useState(false)
+
+  const loadStatus = useCallback(async () => {
+    setStatusLoading(true)
+    try {
+      const result = await window.ipc.invoke("codeMode:checkAgentStatus", null)
+      setStatus(result)
+    } catch {
+      setStatus(null)
+    } finally {
+      setStatusLoading(false)
+    }
+  }, [])
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!dialogOpen) return
+    let cancelled = false
+    async function load() {
+      setLoading(true)
+      try {
+        const result = await window.ipc.invoke("codeMode:getConfig", null)
+        if (!cancelled) setEnabled(result.enabled)
+      } catch {
+        if (!cancelled) setEnabled(false)
+      } finally {
+        if (!cancelled) setLoading(false)
+      }
+    }
+    load()
+    loadStatus()
+    return () => { cancelled = true }
+  }, [dialogOpen, loadStatus])
+
+  const handleToggle = useCallback(async (next: boolean) => {
+    setSaving(true)
+    setEnabled(next)
+    try {
+      await window.ipc.invoke("codeMode:setConfig", { enabled: next })
+      window.dispatchEvent(new Event("code-mode-config-changed"))
+      toast.success(next ? "Code mode enabled" : "Code mode disabled")
+    } catch {
+      setEnabled(!next)
+      toast.error("Failed to update code mode")
+    } finally {
+      setSaving(false)
+    }
+  }, [])
+
+  const anyReady = status?.claude.installed && status?.claude.signedIn
+    || status?.codex.installed && status?.codex.signedIn
+
+  if (loading) {
+    return (
+      <div className="h-full flex items-center justify-center text-muted-foreground text-sm">
+        <Loader2 className="size-4 animate-spin mr-2" />
+        Loading...
+      </div>
+    )
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className="space-y-5">
+      <div className="space-y-2 text-sm text-muted-foreground leading-relaxed">
+        <p>
+          <strong className="text-foreground">Code mode</strong> lets the assistant delegate coding tasks
+          to <strong className="text-foreground">Claude Code</strong> or <strong className="text-foreground">Codex</strong> running
+          on your machine. Pick the agent inline from the composer; the assistant calls it via
+          <code className="mx-1 rounded bg-muted px-1 py-0.5 text-[11px]">acpx</code>
+          and streams results back into chat.
+        </p>
+        <p>
+          Requires an active <strong className="text-foreground">Claude Code</strong> subscription or
+          a <strong className="text-foreground">ChatGPT/Codex</strong> subscription. You can have one or both.
+        </p>
+      </div>
+
+      <div className="space-y-2">
+        <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+          <span className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground uppercase tracking-wider">Agent status</span>
+          <button
+            onClick={() => { void loadStatus() }}
+            disabled={statusLoading}
+            className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground transition-colors"
+          >
+            {statusLoading ? <Loader2 className="size-3 animate-spin" /> : <RefreshCw className="size-3" />}
+            Re-check
+          </button>
+        </div>
+        <div className="space-y-2">
+          <AgentStatusRow
+            name="Claude Code"
+            installLink="https://claude.ai/code"
+            signInCommand="claude login"
+            status={status?.claude ?? null}
+          />
+          <AgentStatusRow
+            name="Codex"
+            installLink="https://developers.openai.com/codex/cli"
+            signInCommand="codex login"
+            status={status?.codex ?? null}
+          />
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      <div className="rounded-md border px-3 py-3 flex items-start gap-3">
+        <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
+          <div className="text-sm font-medium">Enable code mode</div>
+          <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5">
+            Shows the code mode chip in the composer and lets the assistant delegate to your installed agents.
+          </div>
+        </div>
+        <Switch
+          checked={enabled}
+          onCheckedChange={handleToggle}
+          disabled={saving}
+        />
+      </div>
+
+      {enabled && status && !anyReady && (
+        <div className="rounded-md border border-amber-500/40 bg-amber-50/60 dark:bg-amber-950/20 px-3 py-2.5 flex items-start gap-2 text-xs">
+          <AlertTriangle className="size-4 text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-500 shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
+          <div className="text-amber-900 dark:text-amber-200">
+            Neither Claude Code nor Codex is ready. Install at least one and sign in with a subscription
+            account, then click Re-check.
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
 // --- Main Settings Dialog ---
 
 export function SettingsDialog({ children, defaultTab = "account", open: controlledOpen, onOpenChange }: SettingsDialogProps) {
@@ -1695,7 +1893,7 @@ export function SettingsDialog({ children, defaultTab = "account", open: control
   }
 
   const loadConfig = useCallback(async (tab: ConfigTab) => {
-    if (tab === "appearance" || tab === "models" || tab === "note-tagging" || tab === "account" || tab === "connections" || tab === "help") return
+    if (tab === "appearance" || tab === "models" || tab === "note-tagging" || tab === "account" || tab === "connections" || tab === "help" || tab === "code-mode") return
     const tabConfig = tabs.find((t) => t.id === tab)!
     if (!tabConfig.path) return
     setLoading(true)
@@ -1803,7 +2001,7 @@ export function SettingsDialog({ children, defaultTab = "account", open: control
             </div>
 
             {/* Content */}
-            <div className={cn("flex-1 p-4 min-h-0", (activeTab === "models" || activeTab === "connections" || activeTab === "account") ? "overflow-y-auto" : activeTab === "note-tagging" ? "overflow-hidden flex flex-col" : "overflow-hidden")}>
+            <div className={cn("flex-1 p-4 min-h-0", (activeTab === "models" || activeTab === "connections" || activeTab === "account" || activeTab === "code-mode") ? "overflow-y-auto" : activeTab === "note-tagging" ? "overflow-hidden flex flex-col" : "overflow-hidden")}>
               {activeTab === "account" ? (
                 <AccountSettings dialogOpen={open} />
               ) : activeTab === "connections" ? (
@@ -1828,6 +2026,8 @@ export function SettingsDialog({ children, defaultTab = "account", open: control
                 <AppearanceSettings />
               ) : activeTab === "help" ? (
                 <HelpSettings />
+              ) : activeTab === "code-mode" ? (
+                <CodeModeSettings dialogOpen={open} />
               ) : loading ? (
                 <div className="h-full flex items-center justify-center text-muted-foreground text-sm">
                   Loading...
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/lib/chat-conversation.ts b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/lib/chat-conversation.ts
index 41344107..bbf1cde2 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/lib/chat-conversation.ts
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/lib/chat-conversation.ts
@@ -517,9 +517,41 @@ const TOOL_DISPLAY_NAMES: Record<string, string> = {
  * For builtin tools, returns a static friendly name (e.g., "Reading file").
  * Falls back to the raw tool name if no mapping exists.
  */
+// Phrases shown while a code-mode task is running. They advance over time (5s
+// each) to read as progress, then hold on the last one until the task finishes.
+const CODE_MODE_RUNNING_LABELS = [
+  'Working on the task…',
+  'Inspecting the project…',
+  'Digging into the code…',
+  'Figuring it out…',
+  'Making the changes…',
+  'Wiring things up…',
+  'Putting it together…',
+]
+const CODE_MODE_LABEL_INTERVAL_MS = 5000
+
+// Detect acpx coding-agent invocations (code mode) and produce a status-aware
+// label, e.g. "Working on the task…" → "Completed the task".
+export const getCodeModeCommandLabel = (tool: ToolCall): string | null => {
+  if (tool.name !== 'executeCommand') return null
+  const input = normalizeToolInput(tool.input) as Record<string, unknown> | undefined
+  const command = typeof input?.command === 'string' ? input.command : ''
+  const match = command.match(/\bacpx\b[\s\S]*?\b(claude|codex)\b\s+exec\b/)
+  if (!match) return null
+  if (tool.status === 'error') return `Couldn't complete the task`
+  if (tool.status === 'completed') return `Completed the task`
+  // Advance through the phrases from the tool's start, holding on the last.
+  const elapsed = Math.max(0, Date.now() - tool.timestamp)
+  const step = Math.floor(elapsed / CODE_MODE_LABEL_INTERVAL_MS)
+  const idx = Math.min(step, CODE_MODE_RUNNING_LABELS.length - 1)
+  return CODE_MODE_RUNNING_LABELS[idx]
+}
+
 export const getToolDisplayName = (tool: ToolCall): string => {
   const browserLabel = getBrowserControlLabel(tool)
   if (browserLabel) return browserLabel
+  const codeModeLabel = getCodeModeCommandLabel(tool)
+  if (codeModeLabel) return codeModeLabel
   const composioData = getComposioActionCardData(tool)
   if (composioData) return composioData.label
   return TOOL_DISPLAY_NAMES[tool.name] || tool.name
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts
index f0d867bd..3146101e 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts
@@ -392,9 +392,10 @@ export async function mapAgentTool(t: z.infer<typeof ToolAttachment>): Promise<T
         case "builtin": {
             if (t.name === "ask-human") {
                 return tool({
-                    description: "Ask a human before proceeding",
+                    description: "Ask a human before proceeding. Optionally pass `options` (an array of short button labels) to render the question as a one-click choice; the user's response will be the chosen label verbatim.",
                     inputSchema: z.object({
                         question: z.string().describe("The question to ask the human"),
+                        options: z.array(z.string()).optional().describe("Optional short button labels (2-4 recommended). If provided, the user picks one with a single click instead of typing. The response you receive will be the chosen label."),
                     }),
                 });
             }
@@ -1065,6 +1066,7 @@ export async function* streamAgent({
     let voiceInput = false;
     let voiceOutput: 'summary' | 'full' | null = null;
     let searchEnabled = false;
+    let codeMode: 'claude' | 'codex' | null = null;
     let middlePaneContext:
         | { kind: 'note'; path: string; content: string }
         | { kind: 'browser'; url: string; title: string }
@@ -1213,6 +1215,9 @@ export async function* streamAgent({
             if (msg.searchEnabled) {
                 searchEnabled = true;
             }
+            // Code mode is per-message: latest message decides whether the assistant
+            // should route coding work through the code-with-agents skill / chosen agent.
+            codeMode = msg.codeMode ?? null;
             if (msg.voiceOutput) {
                 voiceOutput = msg.voiceOutput;
             }
@@ -1316,6 +1321,50 @@ Do not announce the work directory unless it's relevant. Just use it.`;
             loopLogger.log('search enabled, injecting search prompt');
             instructionsWithDateTime += `\n\n# Search\nThe user has requested a search. Use the web-search tool to answer their query.`;
         }
+        if (codeMode) {
+            loopLogger.log('code mode enabled, injecting coding-agent context', codeMode);
+            const agentDisplay = codeMode === 'claude' ? 'Claude Code' : 'Codex';
+            const otherAgent = codeMode === 'claude' ? 'codex' : 'claude';
+            const otherDisplay = codeMode === 'claude' ? 'Codex' : 'Claude Code';
+            // Deterministic, per-chat session name so the coding agent keeps
+            // context across the user's requests within this chat. Reusing the
+            // same -s <name> resumes the session; the first call creates it.
+            const sessionName = `rowboat-${runId}`;
+            instructionsWithDateTime += `\n\n# Code Mode (Active) — Default agent: ${agentDisplay}
+The user has turned on **code mode** and the composer chip is set to **${agentDisplay}** (\`${codeMode}\`). Use this as the **default** agent for coding tasks in this turn.
+
+**The user can override the agent at any time, two ways:**
+1. By toggling the chip in the composer (preferred).
+2. By asking you directly in chat ("use codex", "switch to claude", "do this with ${otherDisplay}", etc.). When the user explicitly asks to use a different agent in the current message, honor that — use \`${otherAgent}\` instead of \`${codeMode}\` for this turn, and briefly mention they can also toggle it via the chip for stickiness.
+
+**Persistent session for this chat — session name: \`${sessionName}\`.** This chat uses one named agent session so the agent keeps context across your requests. The session must exist before it can be prompted (\`-s\` only resumes; it does not create).
+
+**1. First coding action in this chat — ensure the session exists:**
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <workdir> <agent> sessions ensure --name ${sessionName}
+\`\`\`
+
+(\`ensure\` creates the session if missing and reuses it if it already exists — safe to call when reopening this chat later.)
+
+**2. Then run the prompt:**
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --timeout 600 --cwd <workdir> <agent> -s ${sessionName} "<prompt>"
+\`\`\`
+
+**3. Every follow-up coding request in this chat — reuse the same session (do NOT create again):**
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --timeout 600 --cwd <workdir> <agent> -s ${sessionName} "<prompt>"
+\`\`\`
+
+Run these as **separate, sequential** \`executeCommand\` calls — issue the \`sessions ensure\` call first and WAIT for it to finish, then issue the prompt call. Do NOT fire both in the same turn / batch.
+
+Where \`<agent>\` is either \`claude\` or \`codex\` — pick based on (in priority order): an explicit in-chat override → the chip setting (\`${codeMode}\`). Use \`${sessionName}\` exactly — do NOT invent a different name, and do NOT use \`exec\` (it is one-shot and forgets).
+
+If the user's message is clearly NOT a coding request (small talk, an unrelated question), answer directly without invoking the coding agent. Code mode signals readiness, not that every message must route through the agent.`;
+        }
         let streamError: string | null = null;
         for await (const event of streamLlm(
             model,
@@ -1371,11 +1420,16 @@ Do not announce the work directory unless it's relevant. Just use it.`;
                     const underlyingTool = agent.tools![part.toolName];
                     if (underlyingTool.type === "builtin" && underlyingTool.name === "ask-human") {
                         loopLogger.log('emitting ask-human-request, toolCallId:', part.toolCallId);
+                        const rawOptions = (part.arguments as { options?: unknown }).options;
+                        const options = Array.isArray(rawOptions)
+                            ? rawOptions.filter((o): o is string => typeof o === 'string' && o.trim().length > 0)
+                            : undefined;
                         yield* processEvent({
                             runId,
                             type: "ask-human-request",
                             toolCallId: part.toolCallId,
                             query: part.arguments.question,
+                            ...(options && options.length > 0 ? { options } : {}),
                             subflow: [],
                         });
                     }
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/instructions.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/instructions.ts
index b0d1bcbb..b3611fe4 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/instructions.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/instructions.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ import { getRuntimeContext, getRuntimeContextPrompt } from "./runtime-context.js
 import { composioAccountsRepo } from "../../composio/repo.js";
 import { isConfigured as isComposioConfigured } from "../../composio/client.js";
 import { CURATED_TOOLKITS } from "@x/shared/dist/composio.js";
+import container from "../../di/container.js";
+import type { ICodeModeConfigRepo } from "../../code-mode/repo.js";
 
 const runtimeContextPrompt = getRuntimeContextPrompt(getRuntimeContext());
 
@@ -29,7 +31,7 @@ Load the \`composio-integration\` skill when the user asks to interact with any
 `;
 }
 
-function buildStaticInstructions(composioEnabled: boolean, catalog: string): string {
+function buildStaticInstructions(composioEnabled: boolean, catalog: string, codeModeEnabled: boolean = true): string {
     // Conditionally include Composio-related instruction sections
     const emailDraftSuffix = composioEnabled
         ? ` Do NOT load this skill for reading, fetching, or checking emails — use the \`composio-integration\` skill for that instead.`
@@ -80,7 +82,9 @@ ${thirdPartyBlock}**Meeting Prep:** When users ask you to prepare for a meeting,
 
 **Document Collaboration:** When users ask you to work on a document, collaborate on writing, create a new document, edit/refine existing notes, or say things like "let's work on [X]", "help me write [X]", "create a doc for [X]", or "let's draft [X]", you MUST load the \`doc-collab\` skill first. **This applies even for small one-off edits** — the skill carries the canonical *terse-and-scannable* writing style for the knowledge base, and that style applies whether you're authoring a fresh note or fixing a single section. Load it before writing anything into a note.
 
-**Code with Agents:** When users ask you to write code, build a project, create a script, fix a bug, or do any software development task, load the \`code-with-agents\` skill first. It provides guidance for delegating coding work to Claude Code or Codex via acpx.
+${codeModeEnabled
+    ? `**Code with Agents:** When users ask you to write code, build a project, create a script, fix a bug, or do any software development task — **including simple things like "create a .c file" or "write a hello-world in Python"** — your FIRST action MUST be \`loadSkill('code-with-agents')\`. Do NOT reach for \`executeCommand\` (PowerShell / bash / shell) or any workspace file tool to do code work yourself before loading this skill. The skill decides whether to delegate to Claude Code / Codex (via acpx) or hand control back to you, and it presents the user a one-click choice when needed. Paths outside the Rowboat workspace root (e.g. \`G:/...\`, \`~/projects/...\`) are NORMAL for coding tasks — do NOT raise "outside workspace" concerns or fall back to your own tools.`
+    : `**Code with Agents (disabled):** Code mode is currently OFF in the user's settings. Do NOT load \`code-with-agents\` and do NOT call acpx. Handle coding requests yourself with your normal tools if you can. After answering, add a final line letting the user know they can delegate coding to Claude Code or Codex by enabling Code Mode in Settings → Code Mode.`}
 
 **App Control:** When users ask you to open notes, show the bases or graph view, filter or search notes, or manage saved views, load the \`app-navigation\` skill first. It provides structured guidance for navigating the app UI and controlling the knowledge base view.
 
@@ -312,30 +316,29 @@ Never output raw file paths in plain text when they could be wrapped in a filepa
 /** Keep backward-compatible export for any external consumers */
 export const CopilotInstructions = buildStaticInstructions(true, skillCatalog);
 
-/**
- * Cached Composio instructions. Invalidated by calling invalidateCopilotInstructionsCache().
- */
 let cachedInstructions: string | null = null;
 
-/**
- * Invalidate the cached instructions so the next buildCopilotInstructions() call
- * regenerates the Composio section. Call this after connecting/disconnecting a toolkit.
- */
 export function invalidateCopilotInstructionsCache(): void {
     cachedInstructions = null;
 }
 
-/**
- * Build full copilot instructions with dynamic Composio tools section.
- * Results are cached and reused until invalidated via invalidateCopilotInstructionsCache().
- */
 export async function buildCopilotInstructions(): Promise<string> {
     if (cachedInstructions !== null) return cachedInstructions;
     const composioEnabled = await isComposioConfigured();
-    const catalog = composioEnabled
-        ? skillCatalog
-        : buildSkillCatalog({ excludeIds: ['composio-integration'] });
-    const baseInstructions = buildStaticInstructions(composioEnabled, catalog);
+    let codeModeEnabled = false;
+    try {
+        const repo = container.resolve<ICodeModeConfigRepo>('codeModeConfigRepo');
+        codeModeEnabled = (await repo.getConfig()).enabled;
+    } catch {
+        // repo unavailable — default to disabled
+    }
+    const excludeIds: string[] = [];
+    if (!composioEnabled) excludeIds.push('composio-integration');
+    if (!codeModeEnabled) excludeIds.push('code-with-agents');
+    const catalog = excludeIds.length > 0
+        ? buildSkillCatalog({ excludeIds })
+        : skillCatalog;
+    const baseInstructions = buildStaticInstructions(composioEnabled, catalog, codeModeEnabled);
     const composioPrompt = await getComposioToolsPrompt();
     cachedInstructions = composioPrompt
         ? baseInstructions + '\n' + composioPrompt
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/skills/code-with-agents/skill.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/skills/code-with-agents/skill.ts
index c2879228..d8e81a58 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/skills/code-with-agents/skill.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/skills/code-with-agents/skill.ts
@@ -1,90 +1,140 @@
 export const skill = String.raw`
 # Code with Agents Skill
 
-Use this skill when the user asks you to write code, build a project, create scripts, fix bugs, or do any software development task that should be delegated to a coding agent (Claude Code or Codex).
+Use this skill whenever the user asks you to write code, build a project, create scripts, fix bugs, read/explain code, or do any software development task — even simple file creations like "make a .c file".
 
-## Important: delegate ALL coding work
+Coding agents operate on **arbitrary file paths** (including paths outside the Rowboat workspace root, like \`G:/4th sem/CN\` or \`~/projects/foo\`). Do NOT raise "outside workspace" concerns, and do NOT fall back to your own \`executeCommand\` (PowerShell / bash) or workspace file tools to do code work yourself.
 
-Once the user has chosen to use Claude Code or Codex, you MUST delegate ALL code-related tasks to the coding agent. This includes:
-- Writing, editing, or refactoring code
-- Reading, summarizing, or explaining code
-- Debugging and fixing bugs
-- Running tests or build commands
-- Exploring project structure
-- Any other task that involves interacting with a codebase
+---
 
-Do NOT attempt to do any of these yourself — no reading files, no running commands, no writing code. You are the coordinator; the coding agent does the work. Your job is to translate the user's request into a clear prompt and pass it to the agent.
+## STEP 1 — MANDATORY FIRST ACTION
 
-## Prerequisites
+Look in your **system context** for a section titled **"# Code Mode (Active)"**.
 
-The user must have one of the following installed on their machine:
-- **Claude Code** — https://claude.ai/code
-- **Codex** — https://codex.openai.com
+### Case A — "# Code Mode (Active)" IS present
 
-These are external tools that you cannot install for the user.
+Code mode is on and the user has selected an agent. Skip directly to Step 2. Do NOT call ask-human.
 
-## Workflow
+### Case B — "# Code Mode (Active)" is NOT present
 
-### Step 1: Gather requirements
+Your **very next tool call MUST be \`ask-human\`** with options. Do not write any explanation text first. Do not describe a plan. Do not check the workspace boundary. Just call:
 
-Before running anything, confirm the following with the user:
+\`\`\`
+ask-human({
+  question: "How should I handle this coding request?",
+  options: [
+    "Use code mode (Claude Code)",
+    "Use code mode (Codex)",
+    "Continue with default Rowboat"
+  ]
+})
+\`\`\`
 
-1. **Working directory** — Ask which folder the code should be written in, unless the user has already specified it. Example: "Which folder should I work in?"
-2. **Agent choice** — Ask whether to use **Claude Code** or **Codex**. Mention that the chosen agent must already be installed on their machine.
+This is non-negotiable. The user gets clickable buttons. Free-text "which agent?" questions are forbidden here.
 
-### Step 2: Confirm execution plan
+**Branch on the response:**
+- "Use code mode (Claude Code)" → proceed to Step 2 with agent = \`claude\`.
+- "Use code mode (Codex)" → proceed to Step 2 with agent = \`codex\`.
+- "Continue with default Rowboat" → ABANDON this skill. Handle the request yourself using your own tools (workspace file tools, \`executeCommand\` shell, etc.). The rest of this skill does not apply for this turn.
 
-Once you know the folder and agent, tell the user:
+---
 
-> I'll use [Claude Code / Codex] to [description of the task] in \`[folder]\`. Permission requests from the coding agent itself (file writes, command execution, etc.) will be automatically approved once it starts. Wait for the user's confirmation before you execute anything.
+## STEP 2 — Resolve workdir, confirm, execute
 
-### Step 3: Execute with acpx
+**Resolve the workdir** (in this priority order):
+1. A path the user named in their original message (e.g. \`G:/4th sem/CN\`).
+2. The path from a "# User Work Directory" block in your context.
+3. Ask once in plain text: "Which folder should I work in?"
 
-Use the \`executeCommand\` tool to run the coding agent via acpx. The command format is:
+**State your intent in one line, then execute immediately — do NOT wait for a "yes".** The \`executeCommand\` call surfaces a permission card that is itself the user's confirmation, so an extra in-chat "reply yes to proceed" is redundant friction. Say something like:
 
-**For Claude Code:**
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> claude exec "<prompt>"
-` + "`" + `
+> Using [Claude Code / Codex] to [task description] in \`[folder]\`.
 
-**For Codex:**
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> codex exec "<prompt>"
-` + "`" + `
+…and then immediately make the \`executeCommand\` call in the same turn.
+
+**Execute** with the chosen agent using a **persistent named session** so follow-up coding requests in this chat resume the same agent and keep context.
+
+Pick \`<agent>\` (\`claude\` or \`codex\`) by, in priority order:
+- An explicit in-chat override from the user this turn ("use codex", "switch to claude") — honor it.
+- The agent chosen in Step 1 / the "# Code Mode (Active)" block.
+
+Pick \`<session-name>\` — **stable for this whole chat**:
+- If the "# Code Mode (Active)" block gives a session name (e.g. \`rowboat-<runId>\`), use that exact name.
+- Otherwise pick one short, kebab-case name and **reuse it for every coding call this turn and in follow-ups** — never a new name each time.
+
+**\`-s\` resumes an existing session; it does NOT create one.** So ensure the session exists once at the start, then prompt:
+
+**1. First coding action in this chat — ensure the session exists:**
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> <agent> sessions ensure --name <session-name>
+\`\`\`
+
+(\`ensure\` creates the session if missing and reuses it if it already exists — so reopening this chat later just resumes the same session instead of erroring.)
+
+**2. Then run the prompt:**
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --timeout 600 --cwd <folder> <agent> -s <session-name> "<prompt>"
+\`\`\`
+
+**3. Every follow-up coding request in this chat — reuse the same session (do NOT create again):**
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --timeout 600 --cwd <folder> <agent> -s <session-name> "<prompt>"
+\`\`\`
+
+**Run steps 1 and 2 as separate, sequential \`executeCommand\` calls.** Issue the \`sessions ensure\` call FIRST, wait for it to finish, and only THEN issue the prompt call. Do NOT fire both in the same turn / batch — each must surface and complete its own permission + command block before the next begins.
+
+Do NOT use \`exec\` — it is one-shot and forgets everything.
+
+Concrete example:
+
+\`\`\`
+# First coding message in the chat — ensure the session, then prompt:
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd "G:\\Blogging\\myblog" claude sessions ensure --name diskspace-check
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --timeout 600 --cwd "G:\\Blogging\\myblog" claude -s diskspace-check "Check the system disk space and report total, used, and free space."
+
+# Follow-up in the same chat — reuse the session, no create:
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --timeout 600 --cwd "G:\\Blogging\\myblog" claude -s diskspace-check "Summarize what we did and the final findings."
+\`\`\`
 
 ### Critical: flag order
 
-The \`--approve-all\` and \`--cwd\` flags are global flags and MUST come before the agent name (\`claude\` or \`codex\`). This is the correct order:
+\`--approve-all\`, \`--timeout\`, and \`--cwd\` are GLOBAL flags and MUST appear BEFORE the agent name. \`sessions ensure --name <name>\` and \`-s <session-name>\` come AFTER the agent name:
 
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest [global flags] <agent> exec "<prompt>"
-` + "`" + `
+- ✓ Correct: \`npx acpx@latest --approve-all --timeout 600 --cwd <folder> <agent> -s <session-name> "<prompt>"\`
+- ✗ Wrong:  \`npx acpx@latest <agent> --approve-all -s <name> "..."\` (will fail)
 
-**Correct:**
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd ~/projects/myapp claude exec "fix the bug"
-` + "`" + `
+### Writing good prompts for the agent
 
-**Wrong (will fail):**
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest claude --approve-all exec "fix the bug"
-` + "`" + `
+- Be specific: file names, function signatures, expected behavior.
+- Mention constraints (language, framework, style).
+- Expand short user requests into clear, actionable prompts.
 
-### Writing good prompts
+---
 
-When constructing the prompt for the coding agent:
-- Be specific and detailed about what to build or fix
-- Include file names, function signatures, and expected behavior
-- Mention any constraints (language, framework, style)
-- If the user gave you a short request, expand it into a clear, actionable prompt for the agent
+## STEP 3 — Report results
 
-### Step 4: Report results
+After the command finishes:
+- Pass through the coding agent's summary as-is. Do not rewrite.
+- Refer to file paths as plain text. Do NOT use \`\`\`file:path\`\`\` reference blocks. (This overrides the global "always wrap paths in filepath blocks" rule — for code-mode output, plain text.)
+- Only add your own explanation if the command failed (non-zero exit):
+  - Exit code 5 — permissions were denied (shouldn't happen with \`--approve-all\`; flag it).
+  - Exit code 4 / "No acpx session found" — the \`-s <session-name>\` session doesn't exist yet. Create it once with \`npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> <agent> sessions ensure --name <session-name>\`, then retry the prompt. (\`-s\` only resumes; it never creates.)
+  - "command not found" / agent not installed, or an auth/sign-in error — the agent isn't set up. Tell the user to install or sign in to the agent via **Settings → Code Mode**, where Rowboat shows the install and sign-in status.
 
-After the command finishes, look for the summary that the coding agent produced at the end of its output and pass that along to the user as-is. Do not rewrite or add to it. Only add your own explanation if the command failed or the exit code is non-zero.
+---
 
-Do NOT use file reference blocks (e.g. \`\`\`file:path/to/file\`\`\`) when mentioning code files — they may not open correctly. Just refer to file paths as plain text.
+## Once delegating: delegate fully
 
-- If the exit code is 5, it means permissions were denied — this should not happen with \`--approve-all\`, but if it does, let the user know
+After Step 2 fires, delegate ALL related coding tasks for this turn to the coding agent — writing, editing, reading, debugging, exploring structure, running tests. You are the coordinator; the agent does the work.
+
+## Prerequisites (informational)
+
+The user must have one of these installed locally — these are external tools you cannot install:
+- Claude Code — https://claude.ai/code
+- Codex — https://codex.openai.com
 `;
 
 export default skill;
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/builtin-tools.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/builtin-tools.ts
index e3622b01..9bfb4250 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/builtin-tools.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/builtin-tools.ts
@@ -95,21 +95,47 @@ const LLMPARSE_MIME_TYPES: Record<string, string> = {
 // When the LLM invokes acpx via executeCommand, pre-resolve claude's real .exe
 // from the npm-shim layout and inject it via env so the bridge can spawn it.
 function resolveClaudeExeOnWindows(): string | undefined {
-    const pathDirs = (process.env.PATH ?? '').split(';');
-    for (const dir of pathDirs) {
-        const trimmed = dir.trim();
-        if (!trimmed) continue;
-        const cmdPath = path.join(trimmed, 'claude.cmd');
-        if (!existsSync(cmdPath)) continue;
-        const exeFromLayout = path.join(trimmed, 'node_modules', '@anthropic-ai', 'claude-code', 'bin', 'claude.exe');
+    // Candidate dirs = everything on PATH, plus well-known npm/pnpm/volta global
+    // bin dirs. Electron's runtime PATH can omit these even when the user's shell
+    // includes them, which would otherwise leave us unable to find claude.exe and
+    // force a fallback to claude.cmd (which Node refuses to spawn — EINVAL).
+    const home = process.env.USERPROFILE ?? '';
+    const appData = process.env.APPDATA || (home && path.join(home, 'AppData', 'Roaming'));
+    const localAppData = process.env.LOCALAPPDATA || (home && path.join(home, 'AppData', 'Local'));
+    const programFiles = process.env.ProgramFiles || 'C:\\Program Files';
+    const knownDirs = [
+        appData && path.join(appData, 'npm'),
+        localAppData && path.join(localAppData, 'npm'),
+        appData && path.join(appData, 'pnpm'),
+        localAppData && path.join(localAppData, 'pnpm'),
+        home && path.join(home, '.volta', 'bin'),
+        path.join(programFiles, 'nodejs'),
+    ].filter(Boolean) as string[];
+
+    const pathDirs = (process.env.PATH ?? '').split(';').map((d) => d.trim()).filter(Boolean);
+    const seen = new Set<string>();
+    const candidates = [...pathDirs, ...knownDirs].filter((d) => {
+        const key = d.toLowerCase();
+        if (seen.has(key)) return false;
+        seen.add(key);
+        return true;
+    });
+
+    for (const dir of candidates) {
+        // Direct npm-shim layout: <dir>\node_modules\@anthropic-ai\claude-code\bin\claude.exe
+        const exeFromLayout = path.join(dir, 'node_modules', '@anthropic-ai', 'claude-code', 'bin', 'claude.exe');
         if (existsSync(exeFromLayout)) return exeFromLayout;
+
+        // Otherwise parse the claude.cmd shim for the real exe path.
+        const cmdPath = path.join(dir, 'claude.cmd');
+        if (!existsSync(cmdPath)) continue;
         try {
             const content = readFileSync(cmdPath, 'utf-8');
             const absMatch = content.match(/[A-Z]:[\\/][^\s"]*claude\.exe/i);
             if (absMatch && existsSync(absMatch[0])) return absMatch[0];
             const relMatch = content.match(/%~dp0[\\/]?([^\s"%]+claude\.exe)/i);
             if (relMatch) {
-                const resolved = path.join(trimmed, relMatch[1]);
+                const resolved = path.join(dir, relMatch[1]);
                 if (existsSync(resolved)) return resolved;
             }
         } catch {
@@ -825,7 +851,7 @@ export const BuiltinTools: z.infer<typeof BuiltinToolsSchema> = {
                 }
 
                 // Fallback to original for backward compatibility
-                const result = await executeCommand(command, { cwd: workingDir });
+                const result = await executeCommand(command, { cwd: workingDir, env: envOverride });
 
                 return {
                     success: result.exitCode === 0,
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/command-executor.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/command-executor.ts
index 150c8f72..6be3c0e6 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/command-executor.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/command-executor.ts
@@ -80,6 +80,7 @@ export async function executeCommand(
     cwd?: string;
     timeout?: number; // timeout in milliseconds
     maxBuffer?: number; // max buffer size in bytes
+    env?: NodeJS.ProcessEnv; // override environment (e.g. CLAUDE_CODE_EXECUTABLE for acpx)
   }
 ): Promise<CommandResult> {
   try {
@@ -89,6 +90,7 @@ export async function executeCommand(
       timeout: options?.timeout,
       maxBuffer: options?.maxBuffer || 1024 * 1024, // default 1MB
       shell,
+      env: options?.env,
     });
 
     return {
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/message-queue.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/message-queue.ts
index b3d2affa..a513b3ac 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/message-queue.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/lib/message-queue.ts
@@ -8,17 +8,20 @@ export type MiddlePaneContext =
     | { kind: 'note'; path: string; content: string }
     | { kind: 'browser'; url: string; title: string };
 
+export type CodeMode = 'claude' | 'codex';
+
 type EnqueuedMessage = {
     messageId: string;
     message: UserMessageContentType;
     voiceInput?: boolean;
     voiceOutput?: VoiceOutputMode;
     searchEnabled?: boolean;
+    codeMode?: CodeMode;
     middlePaneContext?: MiddlePaneContext;
 };
 
 export interface IMessageQueue {
-    enqueue(runId: string, message: UserMessageContentType, voiceInput?: boolean, voiceOutput?: VoiceOutputMode, searchEnabled?: boolean, middlePaneContext?: MiddlePaneContext): Promise<string>;
+    enqueue(runId: string, message: UserMessageContentType, voiceInput?: boolean, voiceOutput?: VoiceOutputMode, searchEnabled?: boolean, middlePaneContext?: MiddlePaneContext, codeMode?: CodeMode): Promise<string>;
     dequeue(runId: string): Promise<EnqueuedMessage | null>;
 }
 
@@ -34,7 +37,7 @@ export class InMemoryMessageQueue implements IMessageQueue {
         this.idGenerator = idGenerator;
     }
 
-    async enqueue(runId: string, message: UserMessageContentType, voiceInput?: boolean, voiceOutput?: VoiceOutputMode, searchEnabled?: boolean, middlePaneContext?: MiddlePaneContext): Promise<string> {
+    async enqueue(runId: string, message: UserMessageContentType, voiceInput?: boolean, voiceOutput?: VoiceOutputMode, searchEnabled?: boolean, middlePaneContext?: MiddlePaneContext, codeMode?: CodeMode): Promise<string> {
         if (!this.store[runId]) {
             this.store[runId] = [];
         }
@@ -45,6 +48,7 @@ export class InMemoryMessageQueue implements IMessageQueue {
             voiceInput,
             voiceOutput,
             searchEnabled,
+            codeMode,
             middlePaneContext,
         });
         return id;
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/index.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/index.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bdf2eecb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/index.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+export { CodeModeConfig, CodeModeAgentStatus, AgentStatus } from './types.js';
+export { FSCodeModeConfigRepo, type ICodeModeConfigRepo } from './repo.js';
+export { checkCodeModeAgentStatus } from './status.js';
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/repo.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/repo.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..dd318b34
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/repo.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+import fs from 'fs/promises';
+import path from 'path';
+import { WorkDir } from '../config/config.js';
+import { CodeModeConfig } from './types.js';
+
+export interface ICodeModeConfigRepo {
+    getConfig(): Promise<CodeModeConfig>;
+    setConfig(config: CodeModeConfig): Promise<void>;
+}
+
+export class FSCodeModeConfigRepo implements ICodeModeConfigRepo {
+    private readonly configPath = path.join(WorkDir, 'config', 'code-mode.json');
+    private readonly defaultConfig: CodeModeConfig = { enabled: false };
+
+    constructor() {
+        this.ensureConfigFile();
+    }
+
+    private async ensureConfigFile(): Promise<void> {
+        try {
+            await fs.access(this.configPath);
+        } catch {
+            await fs.mkdir(path.dirname(this.configPath), { recursive: true });
+            await fs.writeFile(this.configPath, JSON.stringify(this.defaultConfig, null, 2));
+        }
+    }
+
+    async getConfig(): Promise<CodeModeConfig> {
+        try {
+            const content = await fs.readFile(this.configPath, 'utf8');
+            return CodeModeConfig.parse(JSON.parse(content));
+        } catch {
+            return this.defaultConfig;
+        }
+    }
+
+    async setConfig(config: CodeModeConfig): Promise<void> {
+        const validated = CodeModeConfig.parse(config);
+        await fs.mkdir(path.dirname(this.configPath), { recursive: true });
+        await fs.writeFile(this.configPath, JSON.stringify(validated, null, 2));
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/status.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/status.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3858708b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/status.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,199 @@
+import { exec } from 'child_process';
+import { promisify } from 'util';
+import os from 'os';
+import path from 'path';
+import fs from 'fs/promises';
+import { existsSync } from 'fs';
+import { CodeModeAgentStatus } from './types.js';
+
+const execAsync = promisify(exec);
+
+// Where claude.cmd / codex.cmd typically live when installed via npm/pnpm/yarn.
+// We scan these directly because Electron's spawned shell sometimes doesn't
+// inherit the user's full PATH (especially on macOS GUI launches, and even on
+// Windows when global npm prefix isn't propagated to system PATH).
+function commonInstallPaths(binary: string): string[] {
+    const home = os.homedir();
+    if (process.platform === 'win32') {
+        const appData = process.env.APPDATA || path.join(home, 'AppData', 'Roaming');
+        const localAppData = process.env.LOCALAPPDATA || path.join(home, 'AppData', 'Local');
+        const programFiles = process.env.ProgramFiles || 'C:\\Program Files';
+        return [
+            path.join(appData, 'npm', `${binary}.cmd`),
+            path.join(appData, 'npm', `${binary}.exe`),
+            path.join(localAppData, 'npm', `${binary}.cmd`),
+            path.join(localAppData, 'pnpm', `${binary}.cmd`),
+            path.join(home, 'AppData', 'Roaming', 'pnpm', `${binary}.cmd`),
+            path.join(programFiles, 'nodejs', `${binary}.cmd`),
+            path.join(home, '.volta', 'bin', `${binary}.cmd`),
+        ];
+    }
+    return [
+        '/usr/local/bin',
+        '/opt/homebrew/bin',          // Apple Silicon Homebrew
+        '/usr/bin',
+        path.join(home, '.npm-global', 'bin'),
+        path.join(home, '.local', 'bin'),
+        path.join(home, '.volta', 'bin'),
+        path.join(home, '.nvm', 'versions', 'node'),  // partial; nvm has versioned subdirs
+        path.join(home, 'bin'),
+    ].map(dir => path.join(dir, binary));
+}
+
+async function probeShell(binary: string): Promise<boolean> {
+    try {
+        if (process.platform === 'win32') {
+            const { stdout } = await execAsync(`where ${binary}`, { timeout: 5000 });
+            return stdout.trim().length > 0;
+        }
+        // Login shell so ~/.zprofile / ~/.bashrc PATH additions are visible —
+        // essential for Homebrew, nvm, asdf, volta installs on macOS GUI launches.
+        const { stdout } = await execAsync(`/bin/sh -lc 'command -v ${binary}'`, { timeout: 5000 });
+        return stdout.trim().length > 0;
+    } catch {
+        return false;
+    }
+}
+
+async function isInstalled(binary: string): Promise<boolean> {
+    if (await probeShell(binary)) return true;
+    // Fallback: scan well-known install locations directly.
+    for (const candidate of commonInstallPaths(binary)) {
+        if (existsSync(candidate)) return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+function decodeJwtPayload(token: string): Record<string, unknown> | null {
+    try {
+        const parts = token.split('.');
+        if (parts.length < 2) return null;
+        const padded = parts[1].replace(/-/g, '+').replace(/_/g, '/');
+        const pad = padded.length % 4 === 0 ? '' : '='.repeat(4 - (padded.length % 4));
+        const json = Buffer.from(padded + pad, 'base64').toString('utf-8');
+        const parsed = JSON.parse(json);
+        return typeof parsed === 'object' && parsed !== null ? parsed as Record<string, unknown> : null;
+    } catch {
+        return null;
+    }
+}
+
+// Given the raw credentials JSON (from a file or the macOS Keychain), decide
+// whether it represents a usable signed-in state: a valid API key, an unexpired
+// access token, or a refresh token (which can mint a new access token).
+function isClaudeCredentialSignedIn(raw: string): boolean {
+    try {
+        const parsed = JSON.parse(raw) as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+        const oauth = parsed.claudeAiOauth as Record<string, unknown> | undefined;
+        if (oauth) {
+            const access = typeof oauth.accessToken === 'string' ? oauth.accessToken : '';
+            const refresh = typeof oauth.refreshToken === 'string' ? oauth.refreshToken : '';
+            if (refresh.length > 0) return true;
+            if (access.length > 0) {
+                if (typeof oauth.expiresAt === 'number' && oauth.expiresAt > 0 && oauth.expiresAt < Date.now()) {
+                    return false;
+                }
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (typeof parsed.apiKey === 'string' && parsed.apiKey.length > 10) return true;
+        if (typeof parsed.accessToken === 'string' && parsed.accessToken.length > 10) return true;
+    } catch {
+        // malformed JSON
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+// Reads Claude Code's credentials from the macOS login Keychain, where the
+// CLI stores them on macOS (service "Claude Code-credentials"). On Linux/Windows
+// it uses the ~/.claude/.credentials.json file instead, so this is a no-op there.
+//
+// Caveats:
+//  - The first read by this app (a different binary than the `claude` CLI that
+//    created the item) triggers a one-time macOS authorization dialog; the user
+//    must "Always Allow". Headless/SSH sessions can't show it and will fail.
+//  - If CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR is set, Claude appends a SHA-256 suffix to the service
+//    name, which this lookup won't match — such setups usually keep the file too.
+async function readClaudeKeychainCredential(): Promise<string | null> {
+    if (process.platform !== 'darwin') return null;
+    try {
+        const { stdout } = await execAsync(
+            `security find-generic-password -s "Claude Code-credentials" -w`,
+            { timeout: 5000 },
+        );
+        const out = stdout.trim();
+        return out.length > 0 ? out : null;
+    } catch {
+        // not present in keychain
+        return null;
+    }
+}
+
+// Validates Claude Code auth. On macOS the credentials live in the login
+// Keychain; on Linux/Windows in ~/.claude/.credentials.json (or ~/.config
+// fallback). We check both so detection works across platforms.
+async function checkClaudeSignedIn(): Promise<boolean> {
+    const home = os.homedir();
+    const candidates = [
+        path.join(home, '.claude', '.credentials.json'),
+        path.join(home, '.config', 'claude', '.credentials.json'),
+    ];
+    for (const full of candidates) {
+        try {
+            const raw = await fs.readFile(full, 'utf-8');
+            if (isClaudeCredentialSignedIn(raw)) return true;
+        } catch {
+            // try next candidate
+        }
+    }
+
+    // macOS: credentials are stored in the Keychain rather than on disk.
+    const keychainRaw = await readClaudeKeychainCredential();
+    if (keychainRaw && isClaudeCredentialSignedIn(keychainRaw)) return true;
+
+    return false;
+}
+
+// Validates Codex auth at ~/.codex/auth.json on all platforms.
+// Considered signed in if API key set, or a refresh_token / access_token
+// exists. id_token expiry is intentionally NOT used as a rejection signal —
+// id_tokens are short-lived (~1h) but refresh_tokens persist for weeks.
+async function checkCodexSignedIn(): Promise<boolean> {
+    const home = os.homedir();
+    const full = path.join(home, '.codex', 'auth.json');
+    try {
+        const raw = await fs.readFile(full, 'utf-8');
+        const parsed = JSON.parse(raw) as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+        if (typeof parsed.OPENAI_API_KEY === 'string' && parsed.OPENAI_API_KEY.length > 10) return true;
+
+        const tokens = parsed.tokens as Record<string, unknown> | undefined;
+        if (tokens) {
+            const refresh = typeof tokens.refresh_token === 'string' ? tokens.refresh_token : '';
+            const access = typeof tokens.access_token === 'string' ? tokens.access_token : '';
+            const id = typeof tokens.id_token === 'string' ? tokens.id_token : '';
+            if (refresh.length > 0 || access.length > 0 || id.length > 0) return true;
+        }
+    } catch {
+        // file missing or unreadable
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+// Exported for diagnostics — silenced unused-var warning by re-export only.
+export { decodeJwtPayload };
+
+export async function checkCodeModeAgentStatus(): Promise<CodeModeAgentStatus> {
+    const [claudeInstalled, codexInstalled, claudeSignedIn, codexSignedIn] = await Promise.all([
+        isInstalled('claude'),
+        isInstalled('codex'),
+        checkClaudeSignedIn(),
+        checkCodexSignedIn(),
+    ]);
+    return {
+        claude: { installed: claudeInstalled, signedIn: claudeSignedIn },
+        codex: { installed: codexInstalled, signedIn: codexSignedIn },
+    };
+}
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/types.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/types.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..57a3158f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/code-mode/types.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+import z from "zod";
+
+export const CodeModeConfig = z.object({
+    enabled: z.boolean(),
+});
+export type CodeModeConfig = z.infer<typeof CodeModeConfig>;
+
+export const AgentStatus = z.object({
+    installed: z.boolean(),
+    signedIn: z.boolean(),
+});
+export type AgentStatus = z.infer<typeof AgentStatus>;
+
+export const CodeModeAgentStatus = z.object({
+    claude: AgentStatus,
+    codex: AgentStatus,
+});
+export type CodeModeAgentStatus = z.infer<typeof CodeModeAgentStatus>;
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/di/container.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/di/container.ts
index 9382de8b..f452105a 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/di/container.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/di/container.ts
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import { IAgentRuntime, AgentRuntime } from "../agents/runtime.js";
 import { FSOAuthRepo, IOAuthRepo } from "../auth/repo.js";
 import { FSClientRegistrationRepo, IClientRegistrationRepo } from "../auth/client-repo.js";
 import { FSGranolaConfigRepo, IGranolaConfigRepo } from "../knowledge/granola/repo.js";
+import { FSCodeModeConfigRepo, ICodeModeConfigRepo } from "../code-mode/repo.js";
 import { IAbortRegistry, InMemoryAbortRegistry } from "../runs/abort-registry.js";
 import { FSAgentScheduleRepo, IAgentScheduleRepo } from "../agent-schedule/repo.js";
 import { FSAgentScheduleStateRepo, IAgentScheduleStateRepo } from "../agent-schedule/state-repo.js";
@@ -38,6 +39,7 @@ container.register({
     oauthRepo: asClass<IOAuthRepo>(FSOAuthRepo).singleton(),
     clientRegistrationRepo: asClass<IClientRegistrationRepo>(FSClientRegistrationRepo).singleton(),
     granolaConfigRepo: asClass<IGranolaConfigRepo>(FSGranolaConfigRepo).singleton(),
+    codeModeConfigRepo: asClass<ICodeModeConfigRepo>(FSCodeModeConfigRepo).singleton(),
     agentScheduleRepo: asClass<IAgentScheduleRepo>(FSAgentScheduleRepo).singleton(),
     agentScheduleStateRepo: asClass<IAgentScheduleStateRepo>(FSAgentScheduleStateRepo).singleton(),
     slackConfigRepo: asClass<ISlackConfigRepo>(FSSlackConfigRepo).singleton(),
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/core/src/runs/runs.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/runs/runs.ts
index e10bf575..c316cd3b 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/runs/runs.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/runs/runs.ts
@@ -39,9 +39,9 @@ export async function createRun(opts: z.infer<typeof CreateRunOptions>): Promise
     return run;
 }
 
-export async function createMessage(runId: string, message: UserMessageContentType, voiceInput?: boolean, voiceOutput?: VoiceOutputMode, searchEnabled?: boolean, middlePaneContext?: MiddlePaneContext): Promise<string> {
+export async function createMessage(runId: string, message: UserMessageContentType, voiceInput?: boolean, voiceOutput?: VoiceOutputMode, searchEnabled?: boolean, middlePaneContext?: MiddlePaneContext, codeMode?: 'claude' | 'codex'): Promise<string> {
     const queue = container.resolve<IMessageQueue>('messageQueue');
-    const id = await queue.enqueue(runId, message, voiceInput, voiceOutput, searchEnabled, middlePaneContext);
+    const id = await queue.enqueue(runId, message, voiceInput, voiceOutput, searchEnabled, middlePaneContext, codeMode);
     const runtime = container.resolve<IAgentRuntime>('agentRuntime');
     runtime.trigger(runId);
     return id;
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/shared/src/ipc.ts b/apps/x/packages/shared/src/ipc.ts
index d0cee9ca..d42e9935 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/shared/src/ipc.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/shared/src/ipc.ts
@@ -228,6 +228,7 @@ const ipcSchemas = {
       voiceInput: z.boolean().optional(),
       voiceOutput: z.enum(['summary', 'full']).optional(),
       searchEnabled: z.boolean().optional(),
+      codeMode: z.enum(['claude', 'codex']).optional(),
       middlePaneContext: z.discriminatedUnion('kind', [
         z.object({
           kind: z.literal('note'),
@@ -424,6 +425,27 @@ const ipcSchemas = {
       enabled: z.boolean(),
     }),
   },
+  'codeMode:getConfig': {
+    req: z.null(),
+    res: z.object({
+      enabled: z.boolean(),
+    }),
+  },
+  'codeMode:setConfig': {
+    req: z.object({
+      enabled: z.boolean(),
+    }),
+    res: z.object({
+      success: z.literal(true),
+    }),
+  },
+  'codeMode:checkAgentStatus': {
+    req: z.null(),
+    res: z.object({
+      claude: z.object({ installed: z.boolean(), signedIn: z.boolean() }),
+      codex: z.object({ installed: z.boolean(), signedIn: z.boolean() }),
+    }),
+  },
   'granola:setConfig': {
     req: z.object({
       enabled: z.boolean(),
diff --git a/apps/x/packages/shared/src/runs.ts b/apps/x/packages/shared/src/runs.ts
index 5ea0d667..a977db0b 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/shared/src/runs.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/shared/src/runs.ts
@@ -75,6 +75,7 @@ export const AskHumanRequestEvent = BaseRunEvent.extend({
     type: z.literal("ask-human-request"),
     toolCallId: z.string(),
     query: z.string(),
+    options: z.array(z.string()).optional(),
 });
 
 export const AskHumanResponseEvent = BaseRunEvent.extend({