diff --git a/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts b/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts
index 481c5e5d..f04d820d 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts
+++ b/apps/x/apps/main/src/ipc.ts
@@ -525,7 +525,7 @@ 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);
diff --git a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx
index 04359de5..a06d6e4f 100644
--- a/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx
+++ b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/App.tsx
@@ -954,7 +954,7 @@ 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
@@ -2136,6 +2136,19 @@ 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) {
@@ -2428,6 +2441,7 @@ function App() {
     mentions?: FileMention[],
     stagedAttachments: StagedAttachment[] = [],
     searchEnabled?: boolean,
+    codeMode?: 'claude' | 'codex',
   ) => {
     if (isProcessing) return
 
@@ -2535,6 +2549,7 @@ function App() {
           voiceInput: pendingVoiceInputRef.current || undefined,
           voiceOutput: ttsEnabledRef.current ? ttsModeRef.current : undefined,
           searchEnabled: searchEnabled || undefined,
+          codeMode: codeMode || undefined,
           middlePaneContext,
         })
         analytics.chatMessageSent({
@@ -2550,6 +2565,7 @@ function App() {
           voiceInput: pendingVoiceInputRef.current || undefined,
           voiceOutput: ttsEnabledRef.current ? ttsModeRef.current : undefined,
           searchEnabled: searchEnabled || undefined,
+          codeMode: codeMode || undefined,
           middlePaneContext,
         })
         analytics.chatMessageSent({
@@ -5736,6 +5752,7 @@ 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/chat-input-with-mentions.tsx b/apps/x/apps/renderer/src/components/chat-input-with-mentions.tsx
index 97386508..6f5083b2 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'
 
@@ -109,7 +110,7 @@ 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
@@ -174,6 +175,8 @@ function ChatInputInner({
   const [searchAvailable, setSearchAvailable] = useState(false)
   const [isRowboatConnected, setIsRowboatConnected] = useState(false)
   const [workDir, setWorkDir] = useState<string | null>(null)
+  const [codingAgent, setCodingAgent] = useState<'claude' | 'codex'>('claude')
+  const [codeModeEnabled, setCodeModeEnabled] = useState(false)
 
   // When a run exists, freeze the dropdown to the run's resolved model+provider.
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -256,17 +259,73 @@ function ChatInputInner({
     return () => window.removeEventListener('models-config-changed', handler)
   }, [loadModelConfig])
 
-  // Load currently configured work directory
+  // 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),
+    })
+  }, [])
+
+  // Load currently configured work directory (and its agent preference)
   const loadWorkDir = useCallback(async () => {
+    let dir: string | null = null
     try {
       const result = await window.ipc.invoke('workspace:readFile', { path: 'config/workdir.json' })
       const parsed = JSON.parse(result.data)
       const value = typeof parsed?.path === 'string' ? parsed.path.trim() : ''
-      setWorkDir(value || null)
+      dir = value || null
     } catch {
-      setWorkDir(null)
+      dir = null
     }
-  }, [])
+    setWorkDir(dir)
+    setCodingAgent(await loadCodingAgentFor(dir))
+  }, [loadCodingAgentFor])
 
   useEffect(() => {
     loadWorkDir()
@@ -296,12 +355,13 @@ function ChatInputInner({
         data: JSON.stringify({ path: chosen }, null, 2),
       })
       setWorkDir(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])
+  }, [workDir, loadCodingAgentFor])
 
   const handleClearWorkDir = useCallback(async () => {
     try {
@@ -310,6 +370,7 @@ function ChatInputInner({
         data: JSON.stringify({}, null, 2),
       })
       setWorkDir(null)
+      setCodingAgent('claude')
       toast.success('Work directory cleared')
     } catch (err) {
       console.error('Failed to clear work directory', err)
@@ -317,6 +378,21 @@ function ChatInputInner({
     }
   }, [])
 
+  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 () => {
@@ -401,12 +477,14 @@ 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([])
     setSearchEnabled(false)
-  }, [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) {
@@ -589,7 +667,7 @@ function ChatInputInner({
                 className="flex h-7 max-w-[180px] shrink-0 items-center gap-1.5 rounded-full border border-border bg-muted/40 px-2.5 text-xs text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted hover:text-foreground"
               >
                 <FolderCog className="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
-                <span className="truncate">{workDir.split('/').pop() || workDir}</span>
+                <span className="truncate">{basename(workDir) || workDir}</span>
               </button>
             </TooltipTrigger>
             <TooltipContent side="top">
@@ -619,6 +697,52 @@ function ChatInputInner({
             </button>
           )
         )}
+        {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
@@ -779,7 +903,7 @@ 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/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts b/apps/x/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts
index 883e8a14..ec2a516f 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/agents/runtime.ts
@@ -386,9 +386,10 @@ 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."),
                     }),
                 });
             }
@@ -1059,6 +1060,7 @@ 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 }
@@ -1207,6 +1209,9 @@ 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;
             }
@@ -1310,6 +1315,28 @@ 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';
+            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 \`${codeMode}\` for this turn, and briefly mention they can also toggle it via the chip for stickiness.
+
+When you call \`executeCommand\` to run the coding agent, the command shape is:
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <workdir> <agent> exec "<prompt>"
+\`\`\`
+
+Where \`<agent>\` is either \`claude\` or \`codex\` — pick based on (in priority order): an explicit in-chat override → the chip setting (\`${codeMode}\`).
+
+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,
@@ -1365,11 +1392,16 @@ 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..cafa00f9 100644
--- a/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/instructions.ts
+++ b/apps/x/packages/core/src/application/assistant/instructions.ts
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ ${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.
+**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.
 
 **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.
 
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..efe30e13 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 +1,105 @@
 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:
+**Confirm briefly** with the user (one short line):
 
-**For Claude Code:**
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> claude exec "<prompt>"
-` + "`" + `
+> I'll use [Claude Code / Codex] to [task description] in \`[folder]\`. Permission requests from the coding agent will be auto-approved. Reply "yes" to proceed.
 
-**For Codex:**
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> codex exec "<prompt>"
-` + "`" + `
+**Execute** with the chosen agent. Call \`executeCommand\` with this exact shape:
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> <agent> exec "<prompt>"
+\`\`\`
+
+Where \`<agent>\` is \`claude\` or \`codex\`, picked 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.
+
+Concrete examples:
+
+\`\`\`
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd ~/projects/myapp claude exec "fix the off-by-one bug in foo.ts"
+npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd "G:/4th sem/CN" codex exec "create a C program that divides two numbers with divide-by-zero handling"
+\`\`\`
 
 ### 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\` and \`--cwd\` are GLOBAL flags and MUST appear BEFORE the agent name:
 
-` + "`" + `
-npx acpx@latest [global flags] <agent> exec "<prompt>"
-` + "`" + `
+- ✓ Correct: \`npx acpx@latest --approve-all --cwd <folder> <agent> exec "<prompt>"\`
+- ✗ Wrong:  \`npx acpx@latest <agent> --approve-all exec "..."\` (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.
+- Only add your own explanation if the command failed (non-zero exit). If exit code is 5, permissions were denied (shouldn't happen with \`--approve-all\` — flag this).
 
-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/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/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 230d384c..ec0d2e4c 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'),
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({