# OpenAI Codex and ChatGPT setup
Use this checklist to connect Aleph's MCP server to OpenAI clients that can launch local MCP servers.
## Codex CLI
Preferred path (auto-install):
```bash
pip install "aleph-rlm[mcp]"
aleph-rlm install codex
```
Manual config in your Codex config file:
- **macOS/Linux:** `~/.codex/config.toml`
- **Windows:** `%USERPROFILE%\.codex\config.toml`
```toml
[mcp_servers.aleph]
command = "aleph"
args = ["--enable-actions", "--tool-docs", "concise"]
```
Restart Codex CLI after changes.
## Codex Skills
Install the `$aleph` skill:
**Option 1:** Download [`docs/prompts/aleph.md`](../prompts/aleph.md) and save to:
- macOS/Linux: `~/.codex/skills/aleph/SKILL.md`
- Windows: `%USERPROFILE%\.codex\skills\aleph\SKILL.md`
**Option 2:** From installed package:
<details>
<summary>macOS/Linux</summary>
```bash
mkdir -p ~/.codex/skills/aleph
cp "$(python -c "import aleph; print(aleph.__path__[0])")/../docs/prompts/aleph.md" ~/.codex/skills/aleph/SKILL.md
```
</details>
<details>
<summary>Windows (PowerShell)</summary>
```powershell
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\aleph"
$alephPath = python -c "import aleph; print(aleph.__path__[0])"
Copy-Item "$alephPath\..\docs\prompts\aleph.md" "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\aleph\SKILL.md"
```
</details>
Restart Codex CLI after changes.
## ChatGPT / OpenAI desktop clients
If your client exposes MCP server settings, add a server with:
- Name: `aleph`
- Command: `aleph`
- Args: `["--enable-actions", "--tool-docs", "concise"]`
Notes:
- The client must run on the same machine where `aleph` is installed.
- Verify installation with `aleph-rlm doctor`.
## Troubleshooting
- If `aleph` is not found, reinstall: `pip install "aleph-rlm[mcp]"`.
