Module 1: Fundamentals1.2: Visualizing Files

Module 1.2: Visualizing Files

Reference Guide

  • Time to Complete: 10-15 minutes
  • Prerequisites: Module 1.1 complete; course folder open in the Codex app

Start this lesson interactively: Type /start 1 2 in the Codex app to set up your workspace step-by-step.

Overview

Codex does real work with real files — but that only feels trustworthy when you can see those files. This lesson shows you the Files drawer, the built-in file viewer in the Codex app, so you can watch documents appear and change in real time as Codex works.

Key takeaway: Chat with Codex on one side, watch the results in the Files drawer on the other. You’ll never wonder “what just happened?” again.

Why Visualization Matters

With the Files drawer open, you can:

  • See your entire project structure at a glance
  • Watch PRDs, research notes, and summaries appear as Codex creates them
  • Inspect the source material Codex is using
  • Point Codex at exact passages instead of vaguely waving at a whole file

Open the Files Drawer

Everything you need is built into the Codex app — no external editor required.

  1. Look in the upper right of the Codex window.
  2. Click the side drawer button (a small layout/sidebar control).
  3. In the drawer that opens, click Files.

You’ll see the project file tree for the course — folders like company-context/ and any files Codex creates as you work.

Note: Hidden folders like .agents may not show up by default. That’s fine — they’re lesson mechanics behind the scenes. Focus on the visible project files.

Browse Like a PM

Click any file in the tree to open and read it. Try company-context/COMPANY.md — it’s the company background Codex uses while helping you write PRDs, summarize research, and make product decisions.

Want to act on a specific passage? Highlight the text and use Add to chat — it brings the exact highlighted text into the conversation, so Codex can summarize, rewrite, critique, or edit it without guessing what you mean.

The Workflow From Here On

This is the loop you’ll use for the rest of the course:

  1. You ask Codex to do something (summarize notes, draft a PRD, analyze research).
  2. Codex does it.
  3. You see it happen in the Files drawer.
  4. You review and ask for revisions.
  5. Repeat.

When you want a change, ask Codex to make it and review the result in Files — that keeps everything in one place.

Optional: External Editors

Later, if you want a dedicated writing workspace, tools like Obsidian or VS Code can open the same course folder for direct editing. Completely optional — the Files drawer covers everything this course needs.

What’s Next

Next up is Module 1.3: First Tasks — your first real PM work with Codex: processing messy meeting notes, synthesizing user research, transforming communications, and working with images.

Start it by typing /start 1 3 in the Codex app, or read the reference guide:

Go to Module 1.3: First Tasks →

1.1: Welcome to TaskFlow1.3: First Tasks