Codex Desktop: restore inline project expansion in the sidebar
Summary
Restore an optional inline project list beneath the Projects row in Codex Desktop. Keep the current full Projects directory, but add a disclosure chevron so users can switch projects without leaving the task they are viewing.
Problem
The Windows sidebar currently presents Projects as a destination row with a create button. Opening it replaces the active task with the full-page directory. That directory is useful for search and management, but it adds a detour to frequent project switching and removes at-a-glance project access from the sidebar.
Proposed UX
- Add a dedicated disclosure chevron before the Projects folder icon.
- Chevron toggles a compact inline list of pinned or recently updated projects.
- Projects label continues to open the full directory.
- Plus continues to create a project.
- Remember the expanded or collapsed state on the device.
- Cap the shortcut list and finish it with View all projects.
- Keep the three actions separate for clear pointer and keyboard behavior.
Acceptance Criteria
- Project shortcuts can be revealed without navigating away from the active task.
- Disclosure, Projects navigation, and project creation remain separate controls.
- The disclosure exposes an accurate
aria-expandedstate and works by keyboard. - Expansion preference persists across app restarts on the same device.
- Long names truncate without shifting or overlapping controls.
- Empty, loading, and error states preserve access to the full Projects directory.
- Existing project sorting behavior is reused rather than duplicated.
Relationship to Existing Issues
- #23825 documents earlier project expansion behavior and a loading problem inside expanded project groups.
- #33077 covers ordering for projects already visible in the sidebar.
This request is complementary: it focuses on restoring optional inline project access alongside the newer full-page directory.
Prototype
Current full-page navigation:
Proposed inline expansion:
All prototype project names and task content are invented. The reporter's private project names and screenshots are not included.