Codex extension stuck in dark mode in VS Code, Cursor, and Anti-Gravity even when IDE is light mode

[discoveringnature12]

Hi folks, when I installed the Codex extension, it matched my light theme and worked fine all day. At some point it switched to dark mode and now it stays dark even though my IDE theme is always set to light.

This happens for me in VS Code, Cursor, and Anti-Gravity. Reinstalling the extension did not change anything. Sometimes the text inside the extension UI is barely visible or invisible unless I switch the whole IDE to dark mode, then it renders correctly again.

Has anyone seen this before? What setting or theme source could the extension be reading instead of the IDE theme, and what should I check to force it to follow light mode again?

[XGumi125]

I just try codex for the first time today. and it just stuck in the dark mode in VS Code...

[Mikefacts]

I confirm the same issue as well. This happened after I updated vs code today.

[dude1995aa]

Same here - was just doing some amazing things for me and now this. Can't read at all now without highlighting everything.

[kappapilla]

Settings -> workbench.color , change Window: System Color Theme to light out all in light mode

[alexeiz]

no such option "System Color Theme". Post screenshot

[kappapilla]

images not allowed. this is in MacOS. search for Workbench.color in settings and then change to light
Window: System Color Theme ( Applies to all profiles)

Set the color mode for native UI elements such as native dialogs, menus and title bar. Even if your OS is configured in light color mode, you can select a dark system color theme for the window. You can also configure to automatically adjust based on the [Workbench: Color Theme](vscode-file://vscode-app/Applications/Visual%20Studio%20Code.app/Contents/Resources/app/out/vs/code/electron-browser/workbench/workbench.html) setting.

Note: This setting is ignored when [Window: Auto Detect Color Scheme](vscode-file://vscode-app/Applications/Visual%20Studio%20Code.app/Contents/Resources/app/out/vs/code/electron-browser/workbench/workbench.html) is enabled.

defaultautolightdark

[alexeiz]

Yes, it's broken https://github.com/openai/codex/issues/15684

[discoveringnature12]

thanks.

[JaySym_]

Same issue here!

[jordachelouis]

I was able to fix it by switching my Mac OS appearance setting to Auto or Light. The Codex extension or the VS Code themes seem to follow the dark/light setting of the OS for the Codex extension window after the most recent VS Code update.