FAQ
Questions.
Short answers about how CodeInk works, what it stores and how to install it.
Basics
What is CodeInk?
A desktop app that gives the coding agent CLIs you already use one shared window: projects, sessions, the agent’s replies and steps, your changes and a terminal.
Do I need an account?
No. There’s no CodeInk account. Each agent keeps its own sign-in and plan, exactly as it does in the terminal.
Which agents work?
Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode and Pi connect natively. 22 more connect through the Agent Client Protocol, and you can add any other ACP-compatible agent yourself. See Agents.
Is it free?
Yes. CodeInk is free and open source under GPL version 3 or later. The agents themselves may need their own plan. Source on GitHub.
Privacy
Where are my agent credentials stored?
External agents sign in through their own CLIs. If you use CodeInk Agent, its Vercel AI Gateway or OpenRouter API key is stored in a private file on your computer and sent to the gateway you choose.
Where are my sessions stored?
On your computer. CodeInk keeps its session data locally.
Install
macOS and Windows installation
macOS downloads need an Apple Developer ID signature and notarization. If macOS reports that CodeInk
is damaged, the release was not properly signed; check for a newer signed release. Windows may show
a SmartScreen notice. On Linux, make the AppImage executable with
chmod +x.
Verify your download
Every release includes SHA256SUMS.txt. Compare it with
shasum -a 256 <file> on macOS or Linux, or
Get-FileHash <file> in PowerShell. Only download from
ErzenXz/CodeInk releases, or
build from source.
Early Access is a separate app
Early Access has the newest changes from development. It installs as CodeInk Early Access next to the production app and keeps its own session data. Sessions don’t move between the two.
Set up an agent
For CodeInk Agent, add a Vercel AI Gateway or OpenRouter key in Settings. For an external agent,
install it and sign in with its CLI. CodeInk finds its command on your PATH.
What’s the difference between Production and Early Access?
Production gets stable builds from the main branch. Early Access gets the newest changes sooner, installs as a separate app and keeps its own sessions.