Start with the agent CLI you already use. Claude Code and Codex each work without the other installed. See Agent support for the current differences.
1. Choose your agent and project
Complete Helmsman sign-in and the first-run steps. Choose an installed agent and a project. Helmsman remembers your choices. Codex requires CLI version 0.153.4 or later.
2. Open a live cell
Helmsman starts the selected CLI in a real terminal. Complete its native sign-in and trust prompts. If the starter workspace offers Copy prompt, finish those prompts first. Then copy the text, paste it into the cell, and press Enter. Copying alone does not submit a task.
3. Work in the cell
Type a prompt, answer a question, or paste a path. The terminal runs your installed agent CLI. For Claude Code and Codex, launch settings let you choose native models and permissions. Codex keeps reasoning, sandbox and approval choices separate. Use its native terminal for Plan mode.
4. Add more sessions
Open another cell for the same project or another project. A deck holds up to twelve sessions; more appear on the next deck, with sixty sessions in all. See The session grid.
5. Focus and step back
Focus a cell to interact with its terminal, then return to the grid to watch the other sessions. Codex follow-up and interruption currently use its native terminal controls. Automated Fleet follow-up, steer and interrupt remain unavailable for Codex. See Agent support.
Close the cell when you are done.