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Run parallel browser tasks in Chrome with Codex

Run several web research tasks at once in Chrome with Codex and the ChatGPT browser extension, then merge them into one sourced table in 15 minutes.

By Recaply EditorsIntermediate15 min5 stepsUpdated

Two hands hold up paper cards on strings that run down, with a third card, into one small basket

What you need

Browser control depends on rollout and your workspace settings, and OpenAI lists it as limited availability on every plan.

  1. Step 1: Add the ChatGPT extension to Chrome

    3 min

    The extension lets Codex read and act on sites where you're already signed in.

    1. In the ChatGPT desktop app, open Settings > Computer Use. Expand More browsers if Chrome isn't listed.
    2. Select Google Chrome and follow any prompt to install the plugin it needs.
    3. Select Install beside Chrome, add the ChatGPT extension from its store page, and review the permissions.
    4. Back in Computer Use, check that Chrome shows Manage and its toggle is on.

    You should see Google Chrome in the Computer Use list, with a Manage button next to it.

    Chrome still shows Install?

    Use the Chrome profile where you added the extension, then restart Chrome. If it still fails, run the setup again from Settings > Computer Use.

  2. Step 2: Choose the sites Codex can use

    2 min

    Parallel tasks run faster when Codex doesn't stop to ask about every site.

    1. In Settings > Computer Use, select Manage next to Chrome.
    2. Add the sites your tasks will visit to the allowlist.
    3. Add sites Codex should never touch, such as your bank, to the blocklist.

    You should see your research sites on the allowlist and private sites on the blocklist.

    Skip Allow for all sites. OpenAI marks it Elevated Risk, and says to treat any page's content as untrusted.

  3. Step 3: Split the job into separate tasks

    4 min

    Tasks that don't depend on each other can run at the same time without mixing up results.

    1. Write one task per site or source, with one goal and the same output format.
    2. Use the template below for each task, and give every task the same table columns.
    3. If one task needs another's result, run those two one after the other instead.
    Your task prompt
    @Chrome Open [SITE]. Find [WHAT TO COLLECT]. Don't sign up, buy or submit anything. Return a table with these columns: [COLUMNS]. Add the page link for each row. Stop and ask me if a page needs a login.

    You should see 2 to 4 task prompts, each naming one site and the same table columns.

    Two tasks need to change the same account?

    Merge them into one task. OpenAI advises against giving two parallel tasks write access to the same source.

  4. Step 4: Start one Codex chat per task

    3 min

    Each chat keeps its own context, so the tasks run side by side without sharing notes.

    1. In the app, pick Codex and start a New chat.
    2. Type @, pick Chrome from the menu, then paste your first task and send it.
    3. Start another New chat for the next task, and repeat until every task is running.

    You should see several chats working at once, while you keep using your own Chrome tabs.

    Chrome isn't in the @ menu?

    In Settings > Computer Use, turn on Chrome's toggle. Then start a new chat and try again.

    OpenAI says the extension works across tabs in the background without taking over your browser.

  5. Step 5: Merge the results

    3 min

    One table is easier to check and share than several chats.

    1. When each chat finishes, open 2 or 3 of its links to spot-check the numbers.
    2. Copy each chat's table.
    3. Start a new Codex chat, paste the prompt below, and add each table where it says.
    Your prompt
    Combine these results into one table. Keep the page link on every row. Flag rows where two sources disagree, and list anything a task couldn't find.

Task 1:
[PASTE TABLE]

Task 2:
[PASTE TABLE]

    You should see one table that merges every task, with links and the gaps flagged.

    One chat stopped partway?

    Open it and answer its question, or approve the site it asked about. Then send a short follow-up, such as "Continue the task."

You get

Several web tasks done at once in Chrome, merged into one table with a link on every row

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