At a Glance:
Element is an open-source Matrix web and desktop client built with the Matrix JS SDK, providing decentralized messaging through a browser-based or Electron-wrapped desktop interface.
Overview:
Element is a Matrix-based messaging client available as both a web application and a desktop app wrapped in Electron. It connects to the Matrix decentralized communication network, enabling users to send messages and participate in rooms across federated servers. The project is structured as a monorepo containing Element Web and related subprojects. It targets users who want a client for the Matrix protocol, with official support for recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on desktop operating systems, plus community-supported mobile web access. The desktop app can be downloaded pre-built or built from source following provided instructions.
Key Decision Points:
Web and desktop deployment: Available as a web client and as a desktop app wrapped in Electron, which can be downloaded pre-built or built from source.
Official browser support: Actively supported on the last two major versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge for desktop, plus the last two Safari versions.
Mobile access model: Mobile web is community-supported for current stable Chrome, Firefox, and Safari on Android and iOS; native mobile apps are available through separate element-x-android and element-x-ios projects.
License flexibility: Distributed under AGPL v3 or later, GPL v3 or later, or a paid commercial license from Element, depending on usage requirements.
Monorepo structure: The repository hosts Element Web alongside other related projects in subdirectories, with separate documentation for the web application.
Core Features:
Matrix protocol connectivity: Connects to the Matrix decentralized communication network using the Matrix JS SDK.
Electron desktop app: Runs as a standalone desktop application wrapped in Electron, available as a pre-built download or buildable from source.
Desktop configuration overrides: Supports overriding default desktop app settings through documented configuration options.
Federated room participation: Enables participation in rooms across Matrix's federated server network through the Matrix protocol.
Use Cases:
Developers and technical users who want a Matrix client they can build from source for desktop use.
Users seeking a web-based Matrix client with official support for current desktop browsers.
Open-Source Alternative Value:
Element provides an open-source Matrix client under AGPL v3 or GPL v3 licenses, with source code available for both the web application and Electron desktop app. Users who need a Matrix-compatible messaging client can build the desktop version from source following the provided instructions, or use the web client directly. The multi-license approach also includes a commercial licensing option for users who require terms beyond what the open-source licenses offer. As a Matrix client built with the Matrix JS SDK, it connects to the decentralized Matrix network rather than proprietary messaging platforms.
