Element
Fully-featured Matrix client for Web, iOS & Android.
Open the official app on element.io
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open element.io in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse encryption tools →What's next with Element?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Element?
Element is an open-source communication platform built on the decentralized Matrix protocol, designed to enable secure, interoperable messaging and collaboration. Its primary purpose is to provide organizations and individuals with a vendor-neutral alternative to proprietary communication tools, emphasizing digital sovereignty and data control. Users include government agencies, enterprises, and teams seeking to avoid vendor lock-in while maintaining secure, cross-organization connectivity. Element addresses the problem of centralized communication systems that restrict data ownership, limit interoperability, and pose security risks through centralized data storage. By leveraging the Matrix standard, Element allows users to communicate across disparate systems while retaining control over their data and infrastructure.
How it works
Element is a decentralized messaging and collaboration tool built on the Matrix open standard, enabling secure, end-to-end encrypted communication across organizations and devices. It prioritizes user control by allowing self-hosted instances, ensuring data remains under the user's jurisdiction rather than being stored on third-party servers. The platform is used by governments, enterprises, and open-source communities to replace proprietary tools. Its decentralized architecture enables interoperability between different systems, allowing secure communication between organizations without relying on a single vendor. Element supports interoperable communication between Matrix-based services, enabling cross-organization collaboration. It provides air-gapped instance setups for isolated environments, such as secure government networks, and offers both free and Pro versions for personal and enterprise use. The tool also integrates with Matrix's open standard to facilitate real-time messaging, file sharing, and room-based collaboration.
How to use it
- 1Download the Element app from the official website or install via package managers like apt for Linux. 2. Launch the app and create an account using a Matrix server or self-hosted instance. 3. Join or create rooms for communication, and configure settings for end-to-end encryption. 4. For advanced use, deploy a self-hosted server using Docker or Kubernetes to manage private instances. Practical tips include using the web version for quick access, enabling encryption for sensitive conversations, and configuring air-gapped instances by following the provided installation guides for isolated networks.
What it can do
- Utility
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/element
- license: Apache-2.0 — free to use
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise to configure and maintain servers, which may be complex for non-technical users.
- Dependence on the Matrix protocol may limit integration with non-Matrix services compared to proprietary alternatives.
- Limited native file storage capabilities, requiring reliance on external cloud services or server-side configurations.
- The decentralized model may introduce latency or compatibility issues when interacting with centralized platforms.
- Air-gapped instances necessitate manual setup and maintenance, increasing operational overhead for isolated environments.
Understanding the result
Fully-featured Matrix client for Web, iOS & Android.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by element (Apache-2.0).
- Built with
- element (https://github.com/element)
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Text
- Output
- Output
Built with https://github.com/element. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- element
- License
- Apache-2.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- /element — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- Apache-2.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is the Matrix protocol, and how does Element use it?
The Matrix protocol is an open standard for real-time communication that enables decentralized, interoperable messaging. Element implements Matrix to allow users to communicate across different services and self-hosted instances. This ensures data remains under user control, avoiding reliance on centralized servers. Organizations can join Matrix networks to exchange messages securely without vendor lock-in.
How does Element ensure secure communication in air-gapped environments?
Element supports air-gapped instances by allowing users to deploy self-hosted servers without internet connectivity. These instances operate independently, with data stored locally. Communication within the instance is encrypted end-to-end, and external interactions require pre-configured trusted servers. This setup is ideal for high-security scenarios where internet access is restricted or prohibited.
How do I set up a self-hosted Element instance?
To deploy a self-hosted Element instance, first install a Matrix homeserver using Synapse, then configure Element clients to connect to it. For Linux, use package managers like apt to install Element-desktop and link it to your server. For isolated environments, follow the provided installation guides to set up a private instance with no internet dependency, ensuring all data remains locally managed.
How does Element compare to alternatives like Slack or Signal?
Element differs from Slack and Signal by using the decentralized Matrix protocol, enabling interoperability between different services. Unlike Slack's centralized model, Element allows organizations to self-host and control data. Signal offers end-to-end encryption but lacks Element's decentralized architecture and cross-organization collaboration features. Alternatives like Riot (now Element) and Matrix.org provide similar capabilities but with varying levels of integration and feature sets.
What should I do if Element fails to load during installation?
If Element encounters loading errors, reload the page or check for internet connectivity. For self-hosted instances, verify server logs for configuration issues. Ensure dependencies like the Element-io keyring and Debian repository are correctly set up. If using Linux, confirm the package sources are properly configured with 'sudo apt update' before reinstalling the app.