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element-hq/element-web

A web and desktop client for the Matrix open communication protocol, built on the Matrix JS SDK.

Open-source alternative to:SlackDiscordMicrosoft Teams

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What is it?

Element, formerly known as Vector and Riot, is a client for the Matrix protocol that runs in the browser and as a desktop app wrapped in Electron. It is built on the Matrix JS SDK and lets users chat, join rooms, and communicate across any Matrix-compatible server.

The repository is a monorepo that holds Element Web and related projects in separate subdirectories, including the desktop app. The project provides a hosted instance at app.element.io, and documentation covers hosting your own instance, configuration, and translations.

For mobile devices, the project points users to the separate native apps element-x-android and element-x-ios.

Key features

  • 01Matrix client for web and desktop, built on the Matrix JS SDK
  • 02Desktop app packaged with Electron for macOS, Windows, and Linux
  • 03Can be self-hosted on your own instance
  • 04Monorepo structure with multiple related projects
  • 05Translation support through a documented workflow

Use cases

  • Chatting on the Matrix network through a browser without installing software
  • Running a self-hosted, private chat client for a team or organization
  • Using a desktop Matrix client on macOS, Windows, or Linux
  • Studying or extending a large open-source TypeScript web client for Matrix

Quick start

  1. 1

    Try the hosted copy in your browser

  2. 2

    Download the desktop app from the Element website

  3. 3

    Host your own instance by following the install guide

Things to know

  • Licensed under AGPL-3.0, a copyleft license that requires source disclosure for modified network deployments.
  • Some browsers and mobile web platforms get only best-effort or community support.

Topics

#matrix#chat#messaging#typescript#electron#self-hosted#decentralized#hacktoberfest

FAQ

What is element-web?
A web and desktop client for the Matrix open communication protocol, built on the Matrix JS SDK. Element, formerly known as Vector and Riot, is a client for the Matrix protocol that runs in the browser and as a desktop app wrapped in Electron. It is built on the Matrix JS SDK and lets users chat, join rooms, and communicate across any Matrix-compatible server.
Is element-web free to use? What license does it have?
element-web is open source under the AGPL-3.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is element-web still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to element-web was on Oct 19, 2026.
What can I use element-web for?
Chatting on the Matrix network through a browser without installing software Running a self-hosted, private chat client for a team or organization Using a desktop Matrix client on macOS, Windows, or Linux Studying or extending a large open-source TypeScript web client for Matrix
How do I install element-web?
Try the hosted copy in your browser Download the desktop app from the Element website Host your own instance by following the install guide
Where can I get element-web?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/element-hq/element-web

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