Element – Secure Decentralized Messaging App

Introduction to Element

Element is a free, open-source, decentralized messaging and collaboration platform built on the Matrix protocol. Unlike centralized messaging apps, Element allows users to choose their server (or run their own), ensuring data sovereignty while still enabling communication across the entire Matrix network. The platform provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, and supports bridging to other platforms like Slack, Discord, and IRC.

Element is used by organizations, communities, and individuals who require secure, interoperable communication. Major users include Mozilla, KDE, Automattic, and various government agencies. The decentralized architecture means no single entity controls the network, and users can communicate across different servers seamlessly.

Key Features

Element provides end-to-end encrypted messaging (using the Olm/Megolm protocols), voice and video calls, file sharing, screen sharing, and support for Spaces (community organization). The platform supports threads, message editing, reactions, and rich media. Bridge integrations allow connecting to Slack, Discord, Telegram, IRC, and other platforms.

Installation on Linux

# Ubuntu/Debian (official repository)
sudo apt install -y wget apt-transport-https
sudo wget -O /usr/share/keyrings/element-io-archive-keyring.gpg https://packages.element.io/debian/element-io-archive-keyring.gpg
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/element-io-archive-keyring.gpg] https://packages.element.io/debian/ default main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/element-io.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install element-desktop

# Via Flatpak
flatpak install flathub im.riot.Riot

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S element-desktop

Installation on Windows/macOS

# Windows
winget install Element.Element

# Or via Chocolatey
choco install element-desktop

# macOS
brew install --cask element

Mobile Apps

# Android: Google Play Store or F-Droid
# iOS: App Store

# Features:
# - Push notifications
# - End-to-end encryption
# - Voice/video calls
# - QR code verification

Creating an Account

# Public servers:
# - matrix.org (default)
# - mozilla.org
# - tchncs.de
# - kde.org

# Account creation:
1. Open Element
2. Select "Create account"
3. Choose server (or use matrix.org)
4. Enter username and password
5. Verify email (optional)

# Self-hosted:
# Run your own Matrix server (Synapse)
# Use your server address when registering

Basic Usage

# Start conversation:
# Click + button > Start new chat
# Enter Matrix ID (@user:server)

# Join room:
# Click + > Join room
# Enter room address (#room:server)
# Or search public rooms

# Create room:
# Click + > Create new room
# Configure name and settings
# Invite members

Encryption and Security

# Verify devices:
# - Compare emojis with other user
# - Or scan QR code

# Key backup:
# Settings > Security & Privacy
# Set up key backup (important!)
# Enables message recovery

# Cross-signing:
# Verify your own devices
# Once verified, auto-trusts future devices

Spaces

# Spaces organize rooms and people
# Similar to Discord servers

# Create Space:
# Click + > Create Space
# Choose: Public, Private, Personal

# Add rooms to Space:
# Right-click room > Add to Space

# Invite to Space:
# Share Space link
# Or invite by Matrix ID

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+K          Quick room switcher
Ctrl+/          Show all shortcuts
Alt+Up/Down     Navigate rooms
Ctrl+Shift+U    Upload file
Ctrl+Enter      Start new line
Ctrl+B/I        Bold/Italic
Tab             Complete username

Bridges

# Connect to other platforms:
# - Slack (via mautrix-slack)
# - Discord (via mautrix-discord)
# - Telegram (via mautrix-telegram)
# - IRC (native support)
# - Signal (via mautrix-signal)

# Public bridges:
# Available on some servers
# Or self-host bridges

Conclusion

Element provides a secure, decentralized alternative to proprietary messaging platforms while maintaining the features modern users expect. Its commitment to open standards through the Matrix protocol ensures interoperability and user choice, making it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations seeking control over their communications.