Element 1.12.23

Element: Open-source, Privacy-first Messaging on Matrix

Element is a polished, cross-platform chat and collaboration client built on the decentralized Matrix protocol. It delivers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, file and screen sharing, threaded conversations, and extensible integrations across web, desktop and mobile. With self-hosting or managed Element Cloud options, Matrix federation, and bridges to legacy systems, Element targets privacy-conscious individuals, developer teams and enterprises that need vendor-neutral, auditable communication and data sovereignty.

Core features and capabilities

• End-to-end encryption by default: Robust E2EE using Matrix Olm/Megolm, device cross-signing and clear key verification flows to secure one-to-one and group conversations.
• Matrix federation & interoperability: Run your own homeserver or join federated servers; bridges connect Element to Slack, IRC, XMPP and other legacy platforms for hybrid workflows and migrations.
• High-quality voice, video and screen sharing: One-on-one and group calls with adaptive audio/video, built-in screen sharing and recent group call performance improvements for remote meetings.
• Spaces, threads and persistent rooms: Organize teams and projects with Spaces, threaded replies, reactions, message editing, pinned posts and advanced search to keep conversations discoverable.
• Apps, widgets and bots: Add calendars, CI/CD notifications, automation and custom apps inside rooms via widgets and the Element Apps ecosystem to centralize tools where teams work.
• Self-host or use Element Cloud: Full control with a Synapse or alternative homeserver, or choose Element-hosted managed services for fast onboarding, SSO and enterprise features.
• Enterprise admin tooling: SSO integrations, provisioning, audit logs, policies and admin controls for compliance, access management and large-scale deployments.
• Cross-platform parity: Feature-rich web client and native desktop apps (Windows, macOS, Linux), plus Element for Android and Element/Element X on iOS with synchronized state across devices.

Security, privacy and open-source transparency

• Open-source codebase: Client and server code is publicly available, enabling independent audits, community review and the ability to self-host or extend the platform.
• Key management & device verification: Device cross-signing, secure key storage and simplified verification reduce friction while maintaining strong cryptographic guarantees.
• Data residency & governance: Self-hosting and Element Cloud let organizations control where data lives to meet regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Privacy-focused defaults: E2EE is enabled by default for private rooms and direct messages and Element supports guest access, access controls and modular deployments for hardened environments.

Mobile experience: Android and iOS

• Element for Android: Available on Google Play, optimized for messaging, secure calls and push notifications with support for low-bandwidth conditions and background sync.
• Element and Element X on iOS: Element X (App Store) offers a modern UI and faster workflows alongside the standard Element client; both prioritize secure call handling, background delivery and battery-friendly behavior.
• Responsive sync & continuity: Read receipts, typing indicators and encrypted history sync across devices so conversations continue seamlessly between phone, desktop and web.

Onboarding, deployment and getting started

1. Choose between creating an account on a public Matrix homeserver, self-hosting a Synapse (or alternative) homeserver, or subscribing to Element Cloud for managed hosting and enterprise onboarding.
2. Install the web, desktop or mobile client (official download links and instructions are available on element.io/get-started) or connect via your organization’s SSO for streamlined access.
3. Set up Spaces and rooms, invite team members, configure E2EE and device verification for private rooms, and add widgets, bots or bridges as needed for integrations.

Who should use Element

• Privacy-conscious individuals: Users who prioritize encryption, transparency and control over their data.
• Developers and integrators: Teams building bots, bridges, or custom apps that leverage Matrix APIs and federation.
• Enterprises and public-sector: Organizations requiring SSO, audit logs, data residency and enterprise SLAs with options to self-host or use Element Cloud.
• Distributed teams and communities: Groups needing federated collaboration, secure group calls, file sharing and persistent searchable history.

Performance, support and roadmap

• Active development: Regular upstream Matrix and Element releases introduce UX polish, improved group calling, threading semantics and performance optimizations.
• Scaling options: Synapse and alternative homeserver implementations cover use cases from small teams to large federated deployments; managed hosting simplifies scaling and maintenance.
• Community and commercial support: Extensive documentation, community channels and paid support from Element facilitate migrations, custom integrations and enterprise-grade SLAs.