element-hq/element-web
Element Web
Element Web is a web-based communication client used for real-time messaging and collaboration via the decentralized Matrix protocol. It functions as an end-to-end encrypted messenger, a VoIP client for voice and video conferencing, and an interface for interacting with integrated bots and external bridges.
The project distinguishes itself through a modular architecture that supports runtime module loading and external script imports to extend core capabilities. It provides extensive white-labeling options, allowing for the customization of application branding, visual themes, and the use of feature flags to toggle experimental or specific interface elements.
The application covers a broad range of communication capabilities, including rich text messaging, group video conferencing with guest access, and advanced conversation organization through filtering and room sections. It integrates identity management via OpenID Connect for single sign-on and manages security through cross-signing encryption and device identity verification.
The software can be deployed as a containerized web server or wrapped as a native desktop application.
Features
- Real-time Messaging - Provides a real-time messaging platform for instant communication between users via a decentralized protocol.
- Decentralized Messaging - Facilitates instant messaging and group conversations using the decentralized Matrix protocol across different servers.
- Matrix Web Clients - Provides a browser-based application implementing the Matrix protocol for decentralized real-time communication.
- End-to-End Encrypted Messengers - Ships as a secure messenger featuring end-to-end encryption with cross-signing and recovery keys.
- Matrix Servers - Provides tools for configuring server connections and managing user identities and roles within the Matrix network.
- Real-Time Voice and Video Communication - Provides native support for group voice and video calling with guest access.
- Video Conferencing Systems - Implements a comprehensive system for real-time audio and video communication with guest access.
- End-to-End Encryption - Implements end-to-end encryption to secure communication channels and prevent unauthorized access to messages.
- Identity Management - Manages user digital identities, profiles, and account settings across the decentralized network.
- Device Verification Flows - Verifies new devices via QR codes or secure strings to ensure the integrity of encrypted communication.
- OIDC Identity Integrations - Integrates OpenID Connect for secure identity mapping and authentication delegation.
- Single Sign-On Integrations - Integrates OpenID Connect to allow user authentication via external identity providers.
- Desktop Application Packaging - Offers the ability to wrap the web interface into a native desktop container for a standalone experience.
- Access Control Policies - Regulates room access and modification through user roles, power levels, and invite blocking.
- Room List Grouping - Allows the creation and management of collapsible sections to group related conversations in the room list.
- Connection Management - Provides tools for establishing and maintaining network connections to Matrix homeservers.
- Conversation Organization Features - Provides tools to organize room lists using filters such as unread or favorite status.
- Module Loaders - Supports the dynamic loading of external JavaScript modules at startup to extend core application capabilities.
- OIDC Authentication Plugins - Integrates with OpenID Connect identity providers to delegate authentication and enable single sign-on.
- Feature Flags - Uses feature flags to toggle experimental tools and hide or reveal specific interface elements.
- Module Registration - Matrix client capability to mount external module directories that automatically register new functionality within the application.
- Frontend UI Localization - Provides a comprehensive framework for translating static UI text and labels across multiple languages.
- Runtime Capability Extensions - Allows for the import of external scripts at startup to extend the core application's capabilities.
- Dynamic Modules - Utilizes a modular architecture that supports loading external JavaScript modules at runtime via a predictable API.
- Application Branding - Allows customization of the application name, visual themes, and display styles for a branded experience.
- Rich Text Editors - Ships a rich text editor supporting emojis, formatted pasting, and draft saving for messages.
- Widget Embedding Frameworks - Provides a framework for embedding third-party applications within the interface using a specialized messaging API.
- White Labeling - Offers comprehensive white-labeling tools to personalize the branding and visual identity of the chat experience.
- Widget Embedding - Allows embedding of external applications and specialized interfaces directly within the chat view.
- Communication Platforms - Client for the Matrix communication protocol.
- Communication Systems - Listed in the “Communication Systems” section of the Awesome Selfhosted awesome list.
