Element Desktop

This is Element Desktop, the messenger in form of a stand alone program. You can have it on computer and laptop with all major operating systems.

Install it standard way (official source):

1. Copy paste this command line to Terminal:

$ sudo apt install -y wget apt-transport-https

2. Download a security thing of Element:

$ sudo wget -O /usr/share/keyrings/riot-im-archive-keyring.gpg https://packages.riot.im/debian/riot-im-archive-keyring.gpg

3. Create new sources.list:

$ echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/riot-im-archive-keyring.gpg] https://packages.riot.im/debian/ default main" | sudo tee 
/etc/apt/sources.list.d/riot-im.list

4. Refresh your Ubuntu software sources:

$ sudo apt update

5. Install Element Desktop:

$ sudo apt install element-desktop

Once installed, you will find Element on start menu. 

Install it AppImage way:

1. Download the file from GitHub/Srevinsaju.
2. Give executable permission to that file.
3. Double click it so Element Desktop runs.
4. Add new entry to start menu.
   

No actual installation nor root privilege required.

*) Note: as per today, Element Desktop is not available yet in both Debian and Ubuntu repositories, only in their own repository; while the AppImage is still unofficial.

Phone

For Android users, I suggest everyone to have F-Droid first and later install Element. For iOS users, grab Element at the App Store.

(Screenshots of Element Mobile taken from an Android phone)

Create an Account

To use Element Messenger, one must be registered first. An account will look like mine @purplesky alias Malsasa. To register, follow these:

1. Enter Element Web, Desktop, or Phone.
2. Click Sign Up.
3. Under Create account page, there are 3 input boxes, then enter a desired username, a desired password, and repeat that password once.
   
4. Click Register.
5. Solve the human verification.
6. Accept the Terms of Service and continue.
   
7. Congratulations, you got a new Element account!
   

Login

Once you have an account, you can start messaging! To message, you login first:

1. Enter Element Web, Desktop, or Phone.
2. Enter your Element username and password.
3. Click Login button.
4. If asked for anything, answer with yes or according to your concerns.
5. Congratulations, you are now on Element!

Find a Friend

If your friends do not use Element yet, invite them! You can send this article or tell them to try Element.

(Direct Messages [DM] is the friendly dialog to find friends)

Join Groups

There are already so many groups in Element. To find those:

Click Compass button (Explore more rooms button) > a list appears > click join button to join > or type some keywords e.g. technology or cooking and click join > you joined a group. Now start greetings!

Create a Group 

In Element, groups are called rooms. To create a new group is easy.

Click explore room button > click Create A New Room > name the group as you wish > name the address as you wish > follow next instructions > your group created. Now you can invite your friends to join!

Share Files

To share photos, videos, documents, everything else is easy.

Voice and Video Calls

Calling and video conferencing work.

Logout

Lastly, to close your session, you must logout. To do so, click your username / avatar > Sign Out. That's all.

Further Exploration

After you practice this basic tutorial, you can read the official documentation. I wish you got new excellent experience with Element (Matrix) and please tell your friend. Let's start sharing once again!