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Matrix

Introduction

This is a basic guide to get started with Matrix using our server. For a more in-depth guide, check out The "Join Matrix!" Guide: Basics.

Matrix is a federated communication protocol. This means that there are many different servers that can talk to each other, and you can choose which one you want to use. It's like email, but for chat.

If you make an account with and use ModernLeft's services, your files and data are stored on our servers in Germany.

The place you make your account is called a homeserver. It's a term you'll hear a lot in open source communications software. Our Bluesky for instance is modernleft.network (You can have an account if you want, just ask.)

You have three choices for creating a Matrix account:

  1. Use your ModernLeft account. It is hosted on our servers, and gives you access to other services we host (and services we host for 3rd parties).
  2. Create an account through matrix.org. Your account will be hosted on their servers.
  3. Choose a 3rd party provider. There are dozens.

Setup

For this guide, we'll use Element because it's the most popular Matrix client and works on all platforms.

I highly recommend you set everything up in the browser first, then log into your other devices.

  1. Go to app.element.io. And select "Sign in".
  2. If you are going to use your ModernLeft account (or any other homeserver), change matrix.org to matrix.modernleft.org and click "Continue". alt text
  3. Then click "Sign in with authentik".
  4. Sign in with your ModernLeft account. If you don't have one, you can create one. alt text
  5. Give Element permission to access your account. alt text
  6. Next, set up encryption recovery. Open the user settings at the top right. alt text
  7. Select "All Settings". alt text
  8. Go to "Encryption" and select "Set up recovery". alt text
  9. IMPORTANT! You will be told to copy down a recovery key. If you lose this key, you lose access to all messages and media in the account. It is not possible to recover from this. You will need to select the "Copy to Clipboard" button to continue.
    You will need that same key to access your messages on every new device or app. You'll need it semi-frequently to verify new devices, so keep it somewhere safe. I recommend a password manager, it's good practice to use one.

Join Us

Once you're set up, join the Accessible Archivist Coalition space: #accessible_archivist_coalition:matrix.modernleft.org