Matrix is an open protocol for decentralised, secure communications

What is a protocol?

A protocol is a set of rules that govern how information is sent and received between different devices. Protocols are like languages: if two devices are both capable of using the same protocol, they can communicate just like two people who have a shared language. If there is no shared protocol between devices, it is like being caught in a room where everyone speaks a different language and no translation is available: communication is not going to go very far.

Importantly, Matrix is an open protocol. This means that anyone can use it, and anyone can offer contributions to it. We do not restrict its use, and anyone is free to build whatever they would like using it. Matrix is aiming to become an open technical standard, a common language through which all online messaging can intercommunicate.

Why does it matter that Matrix is open?

An open technical standard is like public infrastructure: for example, a road that anyone is allowed to drive on. At the moment, email is like this: you are free to send an email to anyone whether they use Gmail, or Yahoo, or Apple Mail, or Proton, or any other email service provider.

But messaging is not: users on WhatsApp cannot send messages to Dicord, or Slack, or Signal or any other messaging application, because they all speak different unerlying protocols.

All applications built on Matrix, however, can talk to each other. That means Matrix will never restrict the use of these applications, use your data in ways that you might not agree with (creating privacy and security risks), set barriers to entry like costly subscription fees, or limit customisation/innovation to create an app that suits your needs. With Matrix, you have full control over your communications.

Explore the spec See our source code
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The Matrix Foundation is a neutral guardian of the Matrix protocol, ensuring an independent and unencumbered spec

The Matrix.org Foundation exists to act as a neutral custodian for Matrix and to nurture it as efficiently as possible as a single unfragmented standard, for the greater benefit of the whole ecosystem, not benefiting or privileging any single player or subset of players.

The Foundation consists of a core team of staff who manage day-to-day operations; a Spec Core Team, made up of experts from across the Matrix community; and Guardians, who are the legal directors of the Foundation. Matrix has an open governance process, and invites members of the wider ecosystem to participate via our Working Groups.

See our Foundation page
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The Matrix protocol supports a vibrant Ecosystem of applications, servers, software, and developer tools

Because Matrix is an open technical standard that anyone can build on, it has become home to a wide variety of projects. We call this the Matrix "ecosystem".

The ecosystem includes clients, applications that you can use to chat via Matrix; bridges that allow you to use Matrix to talk to people on other applications such as Discord or Slack; software development kits (SDKs) for developers that want to build something on top of Matrix; and much more.

See our Ecosystem page
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The Matrix Homeserver hosts the accounts of Matrix users

Anyone is free to host Matrix wherever they would like, but not everyone wants to. So the Matrix Foundation maintains a network of federated servers to make it easier for users who want to try Matrix. By "federated", we mean a group of providers that agree on standards of operation, much like federated states operate under a central government but can have their own rules.

See our Homeserver page
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