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For users#

Getting started#

Choosing a client#

You can use Matrix from any compatible client. The recommended options are:

  • Element web application – no installation required: https://matrix.eudat.eu.

  • Element Desktop/Mobile (sometimes called “Element Classic”) – for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android: https://element.io/download

Note: Element X (the newer client generation) is currently not supported for the eudat.eu homeserver. Please use the classic Element apps linked above.

Many other Matrix clients exist (e.g. FluffyChat, Cinny, Nheko), but this guide covers only Element.

Creating or using an account#

Option 1: You already have a Matrix account (e.g. on a server provided by your home organisation):

Keep using it. Matrix is federated, so you can chat with eudat.eu users directly from your existing account. This is the recommended approach – one account, all communities.

Option 2: You need a new account:

Go to https://matrix.eudat.eu and click Sign up. Your account will be created on the eudat.eu homeserver and will have the form @username:eudat.eu.

IMPORTANT: Save your recovery key End-to-end encryption means your chat history can only be read with your keys. If you lose access to all your devices and don’t have a recovery key, your encrypted history is permanently unrecoverable – server administrators cannot restore it.

As soon as you create your account:

  1. Go to All settings -> Encryption -> Backup (or Security & Privacy, depending on your client version).
  2. Generate and download or write down the recovery key.
  3. Store it somewhere safe and private — a password manager is ideal.

Using Matrix#

Direct messages#

  • Search for a user by display name or full Matrix ID (e.g. @colleague:eudat.eu) and start a direct chat.
  • Direct messages are end-to-end encrypted by default.

Rooms and Spaces#

  • Rooms are group chats dedicated to a topic or project. Rooms can be public (findable and joinable via search) or private (invite-only). Encryption can be enabled by room administrators.

  • Spaces are collections of related rooms — think of a Space as a community or project hub.

The public space EUDAT-community is open to everyone. It hosts discussion rooms and shares information, including service announcements. For example, room #service-anouncement:eudat.eu carries announcements about EUDAT services.

Everyday tips#

  • Notifications: By default you may be notified about every message. Adjust per-room or globally under All settings -> Notifications.
  • Multiple devices: Log in on your phone and desktop with the same account; verify each new device when prompted.
  • Keep a trusted session: Avoid logging out on a device you trust. Logging out deletes that device’s local encryption keys, and you may lose access to older encrypted messages on it unless you have your recovery key.
  • Most clients support only one account at a time. To access multiple accounts use a second browser profile or a private window.

Migrating from Mattermost#

Introduction#

The EUDAT Mattermost service is to be decommissioned on October 1, 2026. Successor service is EUDAT Matrix.

EUDAT Mattermost is the legacy chat service for the EUDAT members.

Discontinued service page: https://chat.eudat.eu

Migrating to EUDAT Matrix#

Existing content (messages, files, teams, channels) will NOT be transferred to the new Matrix service.

To prepare for the decommissioning, we recommend completing the following steps:

  1. Back up your data. Currently there is no bulk export; messages and files must be saved manually (e.g. copy important messages, download files individually). If you need an automated export for your team, please contact us.
  2. Notify your team. Teams and channels will not be automatically recreated on Matrix.
  3. Set up your team on Matrix. Create a Space (or rooms) for your team on the EUDAT Matrix server and invite your colleagues.
  4. Update links and integrations. If any of your tools, webhooks, or documentation reference chat.eudat.eu, update them before the decommissioning date.

Getting help#

  • Email: eudat-support at lists.kit.edu

Further reading#

  • Official Matrix documentation: https://matrix.org/docs/
  • Manual from Helmholtz community: https://hifis.net/doc/software/matrix/getting-started/
  • Detailed Matrix Doc is provided by TU Dresden DE/EN: https://doc.matrix.tu-dresden.de

About#

Acceptable Use Policy: https://www.eudat.eu/eudat-cdi-aup.

Privacy policy: https://matrix.eudat.eu/static/data-privacy.html.

Contact: eudat-support at lists.kit.edu

 

Last update: 22.09.2026

Last review: 22.09.2026