# Using text-based chat with the Matrix protocol

Anyone can access chatrooms at domain example.org.

You can create a personal [[account]] to access the chat service directly.

You can access the service indirectly via another Matrix chat service.


## Special strings

NB! This documentation uses special strings
which you may want to adapt for your local setup:

domain: example.org
matrixhost: matrix.example.org


## Clients

Matrix chat is accessed with any of several [Matrix clients].

Recommended is to use the [Element] client,
either as web service,
Android app,
or iOS app.

You can use several clients at once.

[Matrix clients]: <https://matrix.org/docs/projects/try-matrix-now/>
  "Introduction to common Matrix clients"

[Element]: <https://element.io/get-started>
  "Element (formerly Riot and Vector) - free and open-source software instant messaging client implementing the Matrix protocol"


## Setup

Members can create an account locally at the domain example.org.
Guests may connect indirectly from another Matrix network.

To create a local member account,
tell your Matrix client to use the chatserver matrix.example.org
(some Matrix clients call it "Custom server" or "Home server").
Then request to create a new account,
providing your email address as proof of membership
(but do **not** provide a phone number).

Guests (and members too) can connect from outside -
i.e. using an account created at some other Matrix network -
and from there join our [Reception] room.

[Reception]: <https://matrix.to/#/!JQkKPpdjWWQjaeABiV:matrix.virtual-assembly.org>
  "Reception - our room to chat with visitors"


## Rooms

All rooms are listed in a public room list.

You can join rooms each with different topics.

You can address everyone in a room by tagging your message with "@room".

You can mention a room in chat by writing its name starting with a "#".


## Communities

Matrix communities is a way to help limit view on rooms.

In Matrix clients supporting it,
You join a community either from a link in the topic of corresponding general room,
or via a listing of all communities.

You can mention a community in chat by writing its name starting with "+".