Fractal is a Matrix messaging app for GNOME.
Its interface is optimized for collaboration in large groups, such as free software projects.
The developers are in the process of rewriting Fractal from scratch using GTK4 and the matrix-rust-sdk.
Key Features
- Room directory.
- Search joined rooms.
- Room user list
- Display room description.
- Edit room description.
- Highlights.
- Send read.
- Sending invites.
- Accepting invites.
- Typing notification.
- Attachment uploading and downloading.
- Send formatted messages in Markdown.
- Redacting.
Website: wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Fractal
Support: GitLab Code Repository
Developer: Daniel García Moreno and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

Fractal is written in Rust. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Matrix Clients | |
|---|---|
| Fractal | Matrix client for GNOME |
| NeoChat | Fork of Spectral |
| Cinny | Focuses primarily on a simple, elegant and secure interface |
| nheko | Desktop client using Qt and C++ |
| Element | Glossy client with an emphasis on performance and usability |
| FluffyChat | Multi-platform Matrix client with a simple and clean user interface |
| Quaternion | Qt5-based IM client |
| Commet | Feature rich experience while maintaining a simple interface |
| Moment | Fancy, customizable, keyboard-operable Matrix chat client |
| SchildiChat | Matrix client / Element Web/Desktop fork |
| Sable | Polished messaging app with a strong focus on everyday usability |
| Hydrogen | Minimal Matrix chat client |
| Extera | Feature-rich chat app derived from FluffyChat with a fresh approach |
| Tammy | Privacy-minded messenger with secure conversations and clean design |
| Syphon | Privacy centric Matrix client |
| Chatty | Unified messaging app designed for desktop and mobile devices |
| Chats | Messaging application for mobile and desktop |
| Quadrix | Minimal, simple, multi-platform chat client |
| Matrix | Modern chat app with rooms, accounts, media and encryption |
| Spectral | Glossy native client designed with simplicity in mind |
| Mirage | Fancy, customizable, keyboard-operable Matrix chat client |
| kazv | Convergent Matrix client and secure messaging app |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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All this is great, but I am a single Ubuntu Studio user who wants access to the # or @ GnuCash chat room. I am stopped at the “What is your Provider?” It wants a domain. I have no idea from about an hour of bouncing from one Health Provider or GNOME site on how to install it to another. I will only need access in the rare case GnuCash acts up, so paying for some high priced health industry “provider” seems unreasonable.
Can someone provide a pointer or the instructions for what exactly an individual user of a GNOME based application is to do at this fill in “Matrix provider domain, e.g. myserver.co” since leaving it empty is not acceptable.
It seems your issue has nothing really to do with Linux or Fractal but rather about how to use Matrix. Hence you’d be better to post your question to Matrix itself. Good luck.