Spectral is a glossy native Matrix client designed with simplicity in mind. Matrix is a decentralized communication protocol for instant messaging.
It’s recommended to install Google Noto Fonts or Roboto, or set custom fonts in settings.
Quaternion and Spectral use the same SDK, controller logic, list model with only a few modifications. Spectral uses libQuotient as SDK, a generic library maintained by Quotient for developing Matrix applications
Spectral is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Qt-based.
- Lightweight in terms of system resources.
- Search joined rooms.
- Room user list.
- Display room description.
- Edit room description.
- Highlights.
- Send read markers.
- Sending invites.
- Accepting invites.
- Typing notification.
- Replies.
- Attachment upload and downloading.
- Send formatted messages in Markdown.
- Display formatted messages.
- Redacting,
- Supports multiple Matrix accounts.
- Night mode.
- Notifications.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: gitlab.com/spectral-im/spectral
Support:
Developer: Spectram team
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

Spectral is written in C++. Learn C++ 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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