Skip to main content

Your First Room

Rooms are where conversations happen in Matrix. Let's create and configure one.

Creating a Room​

In Element​

  1. Click the + button next to "Rooms"
  2. Select "New Room"
  3. Configure your room:
OptionDescription
NameDisplay name for the room
TopicBrief description shown in room header
PrivateInvite-only vs public visibility
EncryptionEnable end-to-end encryption
  1. Click "Create Room"
tip

Enable encryption during creation if you want E2EE. Enabling it later means old messages won't be encrypted.

Room Settings Deep Dive​

General Settings​

Access via Room Settings (gear icon) → General:

  • Room Name: Can be changed anytime
  • Room Topic: Supports basic markdown
  • Room Address: Create public aliases like #myroom:server.org
  • Room Avatar: Upload a custom image

Security & Privacy​

Room Settings → Security & Privacy:

SettingOptions
Who can accessInvite only, public, space members
EncryptionEnable/disable (can't disable once enabled)
Who can read historyMembers only, since joined, anyone

Roles & Permissions​

Room Settings → Roles & Permissions:

Matrix uses power levels (0-100) for permissions:

Power Level 100 - Admin (full control)
Power Level 50  - Moderator (kick, ban, delete messages)
Power Level 0   - Default (send messages)

Customize thresholds for specific actions:

  • Change room name
  • Kick/ban users
  • Send messages
  • Change permissions

Room Aliases​

Aliases make rooms easy to find and share.

Creating an Alias​

  1. Go to Room Settings → General
  2. Under "Local Addresses", add an alias
  3. Format: #alias:yourserver.org

Multiple Aliases​

A room can have multiple aliases:

  • #project:matrix.org (main alias)
  • #project-chat:matrix.org (alternative)
  • #project:example.com (on different server)
info

Only users on your homeserver can create aliases on that server. But you can set any alias as the "main" alias regardless of which server it's on.

Managing Members​

Inviting Users​

Methods to invite:

  1. Direct Invite: Enter their Matrix ID (@user:server.org)
  2. Share Link: Copy room link or QR code
  3. Public Directory: List room in public directory

Member Management​

ActionRequired Power Level
InviteUsually 0 or 50
KickUsually 50
BanUsually 50
Promote/Demote100 (or custom)

Banning vs Kicking​

  • Kick: Removes user, they can rejoin
  • Ban: Removes user, prevents rejoin

Room Moderation​

Setting Up Moderation​

  1. Assign Moderators: Promote trusted users to power level 50+
  2. Configure Permissions: Adjust what each level can do
  3. Enable Slow Mode: Limit message frequency (if supported by client)

Moderation Actions​

/kick @user:server.org [reason]    - Remove from room
/ban @user:server.org [reason]     - Ban from room
/unban @user:server.org            - Remove ban
/op @user:server.org [level]       - Set power level
/deop @user:server.org             - Reset to default

Server ACLs (Advanced)​

Block entire servers from joining:

  1. Room Settings → Security
  2. Add server to blocklist
  3. Users from that server can't join
warning

Server ACLs are powerful but use them carefully. They affect all users from that server, not just problematic ones.

Spaces Integration​

Adding Room to a Space​

  1. Open the Space settings
  2. Click "Add existing room"
  3. Select your room
  4. Room now appears in Space hierarchy

Space-Based Access​

Configure room access based on Space membership:

  • "Space members" - Anyone in the parent Space can join
  • Useful for community management

Advanced Room Features​

Widgets​

Add interactive widgets to rooms:

  • Jitsi: Video conferencing
  • Etherpad: Collaborative notes
  • Custom: Any embeddable web app

Integrations​

Connect external services via bridges or bots:

  • GitHub notifications
  • RSS feeds
  • Custom webhooks

Room Upgrades​

Sometimes rooms need to be upgraded (new room version):

  1. Matrix introduces new room features
  2. Admin initiates upgrade
  3. Old room tombstoned, new room created
  4. Members automatically moved

Best Practices​

For Private Groups​

  • Enable encryption before first message
  • Set history visibility to "Members only"
  • Use invite-only access
  • Verify member devices

For Public Communities​

  • Create clear room name and topic
  • Set up moderation team
  • Consider slow mode for busy rooms
  • Establish and pin community guidelines

For Organizations​

  • Use Spaces to organize channels
  • Set up SSO/OIDC if available
  • Configure data retention policies
  • Plan for room archival

Troubleshooting​

"Unable to join room"​

  • Check if you're banned
  • Verify room still exists
  • Ensure invite hasn't expired

"Unable to decrypt messages"​

  • Verify your session
  • Check key backup
  • Request key share from other members

"Changes not saving"​

  • Check your power level
  • Verify internet connection
  • Look for error messages

Next: Clients Overview →