# Cinny — Self-Hosted Matrix Client for Encrypted Chat

> Cinny is a sleek, open-source Matrix client with end-to-end encryption, custom themes, and full self-hosting support for private team communication.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Cinny — Self-Hosted Matrix Client for Encrypted Chat

## Quick Use
```bash
docker run -d --name cinny -p 8080:80 ajbura/cinny:latest
# Open http://localhost:8080 and connect to your Matrix homeserver
```

## Introduction
Cinny is an open-source Matrix client designed for simplicity and usability. It provides a Discord-like chat interface on top of the decentralized Matrix protocol, supporting end-to-end encryption, spaces, and rich media out of the box.

## What Cinny Does
- Connects to any Matrix homeserver with a modern, responsive web UI
- Supports end-to-end encrypted messaging via the Matrix SDK
- Organizes conversations with Spaces, rooms, and direct messages
- Renders rich content including markdown, code blocks, and media embeds
- Provides custom themes and appearance settings for personalization

## Architecture Overview
Cinny is a single-page React application that communicates directly with a Matrix homeserver via the Client-Server API. It uses the matrix-js-sdk for protocol handling and olm/megolm for end-to-end encryption. The app can be served as static files from any web server or container, with no backend of its own.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Deploy via Docker with `ajbura/cinny` or build from source using Node.js
- Configure the default homeserver URL in `config.json` before deployment
- Serve behind a reverse proxy (Nginx, Caddy) with TLS for production use
- Set Content-Security-Policy headers to restrict resource loading
- Supports Progressive Web App (PWA) installation for mobile-like access

## Key Features
- Clean, Discord-inspired UI that lowers the barrier to Matrix adoption
- Full end-to-end encryption support with device verification flows
- Spaces support for organizing rooms into categories and communities
- Cross-signing and session management for multi-device users
- Lightweight static deployment with no server-side dependencies

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Element** — feature-complete but heavier; Cinny offers a simpler, faster interface
- **FluffyChat** — mobile-focused with Flutter; Cinny targets the web primarily
- **Hydrogen** — minimal and experimental; Cinny is more feature-rich for daily use
- **Nheko** — native desktop Qt app; Cinny runs in any browser
- **SchildiChat** — Element fork with layout tweaks; Cinny is built from scratch

## FAQ
**Q: Does Cinny require its own Matrix server?**
A: No. Cinny connects to any existing Matrix homeserver such as Synapse or Dendrite.

**Q: Is end-to-end encryption enabled by default?**
A: E2EE is supported and can be enabled per room. Cinny follows the Matrix protocol defaults.

**Q: Can I use Cinny on mobile devices?**
A: Yes. Cinny is a responsive web app and can be installed as a PWA on mobile browsers.

**Q: How do I update a Docker deployment?**
A: Pull the latest image with `docker pull ajbura/cinny:latest` and restart the container.

## Sources
- https://github.com/cinnyapp/cinny
- https://cinny.in

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-491d4cd3
Author: Script Depot