Documentation

Getting started with Nodes

Everything you need to install, configure, and run your own piece of the network.

# Getting Started

01

Download & install

Head to the Downloads section on the home page or GitHub Releases. Pick your platform and run the installer.

02

Create your identity

On first launch, Nodes generates a cryptographic keypair for you. This IS your identity. Export it immediately.

03

Join a Node

Enter a Node invite link or create your own. Nodes are public or invite-only chat spaces — like Discord servers, but owned by no one.

04

Send a DM

Click any user's name and open a DM. ECDH key exchange happens automatically. Your messages are encrypted before leaving your device.

# Identity Backup

⚠️Critical — Read This First

Your identity is a cryptographic keypair stored only on your device.
There is NO password reset. There is NO account recovery.
If you lose your keypair, your identity is GONE FOREVER.

How to back up your keypair:

  1. Go to Settings → Account
  2. Click "Export Keypair"
  3. Save the file to an external drive or encrypted cloud storage
  4. NEVER share your private key with anyone

# Running Your Own Relay

Anyone can run a relay to strengthen the network. A basic setup requires Docker:

# clone the repo git clone https://github.com/Leveq/Nodes cd Nodes/infrastructure # start the relay docker compose up -d

See the infrastructure/ folder on GitHub for advanced configuration.

# FAQ