## Is Orbit free?

Yes — it's **free software under AGPL-3.0**. You can use,
modify, and self-host it. If you run a **modified** version as a network service, you must publish
your source.

## Do I need to create an account?

No. Pick a nick and start chatting. Accounts (SASL / registration) are optional and only needed to
reserve a nick, host images, or get push notifications while closed.

## What servers does it work with?

Any **IRCv3** server with a WebSocket listener — InspIRCd, Ergo, and others. The more capabilities
the server supports, the more features light up. See [IRCv3 capabilities](/docs/ircv3/).

## Can I use it for my own network?

Absolutely — that's the point. Re-point it at your server and rebrand it entirely from one
[`config.json`](/docs/config/), no rebuild. See [Branding & themes](/docs/branding/).

## Does it work on mobile?

Yes. Orbit is an installable **PWA** with a mobile-first layout, offline shell, and push
notifications.

## Are my passwords safe?

Orbit connects over TLS, and it **masks** services passwords in the message log. If you accidentally
type `IDENTIFY nick pass` without a leading slash, it intercepts it, sends it privately, and warns
you — it's never broadcast to the channel.

## How do notifications work?

In-tab alerts and sounds work everywhere. **Push** notifications while the tab is closed use the
`draft/webpush` capability (VAPID) and require being logged into an account.

## Can I self-host it?

Yes — it's a static build behind any web server. The project even runs its own git server with
[push-to-deploy](/docs/push-to-deploy/). Start with the [Quick start](/docs/quick-start/).

## How do I report a bug or contribute?

Issues and code live on [Codeberg](https://codeberg.org/reversefr/orbit). You can also clone it
straight from `https://orbit.tchatou.fr/orbit.git`.

## Why IRC in 2026?

Because it's **open, federated, and yours** — no platform lock-in, no ads, no data harvesting. Orbit
gives that protocol a modern, friendly face.