Introduction

Introduction

Synapsis is designed to function like a global signal layer rather than a culture-bound platform. Anyone can run their own node and still participate in a shared, interconnected network, with global identity, clean terminology, and a modern interface that feels current rather than experimental. Synapsis aims to be neutral, resilient infrastructure for human and machine discourse, more like a protocol or nervous system than a social club.

Run a Node

The fastest way to get started is the Docker installer:

curl -fsSL https://synapsis.social/install.sh | bash

That bootstrap command creates /opt/synapsis, downloads the required deployment files, generates secrets, and prepares .env for first run.

To update an existing install later, run curl -fsSL https://synapsis.social/update.sh | bash.

If you want the full deployment walkthrough, start here:

What Makes Us Different?

Synapsis is built on the Swarm — a native peer-to-peer network designed specifically for Synapsis nodes. Combined with Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), this creates a truly portable, user-owned social network.

The Problem with Traditional Federation

On most federated platforms, your identity is tied to a specific server (@username@server.com). If that server shuts down, or you want to move to a different one, you effectively lose your identity. Your followers have to re-follow your new account, and your post history typically doesn’t come with you.

The Synapsis Approach: DIDs + Swarm

When you create an account on Synapsis, you’re assigned a unique DID (Decentralized Identifier) — a cryptographic ID like did:key:z6Mk....

This DID is your true identity. Your human-readable handle (@alice) is simply a friendly pointer to that DID.

The Swarm connects all Synapsis nodes together, enabling instant communication, real-time interactions, and seamless cross-node experiences.

What this means for you:

  • Identity Ownership: You own your identity. Your DID is generated from a cryptographic key pair that only you control.
  • Authenticity: Every post you make is cryptographically signed, proving it came from you.
  • Instant Interactions: Likes, follows, reposts, and messages are delivered instantly across the swarm.
  • True Portability: Move your account to any Synapsis node without losing followers.

Portable Identity & Account Migration

Synapsis offers true account portability powered by DIDs. You can migrate your entire account — identity, posts, and media — to another Synapsis node without losing your connections.

What Gets Migrated

  • Your DID & Keys: Your cryptographic identity stays exactly the same.
  • Posts & Media: Your entire post history and uploaded media.
  • Following List: The list of people you follow.
  • Followers: Automatically migrated — they recognize your DID regardless of which node you’re on.

How to Migrate

  1. Go to Settings → Account Migration.
  2. Click Export Account and enter your password.
  3. Download your export file (keep it safe!).
  4. On the new node, go to the Login page and click Import Account.
  5. Upload your export file and choose a handle.

The Synapsis Advantage

Unlike traditional federation where followers must manually re-follow you, Synapsis followers are automatically migrated because they follow your DID, not just a server-specific account. This is true account portability.

Overview