ElectronMail is a desktop client for ProtonMail and Tutanota end-to-end encrypted email providers. It allows you to access your encrypted emails from a single interface, without opening a web browser. In this article, we show you how to setup ElectronMail on Linux / Ubuntu using the AppImage format, and explain why it is a convenient and secure way to manage your emails.
ElectronMail’s encryption capabilities and modern interface make it a compelling choice for users prioritizing privacy in their communication.
Let’s first understand What is AppImage?
AppImage is a portable application format that lets you run software on Linux without installing it. AppImage files are self-contained and do not depend on any external libraries or packages. They also do not modify your system files or registry, which means they are easy to remove and do not leave any traces behind.
AppImage files can be downloaded from the official website of ElectronMail: https://github.com/vladimiry/ElectronMail/releases
How to run ElectronMail on Linux?
First, you have to Download the latest ElectronMail AppImage file from the link above. Choose the one that matches your system architecture (x64 or arm64). The file size is about 230 MB, so it may take some time to download depending on your internet speed.
- Next, Make the file executable by running this command in a terminal: chmod +x ElectronMail*.AppImage
- This command gives permission to the file to run as a program on your system.
Launch ElectronMail by double-clicking the file or running this command in a terminal: ./ElectronMail*.AppImage This command executes the file and opens the ElectronMail window.
Create a configuration file
The first time you run ElectronMail, you will be asked to create a configuration file. Click OK and choose a location for the file. The configuration file stores your settings and preferences for ElectronMail, such as the theme, tray icon, notifications, etc. You can change these settings later by clicking the gear icon on the top right corner of the window.
Add your email accounts
Add your ProtonMail or Tutanota accounts by clicking the + button on the left sidebar. You will need to enter your email address and password, and optionally enable two-factor authentication or bridge mode for ProtonMail. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a code from your phone or another device when you log in. Bridge mode allows you to use ElectronMail with other email clients, such as Thunderbird or Outlook, by creating a local IMAP/SMTP server on your system.
Once you have added your accounts, you can switch between them by clicking on their icons on the left sidebar. You can also access your contacts, labels, folders, settings, and logout options from the same menu.
With ElectronMail successfully set up on your Linux system, you can now enjoy a secure and feature-rich email experience. ElectronMail’s encryption capabilities and modern interface make it a compelling choice for users who prioritize privacy in their communication.
Conclusion
ElectronMail is a great tool for anyone who values their privacy and security online. It lets you access your ProtonMail and Tutanota accounts from one place, without compromising their encryption features. It also offers some additional benefits, such as offline access, custom domains, unread count badge, spellchecker, and more.