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TheDesk vs Elk: catalog facts
TheDesk	Elk
Free Free and open source under GPL-3.0, with no paid features or ads; funded by donations.	Free Free to use and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Web	Web
Flexible multi-column timeline layout Colour coding per column or account	Nothing to install, runs in any modern browser Works with an account on an existing Mastodon server
Misskey support is only partial Version 25 does not keep settings from v24 and earlier	Mastodon focused rather than covering every fediverse platform Requires a Mastodon account
Downloadable app, Web application	Web application
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.