Matrix Basics

Needs Improvement

Matrix functionality was significantly changed in SR5 v0.30.0. This section is currently incomplete and does not accurately reflect the current state of the system.

This article was last edited Tuesday, October 7, 2025 by Mr. Johnson.

Much of a hacker's interaction with the matrix will start from the Character's Matrix Tab. The Matrix Tab is dense with information related to the Actor's matrix configuration. It is divded into three sections.

The top bar, Matrix Summary, includes the Actor's active matrix Device device from the Actor's Gear Tab, it's Rating, it's matrix visibility status (which can be clicked to toggle between Displaying Persona or Running Silent), and the Reboot button.

The left column includes:

• Matrix Attributes, pulled from the active device's statistics. If the Device is configured as a cyberdeck, the attributes can be shuffled around.
• The character's Network Configuration, showing the network they're connected (which is also a button to select an available Grid or Host) and the Mark Network button.
• Three subtabs used in the various Matrix Workflows — Programs, Icons, and Owner. The Programs tab is where any Program Items the Actor has will appear.

The right column includes the active matrix device's Condition Monitor, and a list of available Matrix Actions. If the character is Emerged (set on the Actor's Misc Tab), Matrix Actions becomes a tab, alongside Complex Forms and Compilations, and is home to any Complex Form Items and sprite-configured Summon/Compile Items the character has.

Character Actor Sheet Matrix Tab (SR5 v0.30.5, FVTT v13.348)

Character Actor Sheet Matrix Tab for Mundanes (SR5 v0.30.1, FVTT v13.348)

Character Actor Sheet Matrix Tab for Emerged (SR5 v0.30.1, FVTT v13.348)

Sub Tabs

The left hand column includes four subtabs, though Marks will not appear if the character doesn't have any icons marked.

Programs

The Programs tab starts with an indication of how many programs the character's matrix device can load and a + Add button to create a new Program Item.

Below that is a list of every Program Item the Actor has. Along with the buttons common to every Embedded Item and an Equip toggle like the Character's Gear Tab, there is a larger Load >> button. It duplicates the effects of the Equip toggle, displaying Loaded when the program is enabled.

The list is sorted alphabetically, with any loaded programs appearing before unloaded programs.

Icons

This tab shows all the