Introduction
Brave browser includes a powerful built-in ad-blocking engine based on the popular uBlock Origin infrastructure. In addition to the default blocklists, you can configure custom ad filters to block specific requests, elements, or domains. This article walks you through each step of creating, managing, and troubleshooting custom filters in Brave.
Accessing Brave’s Ad Filter Settings
Opening the Ad Blocker Dashboard
To begin, type brave://adblock in the address bar and press Enter. You will land on Brave’s Ad Blocker Dashboard, which displays enabled blocklists, custom filters, and statistics on blocked items.
Locating the Custom Filters Section
Scroll down to the “Custom filters” panel. Here you can add new rules, import filter lists, or edit existing entries. Custom filters override default blocklists and apply in the order listed.
Understanding Filter Syntax
Basic Blocklist Entries
A simple domain block rule uses the syntax:
- example.com^ – blocks all requests to example.com and its subdomains.
URL-Based Filters
You can target specific resource types with options:
- ads.example.com/banner.jsscript – blocks only JavaScript requests for banner.js.
- /tracking.gifthird-party – blocks matching GIF images from third-party contexts.
Cosmetic Filters
Cosmetic filters hide page elements via CSS selectors:
- example.com###ad-banner – hides an element with ID ad-banner on example.com.
- example.com^elemhide – hides elements matching default cosmetic rules on example.com.
Filter Syntax Summary
Filter Type | Syntax | Example |
Domain Block | domain.com^ | tracker.site^ |
Element Hiding | example.com##.classname | news.com##.sponsored |
Resource Type | ads.com/script.jsscript | /banner.pngimage |
Adding Custom Filters
Via Brave Settings
Follow these steps to add a new filter manually:
- Navigate to brave://adblock.
- Find the “Custom filters” section and click Add filter.
- Enter your rule in the text field (e.g., annoyingads.example.com^).
- Click Save to apply.
Importing External Filter Lists
If you have a URL for a public filter list:
- In the Dashboard, click Import filters.
- Paste the list URL (for example, https://example.com/myblocklist.txt).
- Check the box to enable it and click Import.
Managing Custom Filters
Editing or Removing Filters
To modify existing rules:
- Locate the rule under Custom filters.
- Click the Edit icon to update the syntax.
- Click the Delete icon to remove it entirely.
Reordering for Priority
Filter rules are applied top to bottom. Drag and drop entries within the Custom filters list to adjust priority. Place specific rules above broader ones to ensure correct blocking.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Verifying Blocked Ads
- Visit a page where ads previously appeared.
- Open the Developer Tools (press F12), select the Network tab, and reload.
- Look for requests marked “blocked” or “canceled.”
Common Issues and Solutions
- Rule not applied: Ensure no typos and that the domain pattern matches the target.
- Element still visible: Check if you need a more specific CSS selector or include elemhide.
- Performance impact: Too many complex filters can slow page rendering. Remove outdated rules.
Advanced Techniques
Using the Element Picker
Brave’s element picker lets you visually select unwanted page elements:
- Right-click the ad or section you wish to block.
- Choose Block element from the context menu.
- Adjust the selector in the prompt and confirm.
Domain-Specific Rules
Combine host and path patterns for precision:
- example.org/path/to/adscript,third-party – blocks only that script.
- .ads.example.com^subdocument – blocks frames from any subdomain of ads.example.com.
Script-Blocking and Global Exceptions
You can block all scripts on a domain then whitelist specific ones:
- example.com^script – blocks all scripts.
- @@example.com/essential.jsscript – re-allows essential.js.
Conclusion
Custom ad filters in Brave give you granular control over what loads in your browser. By understanding the syntax, organizing rules effectively, and leveraging built-in tools like the element picker, you can tailor your browsing experience for maximum speed, privacy, and comfort. For more detailed guidance, visit the official documentation at https://support.brave.com.
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