Filter Syntax

The rule format Ghostery and uBlock both speak

What it does

Ghostery's engine reads the same filter syntax used across the open ad-blocking ecosystem. Once you know it, your rules work in any compatible blocker.

Pattern Example What it blocks
||domain^ ||doubleclick.net^ All requests to that domain
domain##selector nytimes.com##.paywall An element on one site
##selector ##.popup-overlay An element on every site
##+js(name) ##+js(set-constant, abp, false) Inject a scriptlet
Compatible with: Ghostery uBlock Origin AdBlock Plus
Four patterns cover the whole language. Write a rule once, it works in every compatible blocker.

How it works

Network filters start with || for domain matching, cosmetic filters use ## to separate domains from selectors, and scriptlets use ##+js(). The full reference lives in the Ghostery developer docs.

What you get

  • Write custom rules for sites filter lists don't cover yet
  • Compatible with uBlock Origin and AdBlock Plus syntax
  • Share rules with other blockers' communities
  • Fine-tune blocking for specific sites or pages

Turn it on

Find it under: Privacy Protection → Custom Filters.

Built on the Ghostery Adblocker engine

Ghostery's ad-blocking is powered by the open-source Ghostery Adblocker library — a fast, memory-efficient filter engine maintained in the open.

View Adblocker on GitHub

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