Selector

A selector rule allows advanced users to block specific parts of a web page by matching an element’s CSS selector to a block rule in Plucky.

This kind of block is normally used on websites which the user needs access to but wants to remove unpleasant bits and pieces from the site.

Example: block distracting parts of YouTube

pluck + block youtube.com selector ytd-rich-grid-renderer   # homepage video feed
pluck + block youtube.com selector ytd-miniplayer           # miniplayer
pluck + block youtube.com selector "#related"               # related videos sidebar
pluck + block youtube.com selector ytd-masthead "#center"   # search bar
pluck + block youtube.com selector ytd-masthead             # entire top bar incl. search
pluck + block youtube.com selector tp-yt-app-drawer         # left side navigation menu
pluck + block youtube.com selector ytd-mini-guide-renderer  # left side menu mini mode
pluck + block youtube.com selector ytd-comments             # comments section

Here is a before and after shot of YouTube when using the selector rules above:

 ⇒ 

Scheduling selector rules

Like most Plucky rules, selector rules can be scheduled using the when modifier.

To only block YouTube’s video recommendations during work hours:

pluck + when 9-17 block youtube.com selector ytd-rich-grid-renderer
pluck + when 9-17 block youtube.com selector "#related"

Unblocking on some web pages

A block rule for a selector can be undone with an unblock rule. For example, the following will hide the element with the id of “abc” on http://example.com/ but not on http://example.com/ok

pluck + block example.com selector "#abc"
pluck + unblock http://example.com/ok selector "#abc"

Use the try tag to preview new rules

Unlike a regular block rule for a host or url which is obvious in its effect, a selector rule isn’t always obvious about what effect it will have once applied. To preview what will happen without committing the rule to be subject to the delay for removal, you can use the try tag.

pluck + try block sitename.com selector .class

Rules with the try tag are able to be revoked immediately rather than being subject to the delay.

If the effect of the rule is what you want, you can revoke it and then apply it again omitting the try tag to finalize it.