Brave Browser is rolling out a new feature known as ‘custom scriptlets’ that allows advanced users to inject their own JavaScript into websites, providing deep customization and enhanced control over their browsing experience.
The new feature, set to debut in Brave Browser version 1.75 for desktop, is similar to popular browser extensions like TamperMonkey and GreaseMonkey, which let you create “user scripts” to tweak the functionality of certain websites.
“Starting with desktop version 1.75, advanced Brave users will be able to write and inject their own scriptlets into a page, allowing for better control over their browsing experience,” Brave stated in an announcement.
Personalizing Your Web Experience with Custom Scriptlets
Brave revealed the custom scriptlets feature was originally developed to debug the browser’s adblock capabilities, but it was so useful they decided to make it available to all users. You can now customize web pages with custom scriptlets for various purposes related to usability, security, and privacy.
An example of how you can use Brave scripts (Source: Brave)
For privacy-focused enhancements, users can create scripts that block JavaScript-based trackers, randomize fingerprinting APIs to disrupt user tracking, and replace Google Analytics scripts with non-functional versions.
When it comes to customization and accessibility, these scriptlets can hide sidebars, remove pop-ups, block floating ads or persistent widgets, enable dark mode on sites without it, expand content areas, facilitate infinite scrolling, adjust text colors and font sizes, and automatically reveal hidden content.
On the performance and usability side, scriptlets can block autoplay on videos, lazy-load images, autofill forms with predetermined data, activate custom keyboard shortcuts, circumvent right-click restrictions, and automatically respond to confirmation dialogs.
The possibilities with these JavaScript snippets are practically endless. But, it is crucial to be cautious—using custom scriptlets that have not been thoroughly checked could lead to problems or security risks.
Getting Started with Custom Scriplets in Brave Browser
Brave says while scriptlets are powerful tools for those familiar with coding, they can also cause website issues. For this reason, this feature is located under the Developer mode flag within Shields > Content filtering.
To activate it, go to “brave://settings/shields/filters,” switch on “Developer mode,” and select the “Add new scriptlet” button. A box will appear, advising users against pasting code without proper understanding, as this could introduce privacy vulnerabilities.
Brave’s custom scriptlet feature adopts a filter rule syntax similar to that used in ad blockers like uBlock Origin and AdGuard. Nevertheless, it is recommended to use either self-authored scripts or those from trusted sources only and avoid unverified scripts.
Additionally, you also have the option of subscribing to existing adblock filter lists—this integrates their rules into Brave automatically!
Anas Hasan
February 10, 2025
1 month ago
