How to remove annoying popups and overlays
When you are setting up a monitoring job, you might find that the area you want to track is covered by a cookie banner, a newsletter signup, or a sticky header. These elements can interfere with Sken.io’s ability to detect the changes you actually care about. To fix this, we created the Element Removal Mode. Here is how to use it effectively:
1. Activate the Removal Mode
In the job configuration screen, look for the "Element Removal Mode" toggle. Once you switch it on, your cursor will highlight different parts of the website as you hover over them. This allows you to "aim" at the part you want to get rid of.
2. Select and confirm the removal
Click on the blocking element (it will usually be highlighted with a border). Once you have selected everything that's in your way, click the red button "Remove selected elements". The page will refresh, and Sken.io will now remember to strip these elements away every time it checks the page.
Why is the element still there? Understanding the "Onion" Effect
Sometimes you click "Remove," the page refreshes, and the popup is still there. This doesn't mean the tool isn't working—it’s because modern websites are built like an onion, with many layers stacked on top of each other. A single popup often consists of:
- A transparent background overlay (which dims the rest of the site)
- The main container of the popup
- The text, images, and close buttons inside the container
If you only select the top layer (like the text), you might only be removing that specific part, leaving the background or the container behind. To get a perfectly clear view, you might need to repeat the removal process 2 or 3 times until all layers are gone.
Don't be afraid to repeat: If an element is still blocking your view after the first try, simply toggle the Removal Mode again and click it once more. Some stubborn popups require multiple removals to fully disappear.
Always check the preview after removal. If the area you want to monitor is fully visible and not dimmed by a transparent layer, your job is ready to go!
Element Removal Mode ensures that Sken.io focuses only on the data you need, preventing false notifications caused by moving banners or popups appearing at different times.
