Word Filter: Settings, Matching Logic and Limits

The word filter deletes messages that contain one of the terms you have stored. It works automatically, without commands, and can additionally record in the moderation log who triggered which term and when.

This page is the reference: settings, exact matching logic, exemptions, limits and causes of errors. For help building a sensible word list, see the guide Setting up a word filter.

Requirements

• Access to the module: You sign in to the dashboard with Discord and need the Manage Server permission (or access granted for this module).
• Kage needs the Manage Messages permission in the monitored channels to delete messages. It is part of the permissions of the standard invite. Without it, Kage cannot delete anything.
• Optionally a log channel: The word filter's log runs through the Moderation module (see below).

How the word filter checks a message

1. Kage checks every new message on a server. Messages from bots and direct messages are ignored.
2. Anyone with the Manage Messages permission is never filtered. This covers admins and moderators.
3. If the word filter is off or the list is empty, nothing happens.
4. Kage compares the message text with every term in the list, ignoring upper and lower case. A term matches as soon as it appears anywhere in the text, even in the middle of a word: "spam" also matches "spammer".
5. On a match, Kage deletes the message and posts a short notice to the author in the channel. The notice disappears again after 5 seconds.
6. If the Moderation module is switched on and a log channel is chosen there, Kage posts "🚫 Word filter triggered" with the member and the term. The term is shown as a spoiler so it is not read along.
7. Every hit appears in the Logs and Statistics tabs of the module.

The filter also applies to messages edited afterwards, provided the text has changed. It does not trigger on pure link-preview updates.

Settings at a glance

You find them in the dashboard under Word filter.

When saving, the dashboard removes empty lines, surplus spaces at the edges and duplicate entries.

There are no slash commands for the word filter, and there are no channel or role exemptions other than the Manage Messages permission.

List limit per plan

The number of terms is limited: 150 on Basic, 1000 on Premium and 5000 on Enterprise. If you exceed the limit, the dashboard rejects saving with "Tarif-Limit erreicht: maximal N in deinem aktuellen Tarif. Ein Upgrade hebt das Limit an." (German message). Next to the list the dashboard shows your usage ("N / limit on your plan").

What the word filter does not do

• It does not detect evasion such as spaces between letters, special characters or substitutions ("sp@m"). Add common spellings as separate terms.
• It compares fragments, not whole words. A short term can therefore match harmless words. Check your list for unwanted hits.
• It only deletes and does not warn or punish. Warnings or timeouts are triggered by other modules.
• It only checks the text of a message, not images, file names or profile names.

Checking the result

1. Test with an unprivileged account: With a normal member account, write a term from the list. The message should disappear and a short notice should appear.
2. Test with your own account: As an admin or moderator you are not filtered. That is intentional. Test with a second account.
3. Log: Check the Logs tab of the module and, if set up, the Moderation module's log channel.

Troubleshooting

A message containing a term from the list stays

Check that "Word filter active" is on and saved. Check whether the person has the Manage Messages permission (also through a role). Also check that the term appears in the message exactly as you entered it.

Nothing is deleted although the notice appears

The notice only appears if Kage was able to delete the message. If the Manage Messages permission is missing in the channel, nothing is deleted and no notice is posted. The error appears only in the operating log. Give Kage the permission in the channel.

Harmless messages are deleted

A term in the list appears as a fragment inside another word. Remove the term or replace it with a longer form.

Nothing appears in the log channel

The entry only appears if the Moderation module is switched on and a log channel is chosen there. Kage needs Send Messages there. The Word filter module has no log channel of its own.

Saving is rejected

The list is longer than your plan's limit. Shorten it or change your plan.

Further reading

For warnings and penalties after a violation, the warning system helps. How the word filter works together with other protection features is described on the moderation features page.