> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.permutive.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managing Cohort Exclusions

> How to control which cohorts participate in Curation using UI toggles and exclusion tags

## Overview

Managing cohort exclusions allows you to control which of your audience signals participate in Permutive's curation offering. This is critical for preventing channel conflict with direct-sold campaigns and protecting proprietary audience segments.

<Info>
  **Prerequisites:**

  * Standard or Custom Cohorts enabled for Curation
  * Curation Order Form signed
  * Admin or appropriate permissions to manage cohort settings
</Info>

## Understanding Cohort Exclusions

Permutive provides two mechanisms for excluding cohorts from curation:

* **Standard Cohorts**: Use UI toggles to quickly include or exclude standard cohorts from curation
* **Custom Cohorts**: Apply a special `curation_exclusion` tag to prevent custom cohorts from being included in curated deals

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Managing Standard Cohort Exclusions">
    Standard Cohorts can be managed directly through the Permutive UI:

    1. Navigate to **Cohorts > Standard Cohorts** in the Permutive dashboard
    2. Review the list of Standard Cohorts
    3. Use the toggle switches in the Curation column to enable/disable individual cohorts
  </Step>

  <Step title="Managing Custom Cohort Exclusions">
    Custom Cohorts require applying a special tag to exclude them from curation:

    1. Navigate to **Cohorts > Custom Cohorts**
    2. Identify the cohorts you want to exclude from curation
    3. Click on each cohort to edit it
    4. Add the tag `curation_exclusion` (exact spelling, case-sensitive)
    5. Save the cohort

    **Important notes:**

    * The tag name must be exactly `curation_exclusion` (no spaces, underscores required)
    * Disabled cohorts are automatically excluded (no tag needed)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Bulk Managing Custom Cohort Exclusions">
    For organizations with many custom cohorts, Permutive Technical Services can help with bulk exclusions:

    1. Export your custom cohorts list from **Cohorts > Custom Cohorts > Export**
    2. Review the list and identify cohorts to exclude
    3. Mark cohorts for exclusion in a spreadsheet (add column "Excluded from Curation?")
    4. Submit a request to [Technical Services](mailto:technical-services@permutive.com) with the spreadsheet
    5. Technical Services will apply the `curation_exclusion` tag in bulk

    This is especially useful during initial curation setup when you need to review many cohorts at once.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Exclusions">
    After configuring exclusions, verify they are working correctly:

    1. Check that excluded cohorts have the `curation_exclusion` tag applied
    2. Monitor for 24-48 hours to ensure excluded cohorts are not appearing in curation reporting
    3. Contact your Customer Success Manager if excluded cohorts continue appearing in curated deals
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configuring Prebid for Curation" icon="code" href="/guides/curation/configuring-prebid-for-curation">
    Set up technical curation enablement
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuring Google Curate" icon="google" href="/guides/curation/configuring-google-curate">
    Enable Google Curate integration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Back to Curation" icon="arrow-left" href="/products/curation">
    Return to Curation overview
  </Card>
</CardGroup>