The first time you open Trade Ideas (what to click first)¶
Trade Ideas can feel like “too much” on day one. That’s normal.
This page gives you a mentor-style first session: - what the main windows are (and what they’re for) - a simple starter layout you can build in 10–15 minutes - a clear next path: Top List → Alert Window → OddsMaker → Brokerage+
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Risk + not investment advice
This tutorial is about using software. Trading involves substantial risk. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
What you’re building today¶
You’ll walk away with: - a Top List Window that shows “stocks in play” - an Alert Window that turns that list into reviewable signals - a saved layout so you don’t have to rebuild it every session
If you want the full step-by-step versions, use these: - Top List Window tutorial - Alert Window tutorial
The core windows (plain English)¶
Top List Window (scanner output)¶
This is your “list of candidates”. It’s where you browse.
Use it when you want: - the best gappers - the highest relative volume - the names moving right now
Alert Window (signals)¶
This is your “ping me when X happens”. It’s where you react.
Use it when you want: - fewer interruptions - fewer names, but higher intention - a repeatable workflow
Chart window (context)¶
Trade Ideas is not “just charts”, but you still need charts for context. Keep one nearby so every alert is immediately reviewable.
OddsMaker (backtesting)¶
OddsMaker helps you test how a ruleset behaved historically. It’s powerful, but it’s also where people accidentally overfit.
Use it after your Alert Window is stable.
Brokerage+ (automation/execution)¶
Brokerage+ is where rules become orders. This is the last step, not the first step.
Use it after you’ve paper traded and added guardrails.
Your first session layout (simple, not fancy)¶
If you do nothing else, do this: 1. One Top List Window (your candidates) 2. One Alert Window (your signals) 3. One Chart window (your review) 4. Save the layout to the cloud so it’s portable
The fastest “start here” path (beginner track)¶
Step 1 — Build a gap list (Top List Window)¶
This is the most beginner-friendly “stocks in play” list. - Build a high-quality gap list
Step 2 — Turn it into a signal (Alert Window)¶
Once you have a list you like, you don’t want to stare at it all day. - Build a practical Alert Window
Step 3 — Validate behavior (OddsMaker)¶
Before you “improve” anything, run a baseline backtest and learn what the report actually means. - OddsMaker backtesting workflow
Step 4 — Automate carefully (Brokerage+)¶
Automation is where you add guardrails, size, and risk controls. - Brokerage+ automation workflow
Common beginner mistakes (avoid these)¶
- No lane: if your list can show anything, it will show garbage.
- Too many filters: start simple, then tighten one filter at a time.
- No time window: define your “session” (premarket vs open vs first 2 hours).
- No saved layout: if you rebuild every day, you’ll never compound progress.
FAQ¶
Is Trade Ideas hard to learn?¶
The tool is deep, but the workflow isn’t complicated if you learn it in order: Top List → Alert Window → (optional) OddsMaker → (optional) Brokerage+.
What should I learn first in Trade Ideas?¶
Start with one Top List Window (gap list) and one Alert Window. Ignore advanced features until you can explain your “lane” and your signals.
Do I need automation (Brokerage+) to use Trade Ideas?¶
No. Most people should learn scanning and alerts first. Automation is optional and should be approached slowly with paper trading and strict risk controls.
Next¶
Next step
Turn this into a repeatable workflow
If you only do one thing next, tighten your lane and reduce noise. That's how Trade Ideas becomes usable.
