Trade Ideas gap scanner: build a high-quality gap list (Top List Window)¶
Top Lists are the bread and butter of Trade Ideas. If you build one window first, make it this one. It gives you a clean list of “stocks in play” so you’re not hunting tickers all morning.
What you’ll build¶
- A Trade Ideas gap scanner (Top List Window) filtered for gaps + liquidity + volatility
- A column layout that makes it easy to sort and scan quickly
- Optional color-coding so you can triage at a glance
Disclosure: some links are affiliate links. Learn more.
Who this is for¶
- You want a daily “starting point” list (premarket + early session).
- You’re tired of random scanning and want a repeatable workflow.
- You want a gap list that doesn’t turn into a 300-symbol mess.
Before you start¶
- This guide is about building the window (software workflow), not a “guaranteed strategy”.
- If you’re brand new: build it once, save it, and then tweak one setting at a time as you learn.
Step 1 — Create a new Top List Window¶
Go to New → Top List Window.
Step 2 — Add the core filters¶
Use the Search tab to add: - Gap % - Volume Today Shares - Change from the close % - Price $ - Float % - Average Daily Volume 3M % - Average True Range $
Why these filters?¶
Gap %+Change from the close %: quickly surfaces movers.Volume Today Shares+Average Daily Volume 3M %: avoids “dead” tickers.Price $+Float %: helps keep the list in the lane you want to trade.Average True Range $: helps filter for names that actually move.
Step 3 — Configure values¶
Set the filter values exactly like the screenshot.
Step 4 — Add / confirm your column layout¶
This is the preferred column view for this workflow. If you want additional columns later, add them in the Search step so they’re available to select here.
Step 5 — Sanity check the final output¶
Your finished window should resemble this (structure + columns + feel).
Quick checks when your list looks “wrong”
- Too many tickers: tighten
Gap %,Volume Today, or your price/float constraints. - Too few tickers: loosen
Gap %and confirm you’re looking at the right session/data. - Weird names: double-check you didn’t accidentally include ETFs/OTC (if that matters to you).
Bonus — Color code the “Gap” column¶
Right-click the Gap column → set custom colors. You can apply this technique to any column.
How to tune this gap scanner (without breaking it)¶
Think of this window like a funnel:
- Want fewer, higher-quality names?
- Raise
Volume TodayandDollar Volume(if you add it) - Require a larger
Gap % - Increase
ATR - Want more names (early in the premarket especially)?
- Lower your volume thresholds
- Loosen
Gap % - Widen your price/float lane
The key is to change one knob at a time, then watch the list for a few sessions.
Troubleshooting¶
“My gap list is empty”¶
- You may be too restrictive: loosen
Gap %and volume thresholds. - You may be looking at a quiet session or you’re early.
- Plan/data differences can matter; confirm your plan supports the data you expect.
“I have 200+ symbols and it’s unusable”¶
- Tighten
Gap %and/or add stronger liquidity constraints. - Narrow your lane (price/float) so the names behave more consistently.
“Why do I see weird tickers I never trade?”¶
- Decide if you want ETFs/OTC. If not, add filters that help exclude them for your workflow.
FAQ¶
What is a Top List Window in Trade Ideas?¶
A Top List Window is a live list that continuously updates based on your filters. It’s the fastest way to keep a clean “stocks in play” list on screen.
Is this a “premarket gap scanner”?¶
Yes — this setup is designed to function as a premarket/early-session gap list. You can tighten or loosen it depending on how many names you want.
Can I use this on the free plan?¶
You can learn the workflow on the free tier, but data/features vary by plan. Use the official plan page and this guide: - Trade Ideas plans: Free vs Basic vs Premium
Next¶
Turn this list into actionable signals with an Alert Window: - Alert Window: build an "epic buy the dip" alert
Daily workflow + supporting guides: - Premarket gap list workflow - Stocks in play (guide) - Troubleshooting: gap list empty
Disclosure: some links are affiliate links. Learn more.
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.
