TradeStation Help

Logging into TradeStation

The first thing to do when starting TradeStation is to identify yourself by logging in. You then have the option to be connected to the network or work offline. As you proceed, the system displays status messages related to the log on process.

 From the Windows Start menu or the Windows desktop icon, open the TradeStation application. The TradeStation Network Logon dialog is displayed.

• User Name - Enter your user name.
• Password - Enter your password.
• Save User Name - Check this setting to save your user name with your profile so you don't have to enter it each time you log on.

The following options displayed are determined by your account status.

• Logon - Click to log into TradeStation. If you have both live and simulated accounts setup, you will be prompted to select the type of environment (live or simulated) you want to log into. If you only have a live trading account, then the TradeStation platform will automatically open.
• Live Trading - Click to access your live trading account.
• Simulated Trading - Click to access a virtual trading environment using your simulated trading account.
• Work Offline - Click to open the TradeStation platform without being connected to the network.

• Network Status - Click to view information about the data and order execution network.
• Close - Exits TradeStation without logging on.

 If you do not want to connect to the TradeStation Network and want to work offline instead, click Work Offline at this point. Since you are not connecting to the network, cached data will be used; you will not receive any new data until you log back onto the TradeStation Network.

Upgrading TradeStation

After logging in, there will be times when you will be notified when there is a new version of TradeStation available. If this occurs, the dialog will appear and the following options will be available.

• Go to Download Page - Launches the TradeStation web site where you can upgrade to the new version of TradeStation.
• Use Existing Version - Click to proceed to TradeStation.
• Prompt me again in [ ] days - Check this setting to be reminded to upgrade for the number of days you select. The TradeStation - Upgrade window will be displayed each time you log in until you upgrade to the newest version of TradeStation.

Live Trading for Brokerage Accounts

In TradeStation, live trading involves using funded TradeStation brokerage accounts to place trades and track actual market positions. In addition, TradeStation brokerage clients always have the option of choosing Simulated Trading to place simulated trades and establish simulated positions. For Live Trading, Trading: Live appears on the TradeStation status bar.

Exiting Live Trading

You can exit from live trading in one of several ways, including:

• From the status bar, double-click on Trading: Live to exits from live trading.
• From the Menu bar, click File, select the check marked Work Online to disconnect from the data network which also exits from live trading.
• From the status bar, double-click on Data to disconnect from the data network which also exits from live trading.

Live Trading Indications

There are several ways for you to know whether you are using the simulator for placing trades.

• The status bar (at the bottom of the desktop) displays Trading: Live.  
• All trading account numbers begin with something other than 'SIM'.

Simulated Trading for Subscription Accounts

In TradeStation, simulated trading involves using special simulated accounts to place trades and track simulated positions. The TradeStation simulator allows you to try out platform features other than those you might typically utilize such as strategy automation, advanced orders, and alternate market types.

Simulated trading may only be done on symbols associated with your real time data entitlements. In addition, TradeStation brokerage clients always have the option of choosing Live Trading to place real trades and establish actual positions in the marketplace using funded brokerage accounts. For Simulated Trading, the Order Execution Simulator information dialog appears and Trading: Sim appears on the TradeStation status bar.  

 Simulated trading accounts do not represent real money or real positions. The simulated environment is designed to let you practice using different trading approaches, platform tools, and markets. To perform Live Trading, you need to exit the simulator and logon by selecting Live Trading.

Exiting Simulated Trading

You can exit from simulated trading in one of several ways, including:

• From the status bar, double-click on Trading: Sim to stop the simulator.
• From the Menu Bar, click the File > Work Online sequence to disconnect from the data network which also stops the simulator.
• From the status bar, double-click on Data to disconnect from the data network which also stops the simulator.

Simulated Trading Status

There are several ways for you to know whether you are using the simulator for placing trades.

• The Order Execution Simulator information dialog appears the first time the TradeStation desktop loads after you logon.
• The status bar (at the bottom of the desktop) shows Trading: Sim.  
• All trading account numbers begin with 'SIM'.
• Order Bar status messages will be preceded by the phrase 'Simulated Acct'.
• TradeManager status messages will be preceded by the phrase 'Simulated Acct'.

Managing Simulated Accounts

From the Menu bar, click File > Manage Simulated Accounts... to access the Manage Your Simulated Trading Accounts page on the TradeStation support site where you can manage your simulated trading accounts. Here you can add 'funds' to each of your simulated accounts or you can reset any of your accounts to a specific starting balance. For more information see Managing Simulated Accounts.