Order Ticket
The form for entering order details: type, quantity, price. From here, you send an order to the account. It's important to check carefully before sending.
Close positionbutton/submitMoves money
Close the entire open position in the market
Click — Ledge Desktop asks once inside the panel. After you confirm, the position's stop and target are cancelled, then a closing order is sent at the market price.
WhyTo exit the position quickly without setting a manual price.
WhenWhen you want to close an existing position immediately, e.g., at stop or end of day.
⚠ Immediate market close — may cause slippage from the price you saw.
✕ Cancel entriesbutton/submitMoves money
Cancels the pending entries on this instrument — the stop and target stay
Click — Ledge Desktop asks once, then only the pending entries on the chart's instrument are cancelled. The position's stop and target stay. To cancel the stop and target on this instrument too: «✕ Cancel all orders · <instrument>».
WhyTo clear entries you no longer want without removing the position's protection.
WhenWhen there are pending entries on this instrument you no longer want.
⚠ A cancelled order does not come back — send it again if you need it.
✕ Cancel all orders · ALL instrumentsbutton/submitMoves money
Cancels every order in the account, on ALL instruments — stops too
Click — Ledge Desktop always asks, and says how many orders and how many stops will be cancelled. After you confirm, every open order in the account is cancelled, on all instruments. For one instrument only: «✕ Cancel all orders · <instrument>».
WhyFor a full clean-up of the account, for example at the end of the day.
WhenOnly when no position needs its stop.
⚠ Open positions are left without a stop.
Offset in ticksinput/number
Enter offset in ticks from the price
Type a number to set the order at that distance from the reference price.
WhyTo set the exact price relative to the market.
WhenWhen you want to enter at a fixed distance from a specific price.
⚠ Adjusting the offset changes the order's distance from the reference price. Check before sending.
Level midpointbutton/submit
Place stop 2 ticks from the level midpoint
Click — the stop is set 2 ticks from the level midpoint.
WhySuitable for entering on the level and exiting if it doesn't hold immediately.
WhenWhen you want a stop closer to the current price.
⚠ The stop is added to the field, sent only when the order is submitted.
Beyond levelbutton/submit
Place stop 2 ticks outside the level
Click — the stop is set 2 ticks below the bottom of the level (for long) or above the top (for short).
WhyProtects against level breakout — exit if the level does not hold.
WhenWhen you want to place a stop outside a clear support/resistance level.
⚠ The stop is added to the field, sent only when the order is submitted.
Autoinput/number
Enter contract quantity or leave 'Auto'
Number field for contract quantity. Leave it empty and the quantity is calculated from your risk and the stop distance. It is never above max contracts per order: no limit unless you set one on this computer (⚙ ▸ Risk — raising it asks first); the plan can set a lower cap per asset.
WhyDetermines how many contracts are traded in each trade.
WhenWhen you want to manually control the quantity or let the system calculate it.
⚠ Changing quantity affects the risk size of the trade.
PLACEbutton/submitMoves money
PLACE — send the order (asks ✔ Confirm first while Confirm: on)
Click PLACE. With Confirm: on (the default) a ✔ Confirm row appears under it for 5 s — click it to send; with Confirm: off one click sends. The button says what it sends, e.g. «✔ PLACE BUY 20 MNQ · LMT 30,714». If the draft changed after ✔ Confirm appeared, nothing is sent: «Not sent: the draft changed — press PLACE again.» The order goes to the account picked in the top bar, with its stop and target.
WhyThis is the button that executes the order and gets you into the trade.
WhenAfter setting direction, quantity, and price — click to send.
⚠ This button sends the order to the account you selected. Before it works, the gate checks the plan — while it is on; if you've deviated, it blocks. With the plan off, only the hard caps and the required stop apply.
✕ Cancel all orders · NQbutton/submitMoves money
Cancels every working order on this instrument — the position's stop and target too
Click — Ledge Desktop always asks. After ✔ Confirm, every working order on the chart's instrument is cancelled: entries, stops and targets. Orders on other instruments stay.
WhyTo clear one instrument completely without touching the others.
WhenOnly when no position on this instrument needs its stop.
⚠ An open position on this instrument is left without a stop.
Limit · Market · Stopselect/select-one
Select order type: Limit, Market, or Stop
Dropdown menu to select order type. Default is Limit.
WhyDetermines how the order will be executed: at a limited price, at market price, or upon reaching a price.
WhenBefore submitting the order — select the execution type.
Lastbutton/button
Select last price as reference
Click to use the last closed price as the order reference price.
WhyTo start building around the last price.
WhenWhen you want the order to be based on the last price.
Bidbutton/button
Select bid price as reference
Click to use the bid price (highest buyer) as the reference price.
WhyTo align with the price buyers are willing to pay.
WhenWhen you want to enter close to the bid.
Askbutton/button
Select ask price as reference
Click to use the ask price (lowest seller) as the reference price.
WhyTo align with the price sellers are offering.
WhenWhen you want to enter close to the ask.
Middlebutton/button
Select midpoint as reference
Click to use the average between bid and ask as the reference price.
WhyA balanced reference point.
WhenWhen you want a balanced entry between buyers and sellers.
Pin to levelbutton/button
Lock entry price to a set level
Click to lock the entry price to a determined level.
WhyTo ensure the order only executes if the price returns to that level.
WhenAfter marking a level, before sending the order.
Nowbutton/button
Lock entry price to market price
Click to update the entry price to the current market price.
WhyFor immediate entry at the market price.
WhenWhen you want to enter at the market price without waiting for a level.
Smart stopbutton/button
Load smart stops for the order
Click to open the smart stop display.
WhyTo save time and establish consistent risk management.
WhenAfter entering the order, before sending it.
Shortbutton/submit
Picks sell (short) — red
Sets the trade direction to sell. The chosen side shows a ✓ and a ring.
WhyThe direction comes before the prices.
WhenWhen you want to open a sell trade.
Longbutton/submit
Picks buy (long) — green
Sets the trade direction to buy. The chosen side shows a ✓ and a ring.
WhyThe direction comes before the prices.
WhenWhen you want to open a buy trade.
tk-targetinput/number
Enter profit target price
Number field for target price. You can type manually. On the chart, the TARGET line carries price · points · dollars · R at its right end («TARGET 30,774 · +60 pts · +$1,200 · 2R»).
WhyThe target determines where to take profit if the price moves in your favor.
WhenWhen you want to set a profit level in advance.
tk-stopinput/number
Enter protective stop price
Number field for stop price. You can type manually or click on the chart with Alt+Shift. On the chart, the STOP line carries price · points · dollars · R at its right end («STOP 30,652 · −60 pts · −$600 · −1R»).
WhyThe stop determines where to exit the trade if the price moves against you.
WhenWhen you want to set a protective loss level.
tk-entryinput/number
Enter trade entry price
Number field for entry price. You can type manually or click on the chart with Alt. On the chart, the ENTRY line carries the price and the quantity at its right end («ENTRY 30,714 · 5 MNQ»).
WhyThis price will be used as the entry point for the order.
WhenWhen you want to set a specific entry price.
⇅button/submit
Flip direction and reverse the trade
Click — the direction flips (long to short or vice versa) and prices update accordingly.
WhyAllows changing direction quickly without retyping.
WhenWhen you want to reverse an existing trade or change direction.
Stopbutton/button
Select stop order
Click to select a stop order; the price will be set when the market reaches it.
WhyTo enter only when the price crosses a certain level.
WhenWhen you want entry only after a breakout or halt.
Limitbutton/button
Select Limit order — execute at limit price or better
Click — order type is set to Limit. The order will only execute at the price we set or better.
WhyAllows control over entry or exit price.
WhenWhen you want to enter or exit at a specific price.
Marketbutton/button
Select Market order — immediate execution at current price
Click — order type is set to Market. The order will execute at the current market price.
WhySuitable for quick entry without waiting for a specific price.
WhenWhen you want to enter a trade immediately at market price.
Templates ▾button/button
Templates ▾ — a ready trade in one click
Your trade templates. A click fills the ticket; PLACE sends it (with Confirm: on it asks ✔ Confirm first). You can also edit them from here.
⌨ OFFbutton/button
⌨ — trade hotkeys
OFF until you turn it on. ON: Alt+1 … Alt+9 fill the ticket with templates 1–9; Ctrl+Enter = PLACE; Esc dismisses an open ✔ Confirm. Never while you type in a field.
Journal noteinput/text
Add a personal note to the current trade
Text field for typing a short note (up to 120 characters). The note is deleted after the order is sent.
WhyTo jot down specific information about the trade, like the reason or a feeling.
WhenBefore sending, when you want to add personal documentation to the trade.
Setup (Level + setup / VWAP / Other)select/select-one
Select a label for the trade before sending
Choose a name for the setup from a list or type 'Other'. The selection is saved automatically.
WhyTo document in the journal which setup you activated, without typing manually each time.
WhenBefore sending an order, when you want to mark the type of setup.
Confirm: onbutton/button
Confirm: on / off — whether PLACE asks first
ON (the default): every send asks once inside the panel — a ✔ Confirm row under the button for 5 s. OFF: one click sends. The choice is remembered. Every plan check applies either way.
Rail Cards
A collection of cards on the right side: Journal, Discipline, DCA, and more. Each card expands and collapses, providing detailed information without cluttering the chart.
Snapbutton/submit
Fills stop and target from current entry
Click — the system automatically fills the stop and target fields based on the current entry price.
WhySaves manual entry and reduces risk setting errors.
WhenAfter entering a position and you want to set a quick stop and target.
⚠ Automatically fills stop and target — verify data before confirming.
✕button/submit
Deletes the trade plan
Click — the current trade plan (stop, target, quantity) is deleted.
WhyTo start a new plan or cancel an existing one.
WhenWhen you want to cancel the current plan.
⚠ Deletes the trade plan — cannot be restored.
Syncbutton/submit
Fetch fills from broker
Click to fetch all recent fills from the broker and update the journal.
WhyTo ensure the journal reflects actual, up-to-date performance.
WhenAfter a trading session or if fills are missing from the journal.
⚠ Fetches fills from the broker — read-only action, does not change positions.
All connected accounts at a glance
All connected accounts at a glance
Per account: balance, today's realized P&L (from the broker), open P&L, trade count and open positions. Totals at the top.
WhyWith several accounts you immediately see where there is a position and how the day went in each.
WhenAlways on; refreshes every 10 seconds. Click an account to make it the working account.
Log of everything you did — which account, and what happened
Log of everything you did — which account, and what happened
Every order, cancel, close, stop or target move, discipline block and lock — with time, account, symbol and result (✓ done, ✗ failed + the reason).
WhySo you know for sure what was sent and where, and can check afterwards why something didn't go through.
WhenAfter any action, or when something looks unclear. Filter to the selected account only if you want.
Risk per trade, one-click setups and alert rules — in one place
Risk per trade, one-click setups and alert rules — in one place
Top: risk per trade (every trade's quantity is derived from it). Middle: setups (templates) — one button fills the ticket (entry, stop, target, quantity from your risk) and stops there; PLACE sends it, and Confirm: on asks ✔ Confirm first. Bottom: rules — a level break or a candle pattern pops up a window with a ready trade.
WhyTo act fast without giving up fixed risk and discipline.
WhenDefine setups and rules once; while trading — arm and click.
⚠ “Armed” is off every time Ledge Desktop opens. A setup goes through PLACE like any ticket order. A rule never sends by itself — it only proposes.
Turns the level alerts on and offbutton/button
Turns the level alerts on and off
Big switch: green = ON, grey = OFF. Switching on makes Ledge Desktop check at once that everything works (key, server, levels, price) and report it in the status line within about two seconds. The choice is saved. Alerts are OFF until you switch them on.
WhySo you know for sure the alerts work — not find out when a level has already been crossed.
WhenAt the start of a trading day — alerts stay OFF until you turn them on.
Plan · Editdiv
The plan card — its state, its numbers, and "Edit"
The title of the plan card in the rail. Below it the status line (off / on), and only while the plan is on — the details: risk, daily loss, target, trades, hours.
WhyOne place to see whether the plan is in force and what it says. With the plan off, only the hard caps and the required stop apply.
WhenA glance before trading, and after every change.
Editbutton/button
Open the plan editor
Clicking opens the plan editing window.
WhyTo change parameters and strategy.
WhenWhen you want to update the plan — on or off.
Confirmbutton/submit
Confirm discipline action
Click to confirm a discipline alert.
WhyConfirms or cancels the discipline notification.
WhenWhen a written alert appears.
General explanation — based on the label only
Day summarybutton/submit
Open end-of-day summary report
Click — a window opens with a summary of the day's trades and results.
WhyAllows a quick view of how the day went without digging through the journal.
WhenAt the end of a trading day, or any time you want to check performance.
r-soundinput/checkbox
Level-alert sounds — the master switch
On: the level alerts (Touch · Massive, Touch · Light, Near level) play the sounds chosen in the rows below, at the one volume. Off: Ledge Desktop plays no sound at all. These are Ledge Desktop's only sounds — proposals, ladders, rules and stop suggestions show a message, never a sound. Saved at once.
WhyOne switch to silence the alerts without losing your sound choices.
WhenWhen you want the alerts silent, or back on.
Journal header – collapse/expanddiv
Journal header – collapse/expand
Click the header to collapse or expand the journal.
WhyTo save screen space or reveal journal content.
WhenWhen you need to show or hide the journal.
Discipline score header – collapse/expanddiv
Discipline score header – collapse/expand
Click the header to collapse or expand the discipline score card.
WhyTo view or hide the score and feedback.
WhenWhen you want discipline feedback or to save space.
Create planbutton/button
Opens the editor to create a first plan
Shown when no plan is saved. Click — the plan editor opens. At the end, "Save & turn on" turns it on; "Save" only saves and leaves it off.
WhyWith no saved plan there is nothing to turn on.
WhenThe first time, or when there is no plan on the server.
▶ Test alertbutton/button
Shows a sample alert with its sound — marked TEST
Fires an alert exactly like a real one — the message, the sound and the flash on the nearest level — marked TEST. If the sound is muted, it says so too.
WhySo you see and hear what a real alert looks like, and that the sound works.
WhenAfter installing, after changing settings, or when unsure.
Cancel ladder
Cancel ladder — cancels rungs still waiting
Shown when the trade has exited and rungs are still waiting at the broker. A click (after a confirm) cancels only those rungs — the position, its stop/target and other orders stay — so they can't open a new position without a plan.
Add-on Windows
Add-ons like Discipline or Flow open in separate windows. Allows you to work in parallel and track additional information.
Write to planbutton/button
Click – the recommended risk is written to the trade risk field.
Writes the recommended risk value into the trade risk field.
WhySaves manual typing and prevents calculation errors.
WhenWhen you want to transfer the recommended risk to the plan.
⚠ If there is no recommended risk – nothing will happen.
General explanation — based on the label only
Savebutton/button
Saves the plan — without changing whether it is on or off
Sends the plan to the server. A new plan is saved off; a plan that is already on stays on with the new numbers. To turn on: "Save & turn on" here, or "Turn on" on the card.
WhySo the changes are kept and not lost — without switching a gate on by accident.
WhenAfter you have edited a plan and want to save.
⚠ "Save" alone does not turn a switched-off plan on — if you wanted a gate, click "Save & turn on". The button is locked while saving — do not click again.
Cancelbutton/button
Click – closes the window without saving.
Closes the editing window and cancels the changes.
WhyTo exit without changing the existing plan.
WhenWhen you realize there is no need for change.
⚠ Unsaved changes will be lost.
Close allbutton/submitMoves money
Click – closes all positions.
Click — closes all open positions (Close all).
WhyTo exit the market quickly.
WhenWhen you want to close everything.
⚠ Closing positions may result in losses.
Trailing mode (Percent giveback / Lock profit / Half target / None)select/select-one
Selects behavior on a green day
Selection from a list: Percentage Return, Profit Lock, Half Target, None.
WhyDetermines how the system will manage positions when the account is in profit.
WhenWhen setting up the personal plan for daily management.
⚠ Changing this setting may cause automatic closing of positions or locking in profits.
General explanation — based on the label only
Save & turn onbutton/button
Saves the plan and turns it on in the same click
Like "Save", and in addition the plan is in force immediately. The button appears only while the plan is off.
WhyA new plan is saved off. This is the button that turns it into a working gate.
WhenWhen you have finished filling it in and want the plan to check your trades from now on.
⚠ From this click the gate checks every trade against these numbers. The button is locked while saving — do not click again.
✕button/button
Closes the editor window.
Click – the window closes. Changes are not saved unless you saved first.
WhyIt's important to close a window when you don't need it.
WhenWhen you want to exit the editor without saving.
Add instrumentbutton/button
Adds a row for a new instrument.
Click – an empty row is added to the instrument list. You need to enter an instrument name.
WhyTo add a futures contract to the trading basket.
WhenWhen setting up the instrument list.
Add windowbutton/button
Adds a trading hours window.
Click – a row is added to set hours. You can set entry and exit times.
WhyTo limit trading hours to specific days and times.
WhenWhen you want to add a new trading window.
Type the sentence hereinput/text
Type the sentence that appears above here.
Field for typing the sentence that appears in the message.
WhyTo confirm that you understand the risk.
WhenWhen a warning appears that requires confirmation.
I confirmbutton/submit
Click – confirms the warning.
Checks that the sentence was typed correctly and confirms the action.
WhyTo ensure you really understand what you are doing.
WhenAfter you have typed the required sentence.
Back to planbutton/submit
Click – returns to the plan without confirming.
Closes the warning window and returns to the plan.
WhyTo cancel the risky action.
WhenWhen you decide not to proceed.
Overridebutton/submit
Click – opens the lockout override window.
Displays a window that allows bypassing the lockout.
WhyTo enable trading despite the lockout.
WhenWhen you need to bypass the lockout.
General explanation — based on the label only
I have a release codebutton/submit
Click – displays the release code field.
Shows a field for entering the release code.
WhyTo release the lockout with a code.
WhenWhen you have a release code.
Release codeinput/password
Type the release code here.
Field for typing the release code.
WhyTo release the lockout.
WhenWhen you have a code.
Releasebutton/submit
Click – sends the code for release.
Sends the code you entered.
WhyTo release the lockout.
WhenAfter you have entered a code.
America/New_YorkAmerica/ChicagoAsia/Jerusalemselect/select-one
Select — time zone
Time zone selection menu for the system.
WhyAligns trading time with user location.
WhenWhen you need to change the time zone.
Contract size (Auto / Micro / Mini)select/select-one
Selects preference between auto micro or mini
Selection from a list of options (Auto, Micro, Mini).
WhyDetermines which contract size will be used as default in the plan.
WhenWhen setting up the personal plan.
General explanation — based on the label only
General
Global settings that affect the entire screen, like connection status, language, or default behavior.
Enter amount — the entire ladder risks this
Enter amount — the entire ladder risks this
Field to enter the total dollar risk for the ladder. If left blank, risk is determined by the plan or path.
WhySets in advance how much money is at stake for the entire ladder.
WhenWhen you want to limit the total risk to a specific amount.
⚠ Changing this affects the total position size — it may increase or decrease actual exposure.
Enter number — determines how many averaging steps
Enter number — determines how many averaging steps
Field to enter the number of averaging steps in the ladder.
WhyDetermines the number of levels where additional orders will be entered.
WhenWhen you want to set how many times to add to the position.
⚠ Increasing the number adds orders — this may increase total risk.
Click — the ladder will be for buying
Click — the ladder will be for buying
Selects long direction — buying in the hope that the price will rise.
WhySets the direction for all orders in the ladder.
WhenWhen your forecast is for an increase.
⚠ The wrong direction may lead to losses if the market moves in the opposite direction.
Click — the ladder will be for selling
Click — the ladder will be for selling
Selects short direction — selling in the hope that the price will fall.
WhySets the direction for all orders in the ladder.
WhenWhen your forecast is for a decrease.
⚠ The wrong direction may lead to losses if the market moves in the opposite direction.
Click — builds suggestions based on selections
Click — builds suggestions based on selections
Creates ladder suggestions based on the selected direction, weight, and depth.
WhyConverts the settings into ready-to-trade ladder suggestions.
WhenAfter you have set all parameters and want to see the result.
⚠ This click only shows suggestions — nothing is sent. Orders go out only from «Send ladder», after the confirm window.
Mark the stop level on the chart
Mark the stop level on the chart
Click — when you click on the chart, you will mark where the stop for all legs will be placed.
WhyDefines where the ladder closes at a loss.
WhenWhen you are in 'I draw' mode and need to set the exit level for a loss.
⚠ If you mark the stop in the wrong place, the ladder may close immediately.
Mark the target zone on the chart
Mark the target zone on the chart
Click — when you click on the chart, you will mark a rectangle defining where the profit will be locked in.
WhyThe ladder will automatically close profits when the market reaches there.
WhenWhen you are in 'I draw' mode and need to define a profit target.
⚠ Choose an appropriate size: a small zone may close profit early, a large zone may miss profit.
Sends the ladder to the marketMoves money
Sends the ladder to the market
Click — every rung of the ladder is sent as a limit order to the selected account, with the ladder's stop.
WhyThis is the button that executes your plan.
WhenAfter you have set all the ladder parameters.
⚠ Every rung is placed as a limit order with the ladder's stop. To remove rungs still waiting at the broker use «Cancel ladder». Dragging a rung on the chart keeps the ladder's total risk.
Mark stop zone for the order
Mark stop zone for the order
Select to mark where the stop for the total loss will be placed on the chart.
WhySets the maximum risk in advance — protects the account.
WhenBefore building the order, when setting lower boundaries.
⚠ The stop will be sent as an order — and will close all legs if hit. Without a stop, the order may continue to a loss without limit.
Click to edit in the plan
Click to edit in the plan
Opens the plan editor to set risk in the plan.
WhyAllows setting custom risk in the plan.
WhenWhen the plan does not lock risk and you want to change it.
⚠ The value in the plan overrides the general value only while the plan is on.
Select whether to send stop to the broker
Select whether to send stop to the broker
When checked, orders will be sent with a stop instruction to the broker.
WhyProtects the position from extreme movement.
WhenAt the start of trading, to decide whether to use a stop.
⚠ Unchecking will result in orders without a stop — increased risk.
Enter secret API key
Enter secret API key
Field to enter your Topstep account API key.
WhyThe key allows connection to trade your account.
WhenWhen connecting or changing the key.
⚠ Do not reveal your API key — it grants access to your account.
Sends stop order directly to the broker
Sends stop order directly to the broker
Checkbox to send an automatic stop order to the broker upon entering a trade.
WhySo the stop is executed even if the software is disconnected.
WhenWhen you want additional protection for the trade.
⚠ Unchecking may leave a trade without a stop at the broker.
Select price that follows the market
Select price that follows the market
Click to have the order price track the real-time market price.
WhyTo enter at the current market price without pre-setting.
WhenWhen you want a quick entry while the market is moving.
⚠ In trailing mode, the price will change automatically with the market — it may execute at a different price than expected.
Set a fixed price for the order
Set a fixed price for the order
Click to lock the price to a fixed value that does not change.
WhyTo enter only at a specific, exact price.
WhenWhen there is a clear price level you want to enter at.
⚠ A fixed price will not change — if the market moves away, the order will not execute.
Enter price manually
Enter price manually
Click to enter the order price yourself.
WhyFull control over the entry price.
WhenWhen you have a precise strategy that requires a fixed price.
⚠ You will need to manually enter the price before sending.
Plan state: off (trading freely) or on — with the numbers in force
Plan state: off (trading freely) or on — with the numbers in force
The status line at the top of the plan card. "Plan: off · trading freely" — the plan does nothing. "Plan: on · $ per trade · day −$ · trades per day" — these are the numbers the gate checks against.
WhyThe plan is opt-in: it does nothing until you turn it on. With the plan off, only the hard caps and the required stop apply.
WhenOne glance before you start trading — make sure the state is what you intended.
⚠ Off = no daily-loss gate and no trade limit. What is written here is what is in force. The daily lock applies to Ledge Desktop on this computer. Daily limits count per trading account; there is no shared total across your accounts.
Turns the plan on or off — without opening the editor
Turns the plan on or off — without opening the editor
Click "Turn on" — the saved plan is in force immediately. Click "Turn off" — it stays saved but stops applying (trading freely). The state is set on the server and redrawn from there.
WhyTo switch state in one click, without touching the numbers.
When"Turn on" — when you are ready to trade by the plan. "Turn off" — when you deliberately want to trade freely.
⚠ "Turn off" removes the daily-loss gate and the trade limit; only the hard caps and the required stop remain.
The plan is saved but off — trading freely
The plan is saved but off — trading freely
The top strip shows there is a saved plan that is not in force. The button next to it is "Turn on" — one click turns it on immediately, without opening the editor.
WhySo it is always clear whether the gate is working. With the plan off, only the hard caps and the required stop apply.
WhenEvery time you look at the strip. If you meant to trade by the plan — click "Turn on".
⚠ As long as the strip is amber, there is no daily-loss gate and no trade limit.
TopstepXTopstepXbutton/submit
The connection your orders go through, and its state. Click — «Connect your trading».
Shows which connection your orders go through now (NinjaTrader · TopstepX · Tradovate) and whether it is connected. A click opens «Connect your trading»; a second click closes it.
WhySo you know at a glance whether an order would reach your account, and can fix the connection from the same place.
WhenWhen the dot is red, or when you want to switch to another stream.
Select a risk level to automatically calculate quantity.select/select-one
Select a risk level to automatically calculate quantity.
Menu to select a risk level (small, medium, large).
WhySets the position size based on risk.
WhenWhen you want to change the risk level.
⚠ Changing the risk level will change the position size for future trades.
—? · DEMO-50K? · DEMO-150Kselect/select-oneMoves money
The account Ledge sends your orders to — red LIVE or SIM
Every order, close and cancel goes to the account picked here — only to it. Each account has a label: SIM when the broker marks it simulated, otherwise a red LIVE (real money); an account Ledge Desktop can't identify is treated as LIVE. There is no separate linking step.
WhySo you always know which account an order goes to.
WhenBefore every trade, and when you switch accounts.
⚠ Check the LIVE / SIM label before you press PLACE.
Save & turn onbutton/button
Saves the three numbers and turns the plan on
The first-run card: risk per trade, allowed daily loss, max trades per day. Click — the plan is saved and in force immediately. Everything else (hours, lists, calculator) is in the full editor, via "Edit".
WhyWithout a plan that is on there is no daily-loss gate. The card is the short way there.
WhenOn first run, after the setup wizard.
⚠ From this click the gate checks every trade against these numbers. You can change them any time in "Edit".
Sessionsbutton/submit
Enable session markers
Click to display colored backgrounds for trading sessions (Asia, London, New York).
WhyTo see activity levels during different market sessions.
WhenWhen trading concurrently with different global markets.
Chart stylebutton/submit
Opens the chart styling window.
Click the gear icon to open a window with styling options. You can also right-click on the chart.
WhyTo change colors, lines, and the overall appearance of the chart without touching code.
WhenWhen you want to customize the chart to your personal preference.
Flowbutton/submit
Trade flow view
Click — a trade flow view opens. Each trade is shown as a bubble on a timeline, with size indicating volume and color indicating buy/sell.
WhyAllows viewing demand and supply dynamics over time, independent of a heatmap.
WhenWhen you want to understand the continuous flow of trades in real-time.
Splitbutton/submit
Second chart below — same instrument, same levels, different timeframe
Clicking splits the chart into two: the bottom one with the same instrument and levels, but a different timeframe.
WhyAllows simultaneous viewing of different timeframes (e.g., 5 minutes and 1 hour) for the same instrument.
WhenWhen you want to compare short-term vs. long-term movement on the same instrument.
Replaybutton/submit
Candlestick and tape replay from cache
Clicking opens replay mode, where you can rewind the price candlesticks and tape that have already been captured.
WhyAllows analysis of past movements without relying on an external server — only from the local cache.
WhenWhen you want to examine a previous trading segment, understand a pattern, or test an entry/exit.
Discipline card title
Discipline card title
Displays the card title 'Discipline' with a date.
WhyIdentifies the discipline alert card.
WhenWhen viewing the dashboard.
General explanation — based on the label only
Click — switch to drawing mode on the chart
Click — switch to drawing mode on the chart
Activates a mode where you draw an entry zone, stop, and target zone on the chart. The ladder is built within these zones.
WhyThis way, the ladder is precisely tailored to your plan on the chart.
WhenWhen you want to build a ladder based on manual drawing on the chart.
Click — each leg is the same size
Click — each leg is the same size
Sets that the number of contracts is the same at each level of the ladder.
WhySimple and predictable — suitable for those who don't want differences between levels.
WhenWhen you want an equal distribution without further thought.
Click — more contracts at depth
Click — more contracts at depth
Sets that the number of contracts increases as you move away from the entry, closer to the stop.
WhyRisk is smaller near the stop, so you can increase the quantity there.
WhenWhen you want to profit more from a strong move in the direction.
Click — most of the position is at the first touch
Click — most of the position is at the first touch
Sets that most contracts are at the initial levels, close to the entry.
WhyThis way, you profit more if the price immediately moves in your favor.
WhenWhen you expect an immediate move after entry.
Click — close levels, short range
Click — close levels, short range
Sets that the ladder levels will be close together, 5–30 minutes or ATR×1 apart.
WhySuitable for fast, small movements.
WhenWhen the market is moving sharply and you want to enter early.
Click — medium levels, medium range
Click — medium levels, medium range
Sets that the levels will be at a medium distance, 15–60 minutes or ATR×2 apart.
WhyA balance between frequency and range width.
WhenWhen the market is relatively calm and you want flexibility.
Click — distant levels, long range
Click — distant levels, long range
Sets that the levels will be spaced out, one hour to one day or ATR×4 apart.
WhySuitable for large movements and high volatility.
WhenWhen the market is volatile and you want to avoid quick fills.
Legs at equal spacing within the zone
Legs at equal spacing within the zone
Click — all ladder legs will be equidistant from each other, regardless of depth.
WhyConsistent spacing is easy to track and easy to calculate risk for in advance.
WhenWhen the market is moving regularly and you want an even distribution of orders.
Legs on liquidity levels within the zone
Legs on liquidity levels within the zone
Click — displays fixed levels based on a predetermined density.
WhyAllows you to see how many legs will appear in the zone.
WhenWhen you want to determine how many lines will appear on the chart.
Spacing that increases with depth
Spacing that increases with depth
Click — the spacing between legs increases as you move away from the entry.
WhyReduces risk near the entry and allows for larger entries further away.
WhenWhen you want to cover a wide area without crowding close orders.
Mark the entry zone boundaries on the chart
Mark the entry zone boundaries on the chart
Click — when you click on the chart, you can draw a rectangle defining the entry range for the legs.
WhyThis is how you control where the ladder starts.
WhenEvery time you are in 'I draw' mode and need to define where to enter.
Clears the ladder plan
Clears the ladder plan
Click — all pending legs are deleted from the plan.
WhyAllows you to start over without closing orders already in the market.
WhenWhen you are not satisfied with the plan and want to rebuild it.
Choose direction — the system builds ladders using various averaging methods
Choose direction — the system builds ladders using various averaging methods
Click — switch to a mode where the system automatically suggests where to place legs based on parameters.
WhySaves time and you don't need to mark manually on the chart.
WhenWhen you prefer the system to decide on leg placement.
Mark entry, stop, and target zones on the chart — the ladder is built within them
Mark entry, stop, and target zones on the chart — the ladder is built within them
Click — switch to a mode where you mark rectangles on the chart for entry, stop, and target.
WhyGives full control over the ladder's boundaries.
WhenWhen you see exactly where you want the legs to be.
5–30 min levels · ATR×1
5–30 min levels · ATR×1
Click — the range for calculating legs will be narrowed to a short timeframe (5–30 min).
WhySuitable for volatile markets or when you want tight entries.
WhenWhen you expect relatively small movement in a short timeframe.
General explanation — based on the label only
Select medium depth
Select medium depth
Click — select medium depth ($150–$300).
WhySuitable for medium-range trading.
WhenWhen you want medium-range suggestions.
Select wide depth
Select wide depth
Click — select wide depth.
WhySuitable for large fluctuations.
WhenWhen the market is volatile.
Build suggestions for the chosen direction
Build suggestions for the chosen direction
Click — the system builds order suggestions based on your chosen depth and spacing.
WhySaves time — you get a ready order to review or modify before sending.
WhenAfter choosing depth (narrow/medium/wide) and direction. Not mandatory — you can build manually.
Legs at equal spacing within the zone
Legs at equal spacing within the zone
Selects equal spacing between legs — each level is a fixed distance apart.
WhyProvides a uniform grid, easy to pre-calculate risk.
WhenWhen you want symmetrical orders, without preference for liquidity levels.
Select spacing by levels
Select spacing by levels
Click — select spacing by levels.
WhyShows levels based on volume.
WhenWhen you want to see liquidity levels.
Spacing increases with depth
Spacing increases with depth
Selects increasing spacing — the first leg is close, subsequent ones are farther apart.
WhyDistributes risk: if the price moves against you, the next leg will be farther away.
WhenWhen you want defensive grids — avoid doubling exposure close to entry.
Mark entry zone for the order
Mark entry zone for the order
Select to mark the zone on the chart where the first leg of the order will be placed.
WhyDetermines the starting point — important for entry precision.
WhenBefore building the order, when setting manual boundaries.
Mark profit zone for the order
Mark profit zone for the order
Select to mark the zone on the chart where the take-profit order will be placed.
WhyDetermines when to exit — locks in profits automatically.
WhenBefore building the order, when setting upper boundaries.
Enter Topstep username
Enter Topstep username
Field to type your Topstep account username.
WhyThe system uses it to log into your account.
WhenWhen setting up the trading account.
Selects preferred risk level.
Selects preferred risk level.
Choose from: automatic, micro, mini. The selection affects the suggested contract size.
WhyTailor the trade size to your trading style.
WhenWhen setting up your personal plan.
General explanation — based on the label only
Selects green day mode.
Selects green day mode.
Choose whether to return a percentage, lock profit, half-knowledge, or none. The setting determines automation on a positive day.
WhyDetermines how the system behaves when the daily profit limit is reached.
WhenIn the daily settings of the plan.
General explanation — based on the label only
DCA and known risk header
DCA and known risk header
Shows the header for the DCA (dollar-cost averaging) card and pre-calculated risk.
WhyIndicates what information is displayed in this area.
WhenWhen using the DCA strategy.
General explanation — based on the label only
Select direction for building ladders
Select direction for building ladders
Click to select a trading direction (up/down). The system suggests averaging ladders.
WhyTo save time building automatic ladders.
WhenWhen you want to enter a trade with ladders based on direction.
Build suggestions for direction
Build suggestions for direction
Click to have the system build ladder suggestions based on your chosen direction.
WhyTo see ready-made entry options.
WhenAfter selecting a direction, click to get suggestions.
Label for username
Label for username
Label indicating the field for entering a username.
WhyTo identify which field to fill in.
WhenWhen entering login details.
General explanation — based on the label only
Label for API Key
Label for API Key
Label indicating the field for entering an API key.
WhyTo identify which field to fill in with the secret key.
WhenWhen entering login details.
General explanation — based on the label only
Orders go through NinjaTrader
Orders go through NinjaTrader
Connects Ledge Desktop to the Ledge add-on inside NinjaTrader 8 on this computer. The first time, NinjaTrader asks you to approve.
WhySo orders go out through NinjaTrader to the account you pick in Ledge Desktop.
WhenAfter Ledge Setup has installed the add-on in NinjaTrader.
Saves the NinjaTrader add-on file to Downloads
Saves the NinjaTrader add-on file to Downloads
Saves the add-on file to your Downloads folder (a backup). The usual way: Ledge Setup installs it, and «↓ Update» in NinjaTrader updates it.
WhyWithout the add-on Ledge Desktop has no way to talk to NinjaTrader.
WhenOnce, and again after an update.
Orders go through TopstepX
Orders go through TopstepX
Connects Ledge Desktop to TopstepX through the official API (ProjectX) with the username and key you pasted. The key is stored encrypted on this computer.
WhyA direct connection, no other program.
WhenAfter you paste your username and API key.
Your TopstepX username
Your TopstepX username
The username you sign in to TopstepX with.
WhyProjectX identifies you by it.
WhenOnce, before connecting.
The API key from TopstepX ▸ Settings ▸ API
The API key from TopstepX ▸ Settings ▸ API
The key you got in TopstepX ▸ Settings ▸ API. Stored encrypted on this computer only; the field is cleared after connecting.
WhyIt is what lets Ledge Desktop send orders to your account.
WhenOnce, before connecting.
Deletes the saved API key from this computer
Deletes the saved API key from this computer
Deletes the TopstepX username and key from this computer.
WhyFor a shared computer, or when you change the key.
WhenWhen you do not want the key kept on this computer.
Orders go through Tradovate
Orders go through Tradovate
Connects Ledge Desktop to the Ledge Add-On for Tradovate in Chrome, on your open Tradovate tab. Your Tradovate password stays in the browser.
WhySo orders go out through Tradovate to the account you pick in Ledge Desktop.
WhenAfter the extension is loaded in Chrome and the code is typed in it.
Opens the Chrome extension folder
Opens the Chrome extension folder
Opens the folder the extension was installed to. In Chrome: chrome://extensions ▸ Developer mode ▸ Load unpacked ▸ pick the folder.
WhyChrome loads a local extension from a folder.
WhenOnce, when installing.
Copies the pairing code
Copies the pairing code
Copies the code so you can paste it in the extension.
WhyThe code pairs the extension with this Ledge Desktop only.
WhenWhen pairing the extension.
Makes a new pairing code
Makes a new pairing code
Makes a new code. An extension that is already paired disconnects, and you type the new code in it.
WhyFor a lost computer, or if someone may have seen the code.
WhenOnly when you need to break an existing pairing.
Closes «Connect your trading»
Closes «Connect your trading»
Closes the panel. Esc, a click outside it, or a second click on the stream pill also close it.
20button/submit
Max lines 20 — the 20 strongest levels around the price · 1H and up
Shows the 20 strongest levels around the price, only from 1H · 4H · 1D · W — like NinjaTrader's «Minimal». The choice is saved.
WhyA clean screen: only the strong structure.
WhenMost of the time — it is the starting point.
30button/submit
Max lines 30 — the 30 strongest levels around the price · 30M and up
Shows the 30 strongest levels around the price, from 30M and up. The choice is saved.
WhyA balance of structure and detail.
WhenWhen you want a bit more intraday context.
Allbutton/submit
Every level from every timeframe
Shows everything your subscription sends, from every timeframe. The choice is saved.
WhyWhen you want to see it all.
WhenFor checking — the screen gets busy.
Market — fills now at the current price
Market — fills now at the current price
Order type: Market. The order fills at once at the market price.
WhyA fast entry without waiting for a price.
WhenWhen you want in now.
Limit — waits for your price or better
Limit — waits for your price or better
Order type: Limit. The order waits and fills only at your price or better.
WhyControl over the entry price.
WhenTo buy below the price or sell above it.
Stop — enters when price touches the level
Stop — enters when price touches the level
Order type: Stop. The order becomes a market order when price reaches your level.
WhyEntering on a breakout or a break.
WhenTo buy above the price or sell below it.
Closes the style editor — everything is already saved
Closes the style editor — everything is already saved
Every change in the editor is saved the moment you make it («✓ Saved» at the bottom). «Done» closes it.
WhenWhen you finish styling.
The chart. Each trade line carries its label at the right end: price · points · dollars · R.
The chart. Each trade line carries its label at the right end: price · points · dollars · R.
The trade lines (ENTRY · STOP · TARGET) carry a full label in the line's colour at the right end, next to the price axis: «TARGET 30,774 · +60 pts · +$1,200 · 2R», «STOP 30,652 · −60 pts · −$600 · −1R», «ENTRY 30,714 · 5 MNQ». Dollars are for the ticket's quantity; before there is a quantity they are for one contract, marked «/contract». The 1R · 2R · 3R lines (teal) show what each R is worth; the rung that is the target is not labelled twice. Labels that meet stack above each other, and the level labels step left so they are never covered. Drag a line to change it. ENTRY or STOP of a draft or a working order re-sizes the quantity to keep the same $ risk (never above max contracts per order); TARGET changes only R. DCA: drag one rung and the ladder's total risk stays the same; drag the ladder stop and every rung re-sizes. On an open position, dragging moves only the stop or the target. Labels update live while you drag, prices snap to the tick, and Esc cancels the drag.
WhyEverything you need to decide the trade — how much you risk, how much you make and at what ratio — is read on the line itself, without looking at the ticket.
WhenWhenever you build a trade on the chart or hold a position.
The alerts' state right now — green working, amber/red with the reason
The alerts' state right now — green working, amber/red with the reason
Green: «● ON · watching NQ · HVN/POC 1H+ · checked 3 s ago · last touch …». Amber or red with the exact reason: OFF · no level kind ticked · not signed in · server not reachable (retrying) · refused: <reason> · no price right now · no levels in range · sound muted.
WhyNo silent failure: if an alert will not come, this line says why.
WhenWhenever you want to be sure the alerts work.
The alerts' state even when the card is folded
The alerts' state even when the card is folded
A tag on the card's head: green ON, grey OFF. When a failure repeats it turns amber/red with the reason in short — even when the card is folded. Hover shows the full status line.
WhyA failure is visible without opening the card.
WhenAlways — one glance at the rail.
Activebutton/button
Turns the level gauge on the chart on and off
The level gauge — the same Ledge numbers NinjaTrader shows. Next to the level's label: above the price «REJECT 63%» (odds the price is turned away), below «HOLD 60%» (odds it holds). « | AT PRICE» = the price is on it now; «(old)» = the model is more than 10 minutes old. Green ≥60% · red ≤40% · amber in between. The choice is saved.
WhyContext on every nearby level — how often a level like this has held.
WhenAlways, when trading around levels.
3button/button
The 3 nearest levels get the gauge
The level gauge is shown on the 3 levels nearest the price. The Minimal view = 3, Analysis = 6, Full = 10. The choice is saved.
WhyMore levels = more context, and more on the chart.
WhenWhen you want the odds on levels further away too.
6button/button
The 6 nearest levels get the gauge
The level gauge is shown on the 6 levels nearest the price. The Minimal view = 3, Analysis = 6, Full = 10. The choice is saved.
WhyMore levels = more context, and more on the chart.
WhenWhen you want the odds on levels further away too.
10button/button
The 10 nearest levels get the gauge
The level gauge is shown on the 10 levels nearest the price. The Minimal view = 3, Analysis = 6, Full = 10. The choice is saved.
WhyMore levels = more context, and more on the chart.
WhenWhen you want the odds on levels further away too.
What the level gauge is doing now
What the level gauge is doing now
Green: «3 nearest levels for NQ · updated 6 s ago». Otherwise the reason: loading · not in your subscription · stale (marked old) · no data right now · server not reachable.
WhyNo silent failure: if there is no gauge on the chart, this line says why.
WhenWhen the gauge does not show on the chart.
Lightbutton/submit
Light levels — more levels, lighter volume structure
Turns the light levels on or off: more levels, from a lighter volume structure. The number next to the name = how many such levels there are now.
WhyA more detailed picture — including the secondary levels.
WhenWhen you want to see the secondary levels too.
Massivebutton/submit
Massive levels — fewer, stronger levels
Click to show or hide the Massive levels: fewer, stronger levels. The number next to the name = how many such levels there are now.
WhyOnly the strong structure — less noise.
WhenWhen you want a clean chart with the important levels.
40button/submit
Max lines 40 — the 40 strongest levels around the price · 15M and up
Shows the 40 strongest levels around the price, from 15M and up. The choice is saved.
12button/submit
Max lines 12 — the 12 strongest levels around the price · 1H and up
Shows the 12 strongest levels around the price, only from 1H and up — the cleanest chart. The choice is saved.
Click to open the PurplEdge account tab.button/submit
Click to open the PurplEdge account tab.
Button showing if you are connected to Ledge. Click to open settings.
WhyTo know if the connection is active and access settings.
WhenWhen you want to check or change the connection to Ledge.
Select an instrument to update the size and screen.select/select-one
Select an instrument to update the size and screen.
Menu to select an instrument (e.g., NQ, 6B).
WhyDetermines which instrument you are trading.
WhenWhen you want to switch to a different instrument.
Symbol group (All symbols / Futures / Stocks by sector …)select/select-one
Select a sector to update the instrument list.
Menu to select a sector (e.g., futures, stocks).
WhyFilters the instrument list by sector.
WhenWhen you want to see instruments from a specific sector.
⚙button/submit
Click to open the settings window.
Button with a gear icon. Click to open settings.
WhyTo access system settings.
WhenWhen you want to change settings.
pq-riskinput/number
Risk in dollars for one trade
How many dollars you may lose on a single trade. The quantity on the ticket is derived from it. Starts from the value you gave in the wizard.
WhyThis way every trade risks the same amount, no matter how far the stop is.
WhenOnce, on the first-run card. Change it later in "Edit".
pq-lossinput/number
Allowed daily loss in dollars
When today's loss reaches this amount, the gate blocks new trades until tomorrow — as long as the plan is on.
WhyThis is the brake for a bad day.
WhenOnce, on the first-run card. Change it later in "Edit".
pq-tradesinput/number
Max trades per day
After this many trades, the gate blocks further trades today — as long as the plan is on.
WhyProtects against overtrading.
WhenOnce, on the first-run card. Change it later in "Edit".
Skipbutton/button
Continues without a plan — trading freely
The card closes and nothing is saved. It is offered again at a later start, as long as no plan is saved.
WhyA postponement, not a waiver: without a plan there is no daily-loss gate.
WhenWhen you want to look at the screen first, or build a full plan in "Edit".