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How To Set Up Paper Trading in TradingView For Beginners

How To Set Up Paper Trading in TradingView For Beginners

This guide gently walks beginners through paper trading in TradingView, covering everything from setup and strategy testing to how it stacks up against other platforms.

  • Dive into paper trading with TradingView to get a feel for the markets without risking a dime while using real-time market data that keeps things authentic.
  • Uncover key features of TradingView's Trading Panel that make executing and tracking your simulated trades feel natural.
  • Pick up handy tips to squeeze the most value from your practice sessions and boost your confidence before you take the plunge into live trading.
  • Check out how TradingView measures up against other platforms like TrendSpider so you can find the one that really clicks with your style.

Paper trading on TradingView is your safe sandbox where beginners can dip their toes into buying and selling stocks, cryptocurrencies and other assets using real market data. It’s a great way for new traders to build confidence and get a genuine feel for how trading plays out in the real world. You can test-drive different strategies without any sweat. Think of it as closing the gap between reading about it and actually doing it. It offers a risk-free playground to get comfortable with key concepts like order execution, portfolio management and market analysis.

What Does Paper Trading Mean in TradingView? Let us unravel this together and see what all the fuss is about.

Paper trading is basically making trades with virtual money that tracks real market prices. On TradingView this neat feature lets users dip their toes into the trading world by practicing in a setting that feels close to the real deal thanks to its built-in Trading Panel.

  • Try out trading strategies without risking your hard-earned cash so you can build your confidence at your own pace.
  • Dive into different order types and execution methods in a risk-free space where mistakes teach lessons, not losses.
  • Get cozy with TradingView’s platform and master its tools—think of it as your trading playground.
  • Experience firsthand how portfolio management works. Witness market shifts and see how trades ripple through your positions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Paper Trading in TradingView

Setting up paper trading in TradingView is surprisingly straightforward, even if you’re just dipping your toes into the trading world. Whether you’re a complete newbie or someone looking to test out new strategies without risking your hard-earned cash, this guide will walk you through the process, one step at a time. So, buckle up and let’s get you trading on paper like a pro—without spending a dime.

Setting up paper trading on TradingView is simple and quick, making it a perfect choice for beginners who don’t want to dive in headfirst. All you have to do is create or log into your account and open the Trading Panel. Then connect to the paper trading broker and fund your virtual account.

1

Swing by TradingView's website and either set up a free account or log in if you’re already part of the club.

2

Once you’ve logged in, pull up any chart and find the "Trading Panel" tab at the bottom of your screen.

3

Inside the Trading Panel, pick "Paper Trading" as your broker since it’s the safe playground for practice.

4

Hit "Connect" to start your paper trading account and dive into the fun without risking a dime.

5

Tweak your starting balance and load up your virtual funds just the way you like. It’s your sandbox after all.

6

Get rolling by placing simulated buy and sell orders through the order panel using real-time market data.

7

Keep a close eye on your positions, open orders and trade history. This is your backstage pass to see how you’re doing and polish your game plan as you go.

Screenshot of TradingView

Screenshot of TradingView's Trading Panel with the paper trading account connected and active.

Getting to Know the Trading Panel and Its Main Features for Paper Trading—A Friendly Walkthrough

The Trading Panel in TradingView serves as your go-to command center for paper trading. It neatly ties together real-time charts with handy order execution tools and makes it a breeze to place market, limit and stop orders. You can quickly tweak position sizes, set stop losses and take profits and keep an eye on your portfolio along with past trades.

  • Supports both market and limit orders, so you can really get a feel for when each one shines.
  • Set stop loss and take profit levels, helping you manage risk without breaking a sweat and lock in those hard-earned gains.
  • Allows you to tweak your position size, giving you a great opportunity to experiment with different risk management strategies.
  • Real-time charts update on the fly, keeping you in the loop as the market twists and turns while your trades play out.
  • Provides a detailed portfolio view and trade history, so you can get a clear picture of your performance and spot areas where a little fine-tuning could pay off.

Tips and Best Practices for Getting the Most Out of Paper Trading (Without Losing Your Shirt)

Really get the most out of paper trading on TradingView by treating your simulated trades with the same level of discipline and focus you’d give to real ones. It’s surprisingly easy to slack off when there’s no real money on the line, but staying sharp pays off. Keeping a trading journal can be a lifesaver for tracking your decisions and spotting those sneaky mistakes.

  • Think of paper trading as if you are putting real money on the line. It’s a great way to build discipline and keep your emotions in check before things get real.
  • Keep detailed records of every trade because looking back at what works is how you really learn.
  • Mix it up by practicing in different market conditions so you can sharpen strategies that will not crumble when the unexpected hits.
  • Get ready for a slow and steady transition from paper to live trading as your skills improve and confidence grows. It’s not an overnight leap but more like a gentle climb.

What Sets TradingView’s Paper Trading Apart From the Rest

TradingView

What You Get

Trading Tools

Paper Trading Simulator

Lets users place simulated trades in real time using virtual funds, so they can practice trading strategies without ever putting their actual money on the line.

Key Benefits

Supports both beginners and seasoned traders in building confidence and sharpening their skills safely, all while keeping the financial butterflies at bay.

Technical Analysis

Advanced Charting Tools

Offers a wide array of chart types along with detailed drawing tools designed to make technical analysis feel less like a chore and more like solving an engaging puzzle.

Key Benefits

Allows for thorough and adaptable market analysis that helps users make well-informed trading decisions, turning those confusing market moves into clearer insights.

Technical Analysis

Extensive Library of Technical Indicators

Includes hundreds of built-in indicators and oscillators to help you study price movements and spot market trends, ensuring you’re never left guessing.

Key Benefits

Supports users in catching trading signals and trends early, guiding smarter, data-driven entries and exits — because timing is everything, right?

Accessibility

Multi-Device Access

Available on desktop, mobile, and tablet, offering a seamless experience that lets you keep an eye on markets no matter where life takes you.

Key Benefits

Enables users to follow markets and trade whenever and wherever it suits them, smoothly fitting into hectic daily routines without missing a beat.

Community

Social Networking and Idea Sharing

Lets traders share charts, ideas, and strategies within a global community, sparking collaboration and sometimes lively debates.

Key Benefits

Creates opportunities to learn from others, get valuable feedback, and stay in the loop on diverse market viewpoints — trading doesn’t have to be a lonely road.

Trading Execution

Brokerage Integration for Live Trading

Works with major brokerages to let users execute orders directly from the platform, making the leap from practice to real trading feel less intimidating.

Key Benefits

Simplifies moving from simulated trading to live markets by streamlining order placement and monitoring — no more juggling between platforms.

Pricing and Plans

Subscription Tiers with Scalable Features

Offers Pro, Pro+, and Premium plans that unlock more advanced features and reduce limitations, tailoring the experience as users grow their trading chops.

Key Benefits

Gives users the flexibility to pick a plan that fits their current trading experience and needs, so the platform grows right alongside them without missing a step.

TradingView’s paper trading tool brilliantly marries advanced charting with real-time market data. It gives both rookies and seasoned pros a straightforward no-fuss platform to practice and fine-tune their strategies with ease.

Comparing Paper Trading Options TradingView and TrendSpider A Hands-On Look

When you’re diving into paper trading, picking the right platform is all about balancing ease of use, sharp analytical tools, and what fits your budget. These platforms each have their own flavor and tend to appeal to different experience levels and trading styles.

Key DifferencesTradingViewTrendSpider
PricingPro+ $19.95, Premium $39.95, Elite $59.95 per monthBasic $39.99, Pro $59.99, Premium $99.99 per month
Key FeaturesEasy-to-use charts, a broad set of indicators, social networking, and customizable templates — basically, everything you’d want without the fuss.Automated technical analysis, flexible indicators, and real-time dynamic alerts — all designed to give you a leg up.
Ease of UseUser-friendly design that’s great for beginners, though a little learning curve keeps things interesting.Steeper learning curve here, crafted more for the experienced, active traders who like to dive deep.
Technical Analysis ToolsPacked with numerous indicators and drawing tools, plus a nice mix of chart types to keep things varied.Features AI-driven pattern recognition, multi-timeframe views, and handy Fibonacci tools — turning complexity into clarity.
Community & Social FeaturesA lively global community buzzing with users eager to share ideas and collaborate.Rather light on social stuff, focusing more on personal automation and in-depth analytics.
Advanced Pattern RecognitionNo AI-powered pattern spotting here; it sticks to good old manual methods.Yes indeed, uses AI algorithms to spot patterns with impressive accuracy.
Target AudienceFrom total beginners to seasoned pros, especially those who value social trading and connection.Tailored for active traders and professionals who crave sophisticated automation.
Visit TradingView SiteVisit TrendSpider Site
TradingView
Pricing
Pro+ $19.95, Premium $39.95, Elite $59.95 per month
Key Features
Easy-to-use charts, a broad set of indicators, social networking, and customizable templates — basically, everything you’d want without the fuss.
Ease of Use
User-friendly design that’s great for beginners, though a little learning curve keeps things interesting.
Technical Analysis Tools
Packed with numerous indicators and drawing tools, plus a nice mix of chart types to keep things varied.
Community & Social Features
A lively global community buzzing with users eager to share ideas and collaborate.
Advanced Pattern Recognition
No AI-powered pattern spotting here; it sticks to good old manual methods.
Target Audience
From total beginners to seasoned pros, especially those who value social trading and connection.
Visit TradingView Site
TrendSpider
Pricing
Basic $39.99, Pro $59.99, Premium $99.99 per month
Key Features
Automated technical analysis, flexible indicators, and real-time dynamic alerts — all designed to give you a leg up.
Ease of Use
Steeper learning curve here, crafted more for the experienced, active traders who like to dive deep.
Technical Analysis Tools
Features AI-driven pattern recognition, multi-timeframe views, and handy Fibonacci tools — turning complexity into clarity.
Community & Social Features
Rather light on social stuff, focusing more on personal automation and in-depth analytics.
Advanced Pattern Recognition
Yes indeed, uses AI algorithms to spot patterns with impressive accuracy.
Target Audience
Tailored for active traders and professionals who crave sophisticated automation.
Visit TrendSpider Site

TradingView boasts a easy-to-use interface paired with broad market coverage and lively community features, making it a solid choice for beginners who want to dip their toes in paper trading on TradingView without feeling overwhelmed. TrendSpider shines by focusing on automation and advanced technical analysis tools, often drawing in more seasoned traders who appreciate having AI-powered insights at their fingertips. Both platforms come with handy paper trading options.

TradingView →

Start TradingView Paper Trading

FAQs

Is paper trading in TradingView completely free to use?

Yes, TradingView's paper trading is totally free with a basic account. That said, if you want to use some of the fancier charting tools or indicators, you might need to upgrade to a paid plan like Pro, Pro+ or Premium to unlock the full toolkit.

Can I reset my paper trading account balance if I run out of virtual funds?

Absolutely. You can tweak your virtual balance anytime via the Trading Panel. Just click your account balance, type in a fresh amount and you’re good to keep practicing without any hassle or limits.

Does TradingView's paper trading simulate real market conditions like slippage or order delays?

While paper trading taps into real-time market data, it doesn’t capture quirky broker-specific things like slippage or order delays. It’s brilliant for getting the hang of trading mechanics and testing strategies. But stepping into live trading will introduce those unpredictable real-world twists.

How long should I practice paper trading before switching to live trading?

There’s no magic number—focus on building consistent habits instead. Keep at it until you feel confident placing trades, managing your risk and seeing steady profits over a few weeks or months. When your strategy holds up in simulations, it’s time to dip your toes into live trading with real money, starting small of course.

Can I paper trade cryptocurrencies on TradingView?

You bet. TradingView’s paper trading covers stocks, forex, indices and cryptocurrencies alike. Just connect to the paper trading broker in the Trading Panel and you’ll be simulating crypto trades using real market prices just like you do with other assets.

How does TradingView’s paper trading compare to other platforms like ThinkorSwim?

TradingView shines with its clean easy-to-use interface, social features that make learning more fun and accessibility across multiple devices. Meanwhile, ThinkorSwim offers tighter brokerage integration and more advanced tools for the pros. So choose TradingView if simplicity and community are your cup of tea or ThinkorSwim if you need those complex brokerage-connect features.

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Reginald Thornfield

Reginald Thornfield

21 articles published

Transforming the field of forex trading through his systematic approach to currency pair analysis, he focuses on macroeconomic indicators and central bank policy impacts.

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