How to Use TradingView for Trade Ideas
If you’re new to trading, TradingView is one of the best free tools available for analyzing markets and discovering trade setups. With its clean interface, powerful charting features, and large community of traders, it’s ideal for building and testing trade ideas across stocks, crypto, forex, and futures.
This beginner guide will walk you through the essentials of using TradingView effectively to generate trade ideas with confidence.
1. Set Up Your Charts
Once you sign up for a free account, you can customize charts for your preferred market—stocks (like AAPL), crypto (like BTCUSD), or forex (like EUR/USD).
Steps:
- Click “Chart” from the dashboard.
- Use the symbol search bar to choose your asset.
- Adjust timeframes (e.g., 1H, 4H, Daily) depending on your strategy.
Tip: Use the “Dark” theme for easier viewing during long sessions.
2. Use Technical Indicators
TradingView offers hundreds of built-in indicators to help you analyze trends, momentum, and volatility.
Beginner indicators to try:
- Moving Averages (MA or EMA) – Identify trends
- RSI (Relative Strength Index) – Spot overbought/oversold zones
- MACD – Confirm momentum shifts
How to add:
Click “Indicators” → Search → Click to add to your chart.
3. Draw Support and Resistance Zones
Support and resistance levels are essential for planning entries and exits.
Steps:
- Use the “Horizontal Line” tool to mark key levels.
- Look for areas where price reversed multiple times.
Pro Tip: Combine support levels with RSI for high-probability bounce setups.
4. Create Watchlists for Trade Ideas
Organize your trade ideas by creating separate watchlists for stocks, crypto, forex, or any other asset class.
How:
- Click on the Watchlist panel → “+” → Add symbols manually
- Create custom lists like “Breakout Setups” or “Pullback Opportunities”
5. Backtest Ideas with the “Bar Replay” Tool
This feature lets you test your strategy by replaying price data from past dates.
How to use:
- Click “Bar Replay” in the toolbar
- Select a date and press play to simulate how the price unfolded
- Practice spotting setups in real time
FAQs
Is TradingView free to use?
Yes, the basic version is free and includes most features beginners need. Paid plans offer advanced tools and multiple chart layouts.
Can I trade directly on TradingView?
Yes, TradingView integrates with select brokers like OANDA, TradeStation, and others for supported regions.
Which indicators are best for trade ideas?
Start with RSI, moving averages, and MACD. These are reliable for beginners across most markets.
Can I get trade ideas from other users on TradingView?
Yes. Explore the “Ideas” section to see community-shared strategies and chart analysis.
What’s the best way to organize trade ideas?
Use watchlists and notes on your charts. You can also publish private ideas for your own records.
