Getting Started

The working area of the thinkorswim platform can be divided into two parts: the left sidebar and the main window. The left sidebar is where you keep gadgets necessary for your work. The main window contains eight tabs, which provide you with numerous kinds of functionality: Monitor, Trade, Analyze, Scan, MarketWatch, Charts, Tools, and Help. All these tabs also have subtabs, each dedicated to a certain thinkorswim feature. The manual you’re reading now describes these features in detail (refer to the corresponding pages for more information), but for now, let’s focus on what can be found under the seven main tabs:

The Monitor tab is the primary location where your trading activity is tracked. This includes many kinds of data: your orders, positions, statements, cash balances, and trading account status.

The Trade tab contains the following interfaces: All Products, Forex Trader, Futures Trader, Pairs Trader, and Active Trader.

The Analyze tab provides you with analysis techniques of many kinds, including simulation of "what-if scenarios" on both real and hypothetical trades, volatility and probability analyses, the Economic Data indicator database, and option back-testing.

The Scan tab enables you to filter through tens of thousands of stock, option, futures and forex products available based on your search criteria.

The MarketWatch tab provides you with market data of many kinds as well as techniques that will help you process it. The following sub-tabs are available in MarketWatch: Quotes, Alerts, Visualize, Financing Rates, and Calendar.

The Charts tab provides you with a powerful graphic interface of real-time market data with an extensive selection of technical analysis tools.

The Tools tab encompasses several handy thinkorswim features: thinkLog, Videos, and Shared Items.

thinkManual Interactive Elements You may also like The Quotes interface represents the watch list functionality in its full size. Briefly, a watch . The Monitor tab is the primary location where your trading activity is tracked. This includes .

The information here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The type of securities and investment strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review a security transaction for his or her own particular situation.
Market volatility, volume and system availability may delay account access and trade executions.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Past performance of a security or strategy is no guarantee of future results or investing success.

Trading stocks, options, futures and forex involves speculation, and the risk of loss can be substantial. Clients must consider all relevant risk factors, including their own personal financial situation, before trading. Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, as well as its own unique risk factors.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the options disclosure document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options." Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

Multiple leg options strategies will involve multiple commissions.

Forex trading involves leverage, carries a high level of risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the NFA booklet Trading Forex: What Investors Need to Know prior to trading forex products.

Commodity interests and cash in futures accounts are not protected by SIPC. Futures trading involves a high level of risk and is not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade futures. Please read Risk Disclosure Statement for Futures and Options before considering any futures transactions.

Access to real-time market data is conditioned on acceptance of the exchange agreements. Professional access differs and subscription fees may apply.

Futures, futures options, and forex trading services provided by Charles Schwab Futures & Forex LLC. Trading privileges subject to review and approval. Not all clients will qualify.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Forex Dealer Member. Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

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