Adding charts to TopstepX takes three steps: open a chart window, select your instrument, and pin it to your workspace

TopstepX displays price charts in separate windows that you can arrange however you want. To add a chart, you open the charting module from the main menu, pick the stock or futures contract you want to watch, and then lock it in place so it stays there when you close and reopen the platform. The whole process takes less than a minute once you know where to click.

This guide walks you through adding your first chart, arranging multiple charts on screen, and keeping them organized so you can see what you need without hunting through menus.

Key Takeaways

  • Charts open in separate windows from the main TopstepX interface, so you can resize and move them independently.
  • You search for instruments by their ticker symbol — ES for the S&P 500 futures, AAPL for Apple stock, and so on.
  • Pinning a chart saves it to your workspace, so the same charts reappear the next time you log in.
  • You can open as many chart windows as your screen space allows, and each one can show a different timeframe or instrument.

Opening the chart window from the main menu

Start by looking at the top of your TopstepX screen. You will see a menu bar with options like File, View, Tools, and Help. Click on View to open a dropdown menu. From there, select Chart or New Chart Window — the exact wording depends on your version of TopstepX, but it will be clearly labeled.

A new window will open with a blank chart area and a search box at the top. This is where you tell TopstepX which instrument you want to see. Do not close this window — you are about to fill it with data.

Searching for and selecting your instrument

Click in the search box at the top of the chart window. Type the ticker symbol for what you want to trade. If you are looking at stock futures, type ES for the E-mini S&P 500, NQ for the Nasdaq 100, or YM for the Dow. If you are trading individual stocks, type the stock ticker — AAPL, TSLA, MSFT, and so on.

As you type, TopstepX will show you matching symbols in a dropdown list. Click on the one you want. The chart will load immediately and show you the price action for that instrument. If nothing appears, double-check that you spelled the symbol correctly — TopstepX is strict about ticker format.

Adjusting the timeframe and chart type

Once your chart loads, you will see buttons or a menu near the top that control how the data displays. Look for timeframe options like 1m (one minute), 5m (five minutes), 1h (one hour), or 1d (one day). Click whichever timeframe matches your trading style. Day traders usually start with 1m or 5m; swing traders often use 1h or 1d.

You can also change the chart type — candlestick is the default and most common, but you may see options for bars or line charts. Candlestick is almost always the right choice for trading, so leave it as is unless you have a specific reason to change it.

Pinning the chart to save it in your workspace

Look for a pin icon or a menu button (often three horizontal lines or three dots) in the top right corner of the chart window. Click it. You should see an option that says Pin, Lock, or Save to Workspace. Select that option. The chart is now saved — the next time you log into TopstepX, this chart will be waiting for you in the same spot.

If you do not pin the chart, it will disappear when you close the window or log out. Pinning takes one click and saves you from having to rebuild your layout every session.

Arranging multiple charts on your screen

You can open as many chart windows as your monitor can fit. Each one works independently — you can resize them by dragging the edges, move them by dragging the title bar, and minimize or close them without affecting the others. Many traders keep one large chart for their main instrument and smaller windows for related symbols or different timeframes.

Arrange them however makes sense for your workflow. If you have a second monitor, put your charts on one screen and your order entry or watchlist on the other. TopstepX remembers the size and position of each window, so once you have them where you want them, they will stay that way.

Removing or replacing a chart

If you want to stop watching a particular chart, click the X button in the top right corner of that window. The chart closes, but your other charts stay open. If you pinned it, unpinning it first will prevent it from reappearing next time you log in — look for the pin icon again and click it to unpin.

To replace a chart with a different instrument, click in the search box at the top of the chart window and type a new ticker symbol. The old chart disappears and the new one loads in its place. You do not need to close and reopen anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have the same instrument open in multiple windows with different timeframes?

Yes. Open a new chart window, search for the same ticker, and set it to a different timeframe. Both windows will update in real time, so you can watch the same stock on a 1-minute chart and a 1-hour chart side by side.

What happens if I search for a symbol that does not exist?

TopstepX will show no results in the dropdown. Check the spelling and make sure you are using the correct ticker symbol. If you are unsure, search for the company name instead — TopstepX often suggests the right symbol as you type.

Do I have to pin every chart, or will they stay open automatically?

Unpinned charts close when you log out or close the window. Pinning saves them permanently to your workspace. If you only want a chart for one session, you do not need to pin it.

Can I change the colors or appearance of the charts?

TopstepX has settings for chart appearance, usually found in the Tools or Settings menu. You can adjust colors, grid lines, and other visual elements, but the basic process of adding and organizing charts stays the same.