This guide will help you navigate the platform using official resources from the Thinkorswim Learning Center.
Getting Started
1. Understanding the Platform Layout
The thinkorswim platform is divided into two main areas:
- Left Sidebar: Contains essential gadgets and tools for your trading work
- Main Window: Features eight primary tabs providing different functionality
Start Here: Getting Started Guide
The eight main tabs are:
- Monitor: Track your positions and account activity
- Trade: Execute trades and manage orders
- Analyze: Evaluate potential trades and strategies
- Scan: Find trading opportunities
- MarketWatch: View market data and quotes
- Charts: Analyze price action and technical indicators
- Tools: Access additional platform features
- Help: Find support and documentation
2. Choosing Your Workspace
Thinkorswim offers six pre-built workspace layouts to help you get started. These workspaces are customized setups designed for different trading styles and preferences.
Learn More: Workspaces Tutorial
To change your workspace, use the Setup Wizard available from the Setup menu. This is an excellent starting point before you begin customizing the platform to your needs.
Essential Features
3. Order Entry Tools
Learning how to place orders is fundamental to using thinkorswim. The main order entry tool appears at the bottom of your screen and helps you create various order types.
Full Tutorial: Order Entry Tools
Key Concepts:
- Click BUY or SELL for any symbol to open the order entry tool
- Use the dropdown in the Order column to select different order types
- Understand locked vs. unlocked prices (lock icon next to price)
- Learn about Market Orders, Limit Orders, Stop Orders, and more
Core Resources
4. The thinkManual
The thinkManual is your comprehensive reference guide for all thinkorswim features, tabs, and interfaces.
Access Here: thinkManual
This manual provides detailed tutorials on every aspect of the platform, making it your go-to resource when you need to understand specific features.
5. Video Tutorials
Visual learners will benefit from thinkorswim’s extensive video library covering everything from basic navigation to advanced features.
Browse Videos: All Video Tutorials
Popular topics include:
- Creating and customizing watchlists
- Customizing platform appearance
- Chart analysis techniques
- And much more
6. thinkorswim Demos
Charles Schwab offers comprehensive demos for all versions of the thinkorswim platform suite.
Watch Demos: thinkorswim Demos
Learning Center Hub
7. Main Learning Center
The thinkorswim Learning Center is your central hub for all educational resources, featuring:
- Featured tutorials and highlights
- Organized course materials
- Event calendar for live training sessions
- Search functionality to find specific topics
Visit: thinkorswim Learning Center
Next Steps
For New Users:
- Start with the Getting Started Guide to understand the platform layout
- Choose a Workspace that matches your trading style
- Learn the Order Entry Tools to place your first trades
- Explore the thinkManual for detailed feature explanations
- Watch Video Tutorials for visual learning
Transitioning from Other Platforms:
If you’re coming from StreetSmart Edge or StreetSmart Central, check out the dedicated transition tools:
Transition Resources: StreetSmart Transition Tools
Advanced Learning
thinkScript Programming
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore thinkScript to create custom indicators and studies.
Learn thinkScript: thinkScript Tutorials
Tips for Success
- Start Simple: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus on the essentials first.
- Use Paper Trading: Practice with a paper money account before risking real capital.
- Bookmark Resources: Keep the Learning Center bookmarked for easy reference.
- Attend Events: Check the events calendar for live webinars and training sessions.
- Customize Gradually: As you become more comfortable, customize your workspace to fit your needs.
Important Disclaimers
The information provided in the thinkorswim Learning Center is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not investment advice or a recommendation of any specific security, strategy, or account type. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Market volatility, volume, and system availability may delay account access and trade executions. Always review any security transaction for your particular situation.
Support
For additional help:
- In-Platform Help: Use the Help tab within thinkorswim
- Search Function: Use the Learning Center search to find specific topics
- Charles Schwab Support: Visit support.schwab.com for account and technical assistance
Happy Trading!
Remember, mastering thinkorswim takes time and practice. Use these resources regularly, and don’t hesitate to revisit the Learning Center whenever you need assistance with a feature or concept.