Getting started with TradingView: Supercharts, symbols, timeframes and layouts

TradingView is a charting platform that runs in a browser, a desktop app and on mobile. Its main chart screen is called Supercharts. You can use it to analyse markets, set alerts, practise with paper trading and, through supported brokers, trade. A free account is enough to follow this guide.

TradingView · Guide 1/3 2 min read · Platform menus checked against official help: October 2026

⚠️ Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly. Most retail accounts lose money. This content is education only, not investment advice or a recommendation.

TradingView Supercharts layout (drawn mock-up)Symbol · Interval · Chart type · Indicators · Alert · Replay · TradeDrawing toolsWatchlistAlertsObject treeChartDate ranges · Time zone · Price scale
TradingView Supercharts layout (drawn mock-up) — Drawn mock-up for illustration, not a screenshot. Names may differ slightly between versions and brokers.

Open a chart

  1. Create an account and open Supercharts. Sign up on tradingview.com, then open Supercharts from the main menu. Your layouts and alerts are saved to your account.
  2. Find a symbol. Click the symbol name in the top toolbar, or just start typing (for example XAUUSD or EURUSD). Check the source shown next to each result: the same symbol can come from several data providers or brokers with slightly different prices.
  3. Change the interval. Pick the timeframe in the top toolbar, from seconds to months. Each candle then covers that period.
  4. Change the chart type. Choose candles, bars, line or one of the other chart types from the button next to the interval.

Learn the toolbars

  1. Top toolbar. Symbol search, compare, interval, chart type, indicators, alerts, bar replay, layout setup, settings, snapshot and the Trade button.
  2. Left toolbar. Drawing tools: trend lines, Fibonacci, shapes, text and the measure tool, plus magnet, lock and remove options.
  3. Right toolbar. Watchlist, alerts, the object tree (everything drawn on the chart), calendars, news and the Pine Editor.
  4. Bottom panel. Date ranges, the Go to menu, and the time zone. Set the time zone to Asia/Dubai (or your exchange) so candle times match your clock.

Save your layout

  1. Save it. A layout remembers the symbol, interval, chart type, indicators and drawings. Press Ctrl+S (Cmd+S on Mac) or turn on autosave so you do not lose work.
  2. Several charts. Use the layout setup button to show two or more charts side by side and sync symbol or interval if you want. How many charts per layout you get depends on your plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is TradingView free?

There is a free plan with the core charts. Paid plans add more indicators per chart, more charts per layout and more alerts; check current limits on TradingView's pricing page.

How do I change the time zone on TradingView?

Click the time zone at the bottom right of the chart and pick your zone, for example Dubai, or Exchange to match the market.

Why is the TradingView price different from my broker?

Each data source has its own quotes and spread. The broker's price is the one you trade at.

Sources (official help pages)