This is a structured guide to the thinkorswim (TOS) user manual and core platform features. Since the official manual runs hundreds of pages, this guide focuses on where to find the official documentation and how to master the most critical sections quickly.
1. Accessing the Official thinkorswim User Manual In the platform:
Go to Help → thinkorswim Learning Center → User Manual (PDF, ~500+ pages) Or press F1 for context-sensitive help
Online (most up-to-date):
tdameritrade.com/tos_user_manual (redirects to Schwab’s current version) Schwab’s tos support page → "Guides & Tutorials"
Note: As of 2024, thinkorswim is now owned by Charles Schwab, but the platform remains largely unchanged.
2. Core Sections You Must Learn (by priority) A. Setup & Login thinkorswim user manual
PaperMoney – fully functional simulated trading (use this first) Live trading requires funded Schwab account Workspaces – save your layout (Window → Save Workspace As)
B. Charts (most important) | Feature | How to access | |--------|----------------| | Timeframes | 1 min – Month (top toolbar) | | Studies (indicators) | Studies → Add Study (e.g., MovingAvg, RSI, Volume) | | Drawing tools | Click the pen/drawing toolbar (trendlines, fib retracements) | | Chart styles | Candlestick, Heikin-Ashi, Line, Renko, Kagi | | Flexible Grid | Add multiple charts in one window | Pro tip: Right-click on any chart → Share → Link Charts to synchronize time/symbol across all charts. C. Trade Tab (execution)
Buy/Sell buttons – market, limit, stop, trailing stop Order templates – save common order types (e.g., “10% trailing stop”) Active Trader – ladder interface for fast entries/exits (must enable from Trade tab → “Active Trader”) Option Chain – shows calls/puts; right-click to “Buy” or “Sell” This is a structured guide to the thinkorswim
D. Monitor Tab (positions & orders)
Account Summary – P&L, buying power, options buying power Positions – current holdings (right-click to close) Order Status – working, filled, cancelled Activity & History – past trades, cash movements