How to Use

How to Use the Strategy Builder

Follow these steps to configure and run a backtest.

Step 1: Add Indicators to Chart

  • Add the Backtest - Strategy Builder to your chart, along with any indicator you wish to use as a signal source (e.g., Smart Signals Assistant).

Step 2: Configure Master Settings

In the backtester settings, configure the core parameters:

  • Enable Longs/Shorts: Global switches to allow long or short trading.

  • Leverage Mode: Isolated (risk is limited to the allocated margin) or Cross (entire account equity backs the position).

  • Leverage & Sizing: Set your leverage multipliers and choose whether to size positions by a Percent of equity or an Absolute USD amount.

Step 3: Define External Signals (Condition Setup)

This crucial step links the backtester to your other indicators. For each of the 12 "External Signal" slots:

  1. Set the Source: Select the indicator plot you want to use (e.g., close price).

  2. Choose the Operator: Select the comparison logic (e.g., crossover, Greater than).

  3. Set the Value: Select the plot or enter the static value to compare against.

Step 4: Build Entry & Exit Logic

In the Long Trigger, Short Trigger, Exit Long Trigger, and Exit Short Trigger sections:

  1. Enable a Condition: Check the box to activate it.

  2. Select the Signal: Choose the External Signal (e.g., "External Signal 1") you defined in Step 3.

  3. Set Logic (AND/OR): Determine how this condition combines with others in the same step.

  4. Assign to a Step (1-5): Define the sequence order.

Step 5: Configure Exits (TP, SL, Flips)

  • Take-Profit/Stop-Loss: Enable TP or SL and link them to an indicator plot for dynamic levels. The system will always use the tighter of your SL or the calculated liquidation price.

  • Strategy Flips: To close a position and immediately open one in the opposite direction, set an exit condition to Short Entry Trigger (for closing longs) or Long Entry Trigger (for closing shorts).

Step 6: Analyze Results

The strategy will run on your chart. Use the on-chart Dashboard for a live performance summary and TradingView's Strategy Tester panel for a detailed trade-by-trade report.

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