How to Properly Set Up Your TradingView Dashboard
TradingView is one of the most powerful and accessible charting tools out there—for retail traders, long-term investors, and everyone in between. But many users barely scratch the surface of what it can do.
A properly configured dashboard can help you:
- Spot entry and exit points faster
- Monitor key sectors or indices at a glance
- Stay organized without being overwhelmed
Here’s how to set up your TradingView dashboard for maximum clarity and impact.
1. Start with a Clean Layout
Avoid clutter. Begin with a single chart layout, and remove default indicators you don’t use.
Recommended base settings:
- Candlestick chart
- Timeframe: Daily or 4H for swing/position traders; Weekly for long-term investors
- Log scale: ON
- Extended hours: OFF (unless you’re trading pre/post-market)
Rename your layout to something memorable like “ETF Swing Setup” or “Long-Term Portfolio View.”
2. Add Core Indicators
Here are the essential indicators most traders use, depending on style:
| Indicator | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Moving Averages (50D, 200D) | Trend confirmation, support/resistance |
| Relative Strength Index (RSI) | Identifies overbought/oversold conditions |
| MACD | Signals momentum shifts |
| Volume | Validates price moves |
| VWAP (Intraday only) | Institutional support levels (for day/swing traders) |
Tip: Use different colors and line thicknesses to make each indicator easy to spot at a glance.
3. Set Up Watchlists
Create multiple watchlists by theme:
- Core ETFs (SPY, QQQ, IWM, DIA)
- Sector ETFs (XLK, XLF, XLE, XLU, etc.)
- Custom themes (AI, dividend income, international, etc.)
- Personal portfolio
You can even color-code symbols or add flags (e.g., red for “overbought,” green for “support,” yellow for “earnings soon”).
4. Enable Alerts
One of TradingView’s most powerful features is its customizable alerts.
Set alerts for:
- Price crossing key support/resistance
- RSI > 70 or < 30
- MA crossovers (e.g., 50D crossing below 200D = bearish signal)
- News headlines or economic events
You’ll get real-time notifications via app, email, or browser pop-up—no need to stare at the screen all day.
5. Use Multi-Chart Views for Comparison
If you’re actively trading or managing multiple positions, switch to a 4-chart or 6-chart layout.
For example:
| Chart 1 | Chart 2 | Chart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| SPY | QQQ | IWM |
| XLK | XLF | VIX |
This lets you track correlations, divergences, or risk sentiment in real-time.
6. Customize Drawing Tools & Templates
Don’t waste time redoing your favorite tools every session.
- Save your chart style as a template (candles, colors, indicators)
- Use the favorites bar for quick access to trendlines, fib retracements, rectangles, text boxes
- Enable magnet mode for cleaner anchor points when drawing
7. Organize With Notes and Layouts
TradingView allows you to:
- Add sticky notes to specific charts (e.g., “watch this breakout level”)
- Duplicate layouts for backtesting vs. live trading
- Use separate dashboards for swing trades, long-term holdings, and speculative plays
Final thoughts
TradingView isn’t just a charting platform—it’s a customizable command center for market decision-making. But the key is intentional setup. The more organized and focused your dashboard is, the clearer your signals will be.
Whether you’re following ETFs, stocks, or crypto, your TradingView layout should work for you—not the other way around.
