Creating Your TradingView Account
Go to tradingview.com and sign up with email or Google. The free plan works for learning but limits you to 1 indicator per chart and 5 alerts. For serious trading with Quantum Algo, the Essential plan ($14.95/month) gives you 2 indicators per chart and 20 alerts. The Plus plan ($29.95/month) is optimal with 5 indicators and 100 alerts.
Chart Setup for SMC Trading
Color scheme: Dark mode is easier on the eyes for extended screen time. Go to Chart Settings → Appearance → select dark theme. Candle colors: Green/red or cyan/red work best. Avoid unusual colors that make it harder to read structure. Grid: Turn off the grid for cleaner charts — Chart Settings → Appearance → uncheck Grid Lines.
Multi-Timeframe Layout
The ideal SMC layout shows 2-3 timeframes simultaneously. Click the layout button (top-right) and select a 2-column layout. Left panel: your higher timeframe (4H for day trading). Right panel: your entry timeframe (15M). Some traders add a third panel for the daily chart. Keep your Quantum Algo indicator on all panels for consistent analysis.
Adding Quantum Algo
After subscribing and providing your TradingView username, your invite arrives within minutes. Click Indicators (top toolbar) → Invite-Only Scripts → find Quantum Algo. Click to add it to your chart. The indicator loads with default settings that work well for most assets. For customization, check the Quantum Algo Setup Guide.
Setting Up Alerts
Alerts are essential so you don't need to stare at charts all day. Right-click on any Quantum Algo signal and select "Add Alert." Set the alert to trigger once, with notification via app push notification and email. Create alerts for: OB retest, FVG entry zone reached, BOS confirmation, and liquidity sweep detected. This lets you work, sleep, or trade other assets while Quantum Algo watches your key levels.
Watchlist Organization
Create separate watchlists for each market: Crypto Majors (BTC, ETH, SOL), Forex Majors (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY), Gold & Commodities (XAUUSD), and Indices (NAS100, SPX500). During your pre-session analysis, scan each watchlist for setups rather than randomly clicking through symbols.
Keep the Chart Clean
A cluttered chart slows every decision. Strip it back to what you actually use — price, structure, and one or two confirmation tools — and remove everything else. Clean charts let your eye find the setup in seconds; charts buried under a dozen indicators train you to hesitate and second-guess. Decluttering is a performance upgrade, not just an aesthetic one.
Separate Layouts by Strategy
Use distinct saved layouts and watchlists for distinct jobs — one for higher-timeframe swing analysis, another for intraday execution. Mixing timeframes and instruments on a single screen invites context errors, like taking a scalp signal while your swing thesis points the other way. Purpose-built layouts keep each decision in its proper frame.