ThinkOrSwim (TOS) is a powerful trading platform developed by TD Ameritrade, offering a wide range of customization options, including the ability to change chart settings to suit your trading style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding how to modify chart settings can significantly enhance your trading experience and improve your analysis. Let's dive into the step-by-step process of changing chart settings on ThinkOrSwim.

Before we begin, it's essential to understand that ThinkOrSwim uses a unique charting system called 'ThinkScript' for customization. ThinkScript allows you to create custom indicators, strategies, and even change the appearance of your charts. In this guide, we'll focus on altering the visual aspects of your charts, such as the color scheme, time frame, and data displayed.

Accessing Chart Settings
To change chart settings on ThinkOrSwim, you first need to access the 'Chart Settings' panel. This panel contains various options to customize your charts. Here's how to access it:

1. Open the ThinkOrSwim platform and navigate to the 'Charts' tab.
2. Right-click on the chart you want to customize, and select 'Chart Settings' from the context menu.

Customizing the Chart Appearance
Once you've accessed the 'Chart Settings' panel, you'll find several tabs containing various customization options. Let's start with the 'Appearance' tab, which allows you to change the visual aspects of your charts.
1. **Color Scheme**: ThinkOrSwim offers several pre-defined color schemes for your charts. You can choose from 'Default', 'High Contrast', 'Light', and 'Dark'. To change the color scheme, simply select your preferred option from the dropdown menu.

2. **Background Color**: If you prefer a custom color scheme, you can change the background color of your chart by clicking on the color box next to the 'Background' label. This will open a color picker, allowing you to select your desired color.
Adjusting the Time Frame and Data Display
Another crucial aspect of customizing your charts is adjusting the time frame and data displayed. The 'Time Frame' tab in the 'Chart Settings' panel allows you to do just that.

1. **Time Frame**: ThinkOrSwim offers various time frames, ranging from 1 minute to 1 month. You can change the time frame by selecting your preferred option from the 'Time Frame' dropdown menu. Keep in mind that shorter time frames provide more detailed data but can be more volatile, while longer time frames offer a broader perspective but may miss out on short-term price movements.
2. **Data Display**: In addition to changing the time frame, you can also customize the data displayed on your chart. ThinkOrSwim allows you to display various data types, such as candlesticks, bars, and lines. You can also choose to display volume, indicators, and other data points. To change the data display, simply check or uncheck the boxes next to the data types you want to display or hide.



















Creating Custom Studies and Indicators
While the customization options discussed so far are sufficient for most traders, ThinkOrSwim also offers the ability to create custom studies and indicators using ThinkScript. This allows you to analyze the market in a way that suits your unique trading style.
To create a custom study or indicator, click on the 'Studies' tab in the 'Chart Settings' panel. Here, you'll find a list of pre-defined studies and indicators. To create a new custom study or indicator, click on the 'New' button and select 'ThinkScript' from the dropdown menu.
Using Pre-Defined ThinkScript Studies and Indicators
Before creating your own custom studies or indicators, it's a good idea to explore the pre-defined ThinkScript options available in ThinkOrSwim. These studies and indicators have been created by other traders and can provide valuable insights into the market.
To use a pre-defined ThinkScript study or indicator, simply select it from the list in the 'Studies' tab and click 'Add'. You can then customize the settings for the study or indicator by clicking on the 'Edit' button.
Creating and Editing ThinkScript Studies and Indicators
To create a new custom study or indicator using ThinkScript, you'll need to have a basic understanding of the programming language. ThinkScript is based on the C# programming language and follows a similar syntax. ThinkOrSwim provides a built-in editor for creating and editing ThinkScript studies and indicators, which can be accessed by clicking on the 'Edit' button in the 'Studies' tab.
Once you've created your custom study or indicator, you can save it for future use by clicking on the 'Save' button in the editor. You can also share your custom studies and indicators with other ThinkOrSwim users by publishing them to the ThinkOrSwim community.
ThinkOrSwim offers a wealth of customization options for changing chart settings, allowing you to tailor the platform to your unique trading style. By understanding how to access and modify the chart settings, you can enhance your analysis and improve your overall trading experience. So go ahead, explore the various customization options available in ThinkOrSwim, and make the platform work for you.