When you first launch the thinkorswim trading platform, you're greeted with the default workspace, a comprehensive and customizable interface designed to cater to both novice and experienced traders. This workspace is your command center, offering a wealth of tools, charts, and data to help you make informed trading decisions. Let's delve into the thinkorswim default workspace, exploring its key features and functionalities.

Minimal Workspace Setup with Natural Light
Minimal Workspace Setup with Natural Light

The default workspace is designed with efficiency and user-friendliness in mind. It's divided into several panels, each serving a specific purpose, and can be easily customized to suit your trading style. But before we dive into customization, let's understand the default layout.

an open laptop computer sitting on top of a desk next to a potted plant
an open laptop computer sitting on top of a desk next to a potted plant

Understanding the Default Layout

The default layout is designed to provide a balanced view of the market, your portfolio, and your watchlists. It's divided into four main areas: the Navigation Bar, the Main Chart, the Toolbox, and the Trade Tab.

🖤 Aesthetic Tech Workspaces You’ll Want to Copy
🖤 Aesthetic Tech Workspaces You’ll Want to Copy

The Navigation Bar at the top provides quick access to various features like charts, news, and research. The Main Chart takes up the central space, offering a detailed view of the market. The Toolbox on the right-hand side houses a variety of tools for analysis and trading. Finally, the Trade Tab at the bottom allows you to place trades and monitor your positions.

Navigation Bar

a laptop computer sitting on top of a wooden desk in front of a large window
a laptop computer sitting on top of a wooden desk in front of a large window

The Navigation Bar is your gateway to the platform's extensive features. It includes tabs for Charts, News, Research, and more. Each tab opens a new panel, allowing you to access the desired feature without leaving the main workspace.

For instance, clicking on the 'Charts' tab opens the Chart Panel, where you can analyze price movements, apply technical indicators, and draw trendlines. The 'News' tab, on the other hand, brings up the News Feed, keeping you updated with the latest market developments.

Main Chart

Cozy Minimalist Desk Setup for Focus & Productivity ✨
Cozy Minimalist Desk Setup for Focus & Productivity ✨

The Main Chart is where you'll spend most of your time, analyzing price movements and making trading decisions. It's highly customizable, allowing you to change the timeframe, add indicators, and draw various technical analysis tools.

By default, it displays a candlestick chart, which is a popular choice among traders due to its ability to show price action in detail. You can switch to other chart types like bar charts or line charts based on your preference.

Customizing the Default Workspace

Minimal Cozy Workspace Ideas | Soft Productivity Desk Inspiration
Minimal Cozy Workspace Ideas | Soft Productivity Desk Inspiration

While the default layout is designed to cater to a wide range of traders, thinkorswim encourages customization to suit individual trading styles. You can resize, move, or hide panels, and even add new ones to create your perfect trading environment.

To customize the workspace, simply click on the 'Customize' button in the top-right corner. This opens a menu where you can select which panels to show or hide, and even save your custom layout for future use.

an overhead view of cubicles with people working on computers and desks in them
an overhead view of cubicles with people working on computers and desks in them
Minimal Home Office Setup with Natural Light and Plants
Minimal Home Office Setup with Natural Light and Plants
a laptop computer sitting on top of a white desk next to a cup and saucer
a laptop computer sitting on top of a white desk next to a cup and saucer
💻
💻
Calm Creative Workspace | Slow Living Inspiration
Calm Creative Workspace | Slow Living Inspiration
an illustration of people working in the office
an illustration of people working in the office
✨ Chic Work-From-Home Desk Setup 💻🌿 | Minimalist & Cozy Vibes.
✨ Chic Work-From-Home Desk Setup 💻🌿 | Minimalist & Cozy Vibes.
a computer monitor sitting on top of a black table in front of a dark background
a computer monitor sitting on top of a black table in front of a dark background
Quiet Wellness Nook For A Thoughtful Coworking Space
Quiet Wellness Nook For A Thoughtful Coworking Space
📚 Minimalist Study Desk Setup for Focus
📚 Minimalist Study Desk Setup for Focus
Example 2: The silent “Thought Briefly” stop
Example 2: The silent “Thought Briefly” stop
work office view
work office view
Design Your Dream Minimalist Study Space
Design Your Dream Minimalist Study Space
a woman sitting at a table with an open book and coffee cup in front of her
a woman sitting at a table with an open book and coffee cup in front of her
Moderner und minimalistischer Home-Office-Schreibtisch für produktives Arbeiten
Moderner und minimalistischer Home-Office-Schreibtisch für produktives Arbeiten
Morning Desk Setup for a Productive Day✨
Morning Desk Setup for a Productive Day✨
a person sitting at a desk in an empty room with sunlight coming through the window
a person sitting at a desk in an empty room with sunlight coming through the window
an office with a desk, chair and computer monitor on the table in front of large windows
an office with a desk, chair and computer monitor on the table in front of large windows
✨ Calm & Minimal Workspace Setup | The Silent Space
✨ Calm & Minimal Workspace Setup | The Silent Space
an office with two large windows and desks in front of the window are plants
an office with two large windows and desks in front of the window are plants

Adding New Panels

thinkorswim offers a wide range of panels that you can add to your workspace. These include additional charts, watchlists, news feeds, and more. To add a new panel, click on the '+' icon in the top-right corner of the workspace.

This opens a menu where you can select the type of panel you want to add. Once added, you can resize and move the panel to your desired location in the workspace.

Resizing and Moving Panels

To resize a panel, hover your cursor over the edges until it turns into a double-headed arrow. Click and drag to resize the panel. To move a panel, click and drag the title bar of the panel to your desired location.

You can also use the 'Auto Arrange' feature to automatically resize and rearrange all panels to fit the workspace. This can be useful when you've added multiple panels and want to ensure they're all visible.

Saving Your Custom Layout

Once you've customized your workspace to your liking, you can save your layout for future use. This is particularly useful if you use multiple computers or if you want to quickly switch between different layouts.

To save your layout, click on the 'Customize' button and select 'Save As'. Enter a name for your layout and click 'Save'. Your layout will now be available in the 'Layouts' menu for future use.

In conclusion, the thinkorswim default workspace is a powerful and customizable trading environment that caters to both novice and experienced traders. By understanding and customizing the default layout, you can create a workspace that perfectly suits your trading style and needs. So, take the time to explore and customize your workspace - it's your command center, after all, and a well-designed one can significantly enhance your trading experience.