Module 2 · Lesson 6 of 8 · Charting · About 5 minutes
Saving Layouts, Templates and Watchlists
On this page
Before you read: Adding Indicators and Reading Their Settings
What you will learn
- What a saved layout keeps and how it differs from an indicator template.
- How a watchlist organizes the instruments you follow.
- Why a consistent, documented setup supports honest review.
What does a saved layout keep?
If you close the chart and open it tomorrow, what comes back?
On many platforms a saved layout stores the chart arrangement, symbol, timeframe, chart type, indicators and drawings. Templates store a reusable part, such as a set of indicators and their inputs, which can be applied to any chart. Some platforms also save drawing styles or color settings separately. Exactly what is saved, how many layouts are allowed and whether they sync across devices depends on the platform and plan.
Layout diagram
Illustrative diagram constructed for teaching. Not real market data.
The diagram shows three boxes, a saved layout (arrangement, symbol, timeframe, drawings), an indicator template (indicators and inputs) and a watchlist (symbols grouped by type), each feeding into one fictional chart with hollow green and filled red candles. All values are made up.
What is a watchlist for?
How many instruments can one person follow with care?
A watchlist is a list of symbols you follow, often with the last price and change. Grouping it by product type, such as index ETFs, futures or sectors, keeps it readable. A short list makes it easier to know each instrument’s hours, contract details and typical behavior. Removing symbols you no longer follow keeps attention where you intend it.
Why does a consistent setup help?
Can you review a decision if the chart has changed since?
If the timeframe, session or indicators change from day to day, past notes become hard to compare. Using the same named layout and template for a given purpose, and writing its settings in your plan, lets a later review see what you saw. A screenshot of your own chart saved in your journal, with settings visible, keeps a record even if the layout changes.
What this does not tell you about layouts and watchlists
- Which instruments anyone should follow.
- The exact save options or limits on any platform or plan.
- Whether a saved setup improves anyone’s results.
- Nothing here suggests any trade.
Check yourself
- What is the difference between a saved layout and an indicator template? Hint: whole chart versus reusable part.
- Why might a short watchlist be easier to follow? Hint: knowing each instrument.
- How does a consistent setup help later review? Hint: seeing what you saw.
Reflect on your own process
- Which named layout and template does your written plan assign to each purpose, and where are their settings recorded?
- How often does your process call for pruning your watchlist, and what reason must you write for removing a symbol?
- Would your journal screenshots let someone else see the timeframe, session and indicators you used?