# Chart trading (paper)

> Plan a paper options trade on the Pulse chart - pick Long or Short, set the stop and targets, review it, then Send as order. Fills are simulated.

Source: https://tradeecho.com/docs/features/pulse/chart-trading (updated 2026-11-01)

Pulse lets you plan an options trade on the chart and send it as a **paper order**. The order goes to your Trade Echo paper account. Fills are simulated, and nothing is sent to a broker.

**Who has it:** chart trading is a beta for Lifetime members. If you don't see the **Trade** button, it isn't on for your account yet.

## Start a trade

Click **Trade** in the chart header. It places a **Long** (a call) at the last price, with a stop and a target set for you. Drag any line to adjust it.

The arrow next to **Trade** has the other choices:

- **Short:** buys a put.
- **Draw it yourself:** draw the position on the chart (shortcut **P**).
- **Change defaults:** set your usual stop and targets.

You can also pick **Long position** or **Short position** from the **Positions** group in the drawing toolbar.

## Stop and targets

- **Stop:** 1 ATR, a percent of the option price, or a percent of the stock price.
- **Targets:** one target at 2R, or three at 1R, 2R and 3R.

## Review and send

1. Select the position on the chart.
2. Click **Send as order**.
3. A preview opens with the contract, size, **Max loss**, **Break-even** and **Paper cost**. You review the paper order before anything is sent.
4. Click **Send paper order**. If the market is closed, the button reads **Queue for 9:30 AM** instead, and the order waits for the open.

Each paper plan is capped at 50 contracts and $50,000.

## Trade ticket and positions panel

You can also show a paper **Trade ticket** and a **Positions panel** next to the chart. Turn them on in the **Layout** menu, under **Paper trading**.

## What it doesn't do

- **Options only.** Paper stock orders aren't available yet.
- **No futures or index charts.** Trade an ETF instead, such as SPY, QQQ, IWM or DIA.
- **Simulated fills only.** Paper results don't include the real slippage or partial fills you can get with a broker.

## Related

- [Pulse Quick Start](https://tradeecho.com/docs/features/pulse/quick-start)
- [Cortex trade plans](https://tradeecho.com/docs/features/cortex/trade-plans)

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*Paper orders are simulated and are not broker fills. Trade Echo docs are for product education only - not financial advice. Options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors.*