The six tools you actually need
Cut the left toolbar from fifty tools to six.
| Tool | Use it for | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal line | Levels. This is 70% of all useful drawing. | Alt + H |
| Horizontal ray | A level that starts at a specific date and extends only forward — honest about when it was born. | — |
| Rectangle | Zones, which is what levels really are. | — |
| Trend line | Diagonals. Use sparingly — the most abused tool on the platform. | Alt + T |
| Price range / Date range | Measuring. Percentages and bar counts, instantly. | — |
| Long / Short position | Risk. Draws entry, stop and target with the R:R computed for you. | — |
Key idea
The last two are measuring tools, and they are the ones that separate people who chart from people who trade. Everything above them describes the past. Those two describe what you are about to risk.
Tip
Set a default style once: right-click any tool → 'Template' → save. Every new line comes out in your colour and width. Ten seconds that you stop paying every single day.
Practice
Right-click the left toolbar and hide every tool group you have not used this month. A toolbar with six icons is a decision already made.