Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Watchlist in TradingView

TradingView is a powerful platform used by traders around the world to analyze markets, monitor prices, and plan their strategies. One of its most practical features is the Watchlist, which allows users to track their favorite assets in one convenient panel. Whether you're a beginner exploring the financial markets or an experienced trader juggling multiple symbols, having a personalized watchlist can significantly improve your efficiency.

This guide will walk you through every step of creating and managing a watchlist in TradingView — from adding your first symbol to organizing complex lists.

Why a Watchlist Matters for Traders

Creating a watchlist in TradingView is not just about convenience — it’s a strategic move. A well-organized watchlist helps you stay updated on key market movements and allows for quick access to important assets. Instead of searching for symbols every time you want to analyze them, a watchlist keeps them ready at your fingertips.

Additionally, watchlists can support traders in the following ways:

•        Efficient Monitoring: Easily compare multiple instruments across different asset classes.

•        Faster Decisions: Make quicker trading decisions when market conditions change.

•        Custom Organization: Group assets based on sectors, time zones, or personal strategies.

Step 1: Open the Watchlist Panel

Once you're logged into your TradingView account, you will notice a vertical toolbar on the right side of your screen. Among the icons there, look for the Watchlist icon — it resembles a small list or table.

Click this icon to open the watchlist panel. If you’re on a smaller screen or using mobile, the icon may be minimized — tap it once to expand.

Step 2: Add Symbols to Your Watchlist

After opening the panel, you can start adding the assets you want to monitor. Here’s how:

1. Click on the "+" (plus) sign at the top of the watchlist.
2. In the search bar that appears, type the symbol or asset name (e.g., "XAUUSD" for gold or "AAPL" for Apple Inc.).
3. Select the correct result from the list, and it will automatically be added to your watchlist.

You can add stocks, forex pairs, indices, cryptocurrencies, and even custom tickers.

Step 3: Rename or Create a New Watchlist

TradingView allows you to manage multiple watchlists under different names. To create a new one:

1. Click on the three-dot menu (⋯) at the top-right of the watchlist panel.
2. Select "Create New List".
3. Give your watchlist a meaningful name, such as “Gold Watch” or “US Tech Stocks.”
4. You can now add symbols to this separate list as needed.

This feature is especially useful if you trade in multiple markets or use different strategies.

Step 4: Reorganize Your Watchlist

TradingView makes it easy to rearrange and manage your list:

•        Drag & Drop: Click and hold a symbol, then drag it up or down to reorder.

•        Right-Click Options: Right-clicking a symbol opens a context menu where you can remove it, rename it, or view it on a chart.

•        Color Tags: You can assign colored labels to symbols to visually group them (e.g., red for high-risk, green for safe assets).

These features give you full control over how your list is structured.

Step 5: Use Your Watchlist with Charts

Once your watchlist is set, you can interact with your charts quickly:

•        Single Click: Clicking on any symbol in your list will instantly load it on your current chart.

•        Chart Linking: If you’re using a multi-chart layout, you can link watchlists to charts using the colored dot icons. This allows simultaneous changes across charts.

•        Hover Details: Simply hovering over a symbol shows you quick info like price and change percentage.

This real-time integration saves you from having to reconfigure your chart layout repeatedly.

Step 6: Sync Across Devices

TradingView is cloud-based, which means your watchlists are saved to your account and can be accessed from any device:

•        If you're using the mobile app or a tablet, log in with the same account to access your saved watchlists.

•        Changes made on desktop are reflected instantly on other platforms.

This ensures that your market view remains consistent, whether you're on the go or at your trading desk.

Extra Tips for Advanced Users

For more experienced traders, watchlists can be customized further:

•        Use Screener Integration: Add screener results directly to your watchlist.

•        Export/Import Lists: Backup or share your watchlists using the export/import option.

•        Custom Scripts: Combine watchlist tracking with custom indicators or alerts to automate your workflow.

Such enhancements make TradingView a flexible platform not just for viewing charts but for managing your entire trading approach.

Final Thoughts

A well-structured watchlist in TradingView is more than a convenience — it's a cornerstone of efficient trading. Whether you're trading forex, stocks, gold, or crypto, using a personalized watchlist allows you to focus, react faster, and make smarter decisions.

If you’re looking for a way to enhance your trading even further, consider platforms that offer automated trading and smart signal integration. The SMARTT system, for example, allows users to install the robot directly onto their MetaTrader accounts, including MT5, and take advantage of real-time market signals, especially in gold trading. With SMARTT, you can trade smarter — without needing to watch the screen all day.