> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://trada-llc.gitbook.io/trada-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://trada-llc.gitbook.io/trada-docs/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart

This guide takes you from a new account to a running copier. It assumes you already have at least two trading accounts you want to link — one to copy **from** (the sender) and one to copy **to** (a receiver).

{% hint style="info" %}
Prefer to understand the pieces first? Read [What is Trada](/trada-docs/getting-started/what-is-trada.md) and [Core concepts](/trada-docs/getting-started/core-concepts.md), then come back here.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Create your account

Sign up with **Google** or with your email and a password. Email sign-ups receive a verification link — confirm it before logging in.

New accounts complete a short four-step setup: your trading goals, what you trade (Forex, Futures, or both), your account type, and a plan. You can start on the **Free** plan and change later.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect a trading account

Open **Accounts** and choose **Add Account** (Forex) or **Add Connection** (Futures). The Add Account dialog walks through four choices: instrument → platform → broker → connection details.

* **Forex / CFD:** MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradeLocker, DXTrade, MatchTrader.
* **Futures:** NinjaTrader, Rithmic, DXFeed.

Most platforms connect with credentials; **cTrader** connects through a secure sign-in (OAuth) instead of a password. Connect at least two accounts to set up a copier.

{% hint style="info" %}
Connecting a qualifying account from a partnered prop firm or broker can unlock **Free Starter**. See [Free Starter (partner unlock)](/trada-docs/plans-and-billing/free-starter.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create a copier and add accounts

Open **Copy Trading** and choose **Create Copier**. Then:

1. **Add a sender** — the master account whose trades you want to copy. The sender's market type (Forex or Futures) sets the copier's type.
2. **Add one or more receivers** — the accounts that follow the sender. For each receiver, set a lot-sizing mode, how stop-loss and take-profit carry over, and any risk-protection limits.
3. **Map symbols** if your accounts use different names for the same instrument (for example `XAUUSD` on one and `GOLD` on another).

When a sender and at least one receiver are configured, switch the copier to **Active**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Watch it run, then review

On the copier's detail page, the **Open Trades** tab shows live positions and P\&L, and **Copier Logs** records every copy operation. As trades close, they flow automatically into your **Journal**, where you can rate each trade, note your emotional state, and add context. **Reports** then aggregate performance across all your accounts.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## What to do next

* Tune how each account copies — see [Add & configure a receiver](/trada-docs/copy-trading/configure-receiver.md).
* Add automatic guardrails — see [Risk protection](/trada-docs/copy-trading/configure-receiver/risk-protection.md).
* Restrict when a copier runs — see [Working hours & scheduling](/trada-docs/copy-trading/working-hours.md).

## Related

* [How copy trading works](/trada-docs/copy-trading/copy-trading.md)
* [Core concepts](/trada-docs/getting-started/core-concepts.md)

***

Trading carries risk of loss. Trada is software; you retain all trading responsibility. See [Risk disclaimer & legal](/trada-docs/reference/legal.md).


---

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