FAQ
General Questions
Answers to the most common general questions about TradingForge — what it is, how it works, and what to expect.
New to TradingForge? This page answers the most frequently asked general questions about the application before you get started.
What is TradingForge?
TradingForge is an automated crypto trading bot that runs on your Windows computer. It connects to your exchange account via API and executes trades automatically based on your configured strategies. TradingForge features two trading engines: TradeFuel, which handles DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging) automation, and TradeSmith, which provides market analysis and signal filtering. You interact with it through a web interface at http://localhost:3000.
Does TradingForge trade for me automatically?
Yes. Once you configure your strategy settings and start the engine, TradingForge monitors the market continuously and places orders automatically — including opening new positions, triggering safety orders, and closing at take profit. You do not need to be present at your computer for trades to execute. You can check the dashboard at any time to review activity, performance, and open positions.
Does TradingForge run in the cloud?
No. TradingForge runs entirely on your own Windows machine. There is no cloud component, no remote server, and no subscription service. Your API keys, trade configurations, and trading history are stored locally as JSON files on your computer and are never uploaded to TradingForge servers. This also means the application must be running on your machine for any trades to occur.
What happens to my open trades if my computer shuts down?
If TradingForge is stopped — whether from closing the console window, a system shutdown, or a crash — the application will no longer monitor the market or place new orders. Any existing open positions remain open on the exchange itself, since those orders were placed directly through the exchange API. When you restart TradingForge, it re-connects to the exchange and resumes managing your open positions, including monitoring safety order levels and take profit targets.
What is paper trading?
Paper trading is a simulation mode that mimics real trading without using real money. TradingForge uses live market price data from your connected exchange to determine when trades would have opened, when safety orders would have triggered, and when take profit would have been hit — but it never places actual orders. The result is a virtual trade history and P&L figure that shows how your strategy would have performed under real market conditions. Paper trading is the recommended way to test a new configuration before committing real funds.
Is TradingForge a web service or subscription?
TradingForge is desktop software sold with a one-time $100 USD perpetual license. There are no monthly subscriptions, no renewal fees, and no cloud services to pay for. You pay once and own the software permanently, including all future updates.
What markets does TradingForge support?
TradingForge supports spot trading — buying and selling cryptocurrencies directly against fiat currencies or stablecoins (such as BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT). Spot trading does not involve leverage, borrowing, or margin. Futures and derivatives trading (perpetual contracts, options) are not currently supported. Spot trading is the recommended starting point for most users as it involves straightforward ownership of assets without the additional risk of leverage.
Still have questions?
Browse the other sections of the wiki for detailed guides on exchange setup, strategy configuration, notifications, and troubleshooting. If you can't find what you're looking for, reach out to the support team at tfcontact@tradingforge.net.