What to expect the first time you open TradingForge, from the console window to logging in and changing your password.
After installation, launching TradingForge for the first time involves a few steps that differ slightly from a typical desktop application. TradingForge runs as a local server and you interact with it entirely through your web browser. This guide walks you through every step of the initial setup.
The console window (terminal) that opens when you launch TradingForge must remain open for the entire time you are using the application. This window is the TradingForge server process. Closing it will immediately shut down TradingForge and any active trading engines.
First Launch Walkthrough
1
Launch TradingForge from the desktop shortcut or Start menu
Double-click the TradingForge shortcut on your desktop, or search for it in the Start menu. A console window will open — this is expected and normal. You will see log output in this window as the server starts up. Do not close it.
2
Open your browser and navigate to localhost:3000
Open Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or any supported browser and go to http://localhost:3000. The TradingForge web interface will load. If you see a "site can't be reached" error, wait a few seconds and refresh — the server may still be initializing.
3
Enter your license key
On your very first visit, you will be presented with the License Activation screen before anything else. Paste the license key you received via email after purchasing TradingForge at tradingforge.net and click Activate License. See the License Activation article for more detail on this step.
4
Log in with the default password
After successful activation, you will be redirected to the login page. Enter the default password: tradingfuel. Click Log In to continue.
5
Change your password immediately
This is critical. Navigate to Settings (the gear icon in the top navigation bar) and change your password to something unique and secure. The default password tradingfuel is publicly known and must not be kept.
6
You are now on the dashboard
After changing your password you will land on the main TradingForge dashboard. From here you can connect your exchange, configure trading engines, and begin paper or live trading.
Important Notes
TradingForge runs entirely on your local machine. Your API keys, trading configuration, and account data are stored locally as JSON files and are never transmitted to TradingForge servers. Your data stays on your computer.
If port 3000 is already in use by another application on your machine, TradingForge will not be able to start its web server on the default port. In that case, refer to the Troubleshooting section for instructions on changing the port or freeing up port 3000.
After First Login
Once you are logged in and have changed your password, the recommended next steps are:
1
Connect your exchange
Go to Settings → Exchange and enter your API key and secret for your preferred exchange. If you want to test without real funds first, skip this and use paper trading mode instead.
2
Explore paper trading mode
Paper trading lets you simulate DCA and TradeSmith strategies with fake funds. It is an excellent way to learn the interface and validate your settings before risking real money.
3
Review the dashboard
Familiarise yourself with the dashboard layout — the portfolio summary, trading engine controls, and active trades table. The Dashboard Overview article covers each section in detail.
