Platform Guide · Lesson 3 of 13
Read the Chart Before Adding Overlays
Pick a symbol, timeframe and session, read the latest candle and its time, then add only the overlays that answer a question.
In this lesson
- Check the symbol, timeframe and latest candle before anything else
- Add overlays one question at a time
- Describe what price did near a level without predicting it
The Dashboard opens on the chart. Choose a symbol, a timeframe and the session, then find the latest candle and its time. A candle summarizes the open, high, low and close for its interval.
Zoom in to inspect a reaction and zoom out to see the larger range. On a desktop the indicators are on the fx button in the chart toolbar and the drawing tools on the rail at the chart’s left; on a phone both are in the chart’s tools. Chart settings › Overlays holds the level overlays: the Ceiling, Floor, Flip Line and Magnet drawn as Strength Zones.
Tip One question per overlay
Add an overlay when it answers a specific question, such as “where is the nearest Floor?”. A busy chart is not a more useful chart.
Flow markers draw unusual options trades on the chart as diamonds: filled when bought, hollow when sold. A marker shows that a trade happened. It doesn’t show that the trade was opening, informed or profitable.
Note Which plans include it
Charts are on every plan, delayed by at least 15 minutes on Free. Live data, levels, overlays and dark pool levels are included in Retail. Flow markers (beta) are included in Advance.
Check your understanding
1 question. Answer each one, then open “Show answer” to compare.
Show answer
Answer: B. Price touched the level and then moved lower.
Describe what price did. A level is a model estimate; price can trade through it.
Key takeaways
- Check the symbol, timeframe and latest candle first.
- Add one overlay per question.
- A flow marker shows activity, not intent.
Try it in StratosHedge
Open SPY on the chart, name the latest candle’s time, then turn on the level overlays and describe where price sits between them.
Open the chart Needs: Free account
Progress is saved in this browser only.
Educational content, not investment advice. Lessons describe how markets and models tend to behave. They don’t tell anyone what to buy, sell or hold. Interactive examples use illustrative sample data, and simulator results are simulated — not actual trading. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors.
Risk disclosureCharacteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (OCC) (opens in a new tab)