Trading Tools

New to thinkorswim®? Start here

June 6, 2024 Beginner
Thinkorswim® brings together powerful features and real-time insights. Learn which of its platforms—desktop, mobile, and web—is right for your trading style and preference.

As Schwab moves away from StreetSmart Edge® and toward thinkorswim®, you may find yourself questioning how to do things you’ve done in the past. thinkorswim is our award-winning platform that brings together powerful features and real-time insights to let you dive deeper into the market and your trading strategies.

Before you dive in

thinkorswim is three platforms in one: a downloadable desktop app; a mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android; and a browser-based web platform. But which version is right for you? Let’s break down the three:

  • Desktop
  • Web
  • Mobile
  • Desktop
    Key benefits:
    • Fully customizable
    • Advanced trading and charting tools
    • Research tools
    • Live news
  • Web
    Key benefits:
    • Core features of thinkorswim desktop
    • Available on any browser, no download required
  • Mobile
    Key benefits: 
    • Core features of thinkorswim desktop
    • Available on the go
  • Desktop
    Who is this for?
    Traders looking for the most advanced platform with active trading tools, robust charting, and customizability for a trading experience that adapts to their trading style
  • Web
    Who is this for?
    Traders who want a simpler trading experience accessible from any browser.
  • Mobile
    Who is this for?
    On-the-go traders who want a mobile trading app with extensive trading functionality. 
  • Desktop
  • Web
  • Mobile

All three thinkorswim experiences offer trading in stocks, exchange-traded funds, options—including complex and multi-leg strategies—and futures/forex.

To export some of your information from StreetSmart Edge, check out how to Export/Import Watchlists and Export/Import Saved Orders; StreetSmart users can also Export Notes for their own records.

thinkorswim desktop

To get started with thinkorswim:

  1. Start with this video:  Introduction to the thinkorswim desktop platform.
  2. View two videos that walk through moving from StreetSmart Edge to thinkorswim: part 1 and part 2.
  3. Once you’ve learned the basics, attend a live, interactive webcast with an education coach.
    1. Attend an upcoming StreetSmart Edge to thinkorswim desktop webcast.
    2. Watch a recorded session on the On-demand Playlist.
    3. View weekly webcasts that introduce basic thinkorswim functionality.

thinkorswim web

  1. Start with this video: Introduction to thinkorswim web.
  2. Once you’ve learned the basics, attend a live, interactive webcast with an education coach.
    1. Attend an upcoming StreetSmart Edge to thinkorswim web webcast.
    2. Watch a recorded session on the On-demand Playlist.

thinkorswim mobile

  1. Start here with our introduction videos to the mobile apps for iPhone and Android.
  2. Once you’ve learned the basics, attend a live, interactive webcast with an education coach. Check out the moving to thinkorswim mobile webcast.

What’s next?

If you want more information about moving to thinkorswim, check out our Transition Guide here. Traders can also practice trading with the paperMoney® feature. View the thinkorswim paperMoney options trading tutorial video here.

There are dozens of other educational videos about thinkorswim you can find by visiting the Insights & Education thinkorswim demo page.

Schwab offers trading tools and platforms.

Learn more

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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

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