Investing in financial products involves risk to your capital.

Close Navigation
Learn more about IBKR accounts

Using Presets

Lesson 9 of 12
Duration 2:48
Level Beginner
Close Navigation

Trading presets allow you to specify commonly-used order parameters ahead of time, reducing the time it takes you to set up the order before you can transmit.

We include some order parameters by default which you have likely noticed when you create an order. When the user creates a buy order on a stock by default the order entry panel populates using 100 shares, a limit order type, and sets the limit price to the ask (at the time the order is created).

A user may tailor the presets to better reflect their trading style. We can demonstrate by changing the order preset for stocks to default to a quantity of 300 shares at a time, using a market order.  

Note that dollar amounts may also be chosen instead of shares if desired.

Use the Settings page to access Trading Presets. In this example, the user selects Stock as the asset type to change the preset. Note that presets can be made for any available asset.

Notice that many preset fields can be defined to the user’s needs. For this example, user inputs order quantity to 300 Shares and sets Order Type to Market.

If necessary, system defaults can be restored at any time by clicking Revert to Defaults in the upper right.

To save these changes I just need to exit the Settings window.

Let’s now see how the order preset behaves when a new order is created in the Order Panel. The buy order automatically populates with 300 shares, the set to market. From here the user simply needs to submit the order.

Note also that, as prior to changing the preset, the user can still change input values if necessary. Instead of 300 shares, the user can still change the value to 500 and so on before submitting the order.

An important point to remember is that presets are shared across platforms. That means that if the user logs out of IBKR Desktop and log into TWS and then create a stock order, the updated default order parameters would be the same as in IBKR Desktop and the user would see a 300 share market order.

Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Interactive Brokers, its affiliates, or its employees.

Disclosure: Displaying Symbols on Video

Any trading symbols displayed are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to recommend a particular investment or investment strategy.

This website uses cookies to collect usage information in order to offer a better browsing experience. By browsing this site or by clicking on the "ACCEPT COOKIES" button you accept our Cookie Policy.