USER GUIDE

v1.0.3 · Stable

The TraderDNA AI is an AI-powered price action analysis tool. Upload chart screenshots, get a 6-phase structured analysis, build a trade journal, and track your edge over time. No indicators required — pure price action only.

Pure Price ActionAI Vision AnalysisTrade JournalPer-Asset InsightsLast updated: March 27, 2026

How It Works

OVERVIEW

The TraderDNA AI uses advanced computer vision to read chart screenshots from any platform — TradingView, MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, ThinkorSwim, NinjaTrader, or any charting software — and perform a structured price action analysis. The system supports two charts simultaneously — a Higher Timeframe (HTF) chart for trend bias and a Lower Timeframe (LTF) chart for the entry setup.

1

Upload your entry chart (required) and optionally a higher timeframe chart for bias context.

2

Set optional context fields — asset, timeframes, session, bias hint, and notes to TraderDNA.

3

Click Analyze. TraderDNA reads the charts and runs a 6-phase price action framework.

4

Review the verdict, conviction score, phase breakdown, and trade plan.

5

Execute the trade (or pass) based on the verdict and your own discretion.

6

Mark the outcome after the trade closes — TP1, TP2, Stopped Out, or Partial.

7

Build your journal. After 3+ trades per asset, unlock AI-powered per-asset insights.

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The 6-Phase Analysis Framework

CORE

Every analysis runs through six independent phases. Each phase is scored and rated PASS, WARN, FAIL, or N/A. The combined score determines the conviction level and the final verdict.

PHASE 1— Trend StructureSee strategy ›

Reads the dominant trend from higher highs/lows (uptrend) or lower highs/lows (downtrend). If two charts are uploaded, the HTF sets the macro bias. A ranging or choppy market rates WARN or FAIL.

✅ PASS

Clear trend aligned with potential trade direction

⚠️ WARN

Ambiguous — mixed structure signals

❌ FAIL

Counter-trend or ranging market

PHASE 2— Key Level Confluence

Identifies whether price is at a significant level — prior swing highs/lows, round numbers, consolidation zones, or prior breakout levels retested as S/R. Mid-range entries with no clear level rate FAIL.

✅ PASS

Strong, clearly identifiable level

⚠️ WARN

Moderate level present

❌ FAIL

Mid-range — no structural level

PHASE 3— Entry PatternSee strategy ›

Identifies the specific price action pattern: pin bars, engulfing candles, inside bar breakouts, Break of Structure (BOS), Fair Value Gaps (FVG), and order block entries. This is the most critical phase — a FAIL here almost always results in a SKIP verdict.

✅ PASS

Clear, valid pattern with conviction

⚠️ WARN

Marginal or still-forming pattern

❌ FAIL

No identifiable pattern

PHASE 4— Momentum

Evaluates whether momentum supports the trade. Looks at candle body size (expanding = building, contracting = fading), consecutive directional candles, divergence signals, and volume confirmation.

✅ PASS

Momentum clearly confirmed in trade direction

⚠️ WARN

Mixed momentum signals

❌ FAIL

Momentum against or fading

PHASE 5— Session & Timing

Assesses whether the current time is optimal. London and New York sessions have the highest liquidity for most assets. The first 15 minutes after major news should be avoided.

✅ PASS

Prime session — London or New York active

⚠️ WARN

Acceptable — transition or overlap period

❌ FAIL

Avoid — low liquidity or post-news

PHASE 6— Risk / RewardSee strategy ›

Calculates the trade plan: stop loss at the nearest structural invalidation, TP1 at 1.5R, TP2 at 2.5R. A minimum R:R of 1.5 is required for a PASS.

✅ PASS

R:R ≥ 1.5 with clean structural stop

⚠️ WARN

R:R 1.0–1.5 or wide stop

❌ FAIL

R:R < 1.0 or no clean stop

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Taking the Perfect Screenshot

ACCURACY

The quality of the analysis depends entirely on what TraderDNA can see in your screenshots. Follow these rules every time.

📊

Two charts beat one

The HTF sets the macro bias. Without it, TraderDNA may miss a counter-trend setup. Always include the HTF.

🕯️

Show 50–100 candles

TraderDNA needs structure context — recent swing highs/lows and momentum history. Don't zoom in to just 5–10 candles.

📍

Zoom into the pattern

The entry candle must be clearly visible with readable body and wicks. If you can't see the pin bar, TraderDNA can't either.

📏

Include price scale

The Y-axis with price levels must be visible. TraderDNA reads exact levels to calculate stop loss and targets.

🕐

Include time axis

The X-axis with timestamps must be visible. Session timing is assessed in Phase 5.

💡

Add notes

Use the Notes field to highlight what you see — a rejection, a liquidity grab, a specific level being tested.

HTF RECOMMENDATION

For intraday trading (15M–1H entries) → use a 4H or Daily HTF chart. For scalping (1M–5M entries) → use a 15M or 1H HTF chart.

PRE-UPLOAD CHECKLIST

□HTF chart uploaded (or intentionally skipped)

□LTF entry chart uploaded — 50–100 candles visible

□Price scale (Y-axis) visible and not cropped

□Time axis (X-axis) visible with timestamps

□Entry pattern clearly visible — body and wicks readable

□Asset name and timeframe visible in chart title

□Context fields filled in (or left blank for auto-detect)

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Understanding the Conviction Score

SCORING

Each phase scores 0–20 points: PASS = 17–20, WARN = 8–12, FAIL = 0–3, N/A = 10 neutral. The total out of 100 determines conviction level and position sizing guidance.

SCORELABELPOSITION SIZING GUIDANCE

80 – 100HIGHFull position size or add to existing winners

60 – 79MODERATEStandard position size (50–75% of max)

40 – 59LOWReduce size 25–50% or skip entirely

0 – 39SKIPDo not enter — statistical edge not present

Pullback-Specific Conviction Boost

For pullback continuation setups, the system applies additional conviction scoring based on pullback quality. This can significantly increase your conviction score for elite setups.

🎯 PULLBACK SCORING ADJUSTMENT

After the base conviction score (0-100), the system adds bonus points based on pullback quality:

80-100 pts: Elite pullback setup+10 conviction

60-79 pts: Good pullback setup+5 conviction

40-59 pts: Average pullbackNo adjustment

<40 pts: Poor pullback-10 conviction

POSITION SIZING RULE

Never put full position size on a LOW or MODERATE conviction signal. Scale your size proportionally — HIGH conviction warrants full size, MODERATE warrants 50–75%, LOW warrants 25–50% or skip entirely.

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Reading the Verdict

DECISIONS

The verdict is the system's recommendation based on all six phases combined. There are four possible verdicts.

ENTER LONG

Phases 1 and 3 both PASS, conviction ≥ 60, direction bullish. Enter with your planned position size scaled to conviction level.

ENTER SHORT

Phases 1 and 3 both PASS, conviction ≥ 60, direction bearish. Enter with your planned position size scaled to conviction level.

WAIT

Conviction 40–59, or Phase 1/3 is WARN. Conditions are developing. Monitor the setup — it may improve, or invalidate.

SKIP

Conviction < 40, or Phase 1/3 is FAIL. The edge is not present. Do not enter this setup under any circumstances.

Setup Type & Verdict Interpretation

The verdict interpretation changes slightly based on whether you're looking at a pullback or breakout setup.

PULLBACK SETUP VERDICTS

ENTER LONG/SHORT with 80+ conviction: Elite pullback setup — highest probability trade
ENTER LONG/SHORT with 70-79 conviction: Good pullback — take with standard size
WAIT verdict: Pullback not deep enough yet (wait for 50-61.8% fill)
SKIP verdict: Pullback characteristics absent or poor quality — do not chase

BREAKOUT SETUP VERDICTS

ENTER LONG/SHORT: Clean breakout with momentum — take at market
WAIT verdict: Breakout not confirmed yet or weak momentum
SKIP verdict: False breakout likely or already extended — wait for pullback instead

IMPORTANT — NEVER OVERRIDE A SKIP

The most common cause of losses in this system is entering on a SKIP verdict. When the system says SKIP, the statistical edge is absent. Trust the process.

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Trade Plan — Entry, Stop, Targets

EXECUTION

Every analysis generates a complete trade plan with levels calculated from the chart. TP1 and TP2 use R-multiples — multiples of your stop distance from entry.

EntryCurrent price or the specific pattern entry level read from the chart

Stop LossBelow/above the nearest structural invalidation point — swing low for longs, swing high for shorts

TP1 · 1.5REntry ± (stop distance × 1.5) — close 50% here and move stop to breakeven

TP2 · 2.5REntry ± (stop distance × 2.5) — close remaining 50% or trail stop to protect gains

InvalidationThe specific price or candle close that means the trade thesis is wrong — exit immediately if hit

Trading Style Auto-Detection

TraderDNA automatically detects your trading style based on the lower timeframe (LTF) chart you upload. This detection determines whether your stop loss is appropriate for your trading approach.

STYLETIMEFRAMESSTOP RANGEIDEAL

SCALPING1M, 3M, 5M5–25 pips15 pips

DAY TRADING15M, 30M, 1H, 2H, 3H15–80 pips40 pips

SWING4H, Daily, Weekly40–300 pips100 pips

HOW IT WORKS

The system analyzes your selected or detected timeframe and classifies your trading style: Scalping (1M-5M), Day Trading (15M-1H), or Swing (4H+). Your stop loss is then evaluated against style-appropriate pip ranges.

Understanding Pip Metrics

The trade plan displays your risk in pips, adjusted for the specific asset class you're trading. This helps you understand if your stop loss aligns with your trading style's typical ranges.

Pip SizeCalculated based on asset class (Forex: 0.0001, JPY: 0.01, Gold: 0.1, Stocks: $1)

Risk (pips)Distance from entry to stop loss, converted to pips for your asset class

Appropriate?Checks if your stop matches the ideal range for your detected trading style

SuggestionIf not appropriate, provides actionable advice to improve risk management

READING PIP METRICS

✅ Appropriate: Your stop loss falls within the ideal range for your trading style.
⚠️ Not Ideal: Your stop is outside the typical range. The system will provide specific guidance:

Scalping stop too wide: Consider smaller position size or look for tighter entry
Day trading stop too wide: Reduce position size or find tighter entry
Swing stop too tight: Ensure stop is beyond structural invalidation

Multi-Asset Pip Calculation

TraderDNA supports Forex, Gold, Silver, Stocks, Indices, and Crypto. Pip values are automatically calculated based on the asset's standard conventions.

ASSET CLASSEXAMPLES1 PIP =SCALPINGDAYSWING

Forex MajorsEURUSD, GBPUSD, AUDUSD0.00015–2515–8040–300

Forex JPYUSDJPY, GBPJPY, EURJPY0.015–2515–8040–300

Gold (XAU)XAUUSD, GOLD0.15–2515–8040–300

Silver (XAG)XAGUSD, SILVER0.015–2515–8040–300

StocksAAPL, TSLA, NVDA$1$0.2–$1.5$1–$5$3–$20

IndicesUS30, SPX, NDX1.0 pts10–5030–150100–500

CryptoBTCUSD, ETHUSD0.01%5–2515–8040–300

💡

Stock Example

For stocks like AAPL or TSLA, 1 pip = $1 move. A $2.50 stop loss = 2.5 pips. Scalping ranges: $0.20-$1.50, Day Trading: $1-$5, Swing: $3-$20.

Entry Type: Pullback vs Breakout

The trade plan identifies whether your setup is a **Pullback Continuation** (highest probability) or a **Breakout**. This identification determines how entry zones and stop losses are calculated.

PULLBACK CONTINUATION SETUP

Entry Zone: The 50-61.8% Fibonacci retracement zone OR Fair Value Gap zone
Stop Loss: Below/above the pullback extreme (swing low/high of retracement)
R:R: Typically 1:2 to 1:4 (superior due to tighter stops)

Example: Uptrend from 100 to 150, pullback to 125-130 zone → Entry 125-130, Stop below 120

BREAKOUT SETUP

Entry Zone: The breakout level zone (resistance/support being broken)
Stop Loss: Below/above the breakout structure (recent swing or consolidation)
R:R: Typically 1:1.5 to 1:2.5

Example: Range 95-100, breakout above 100 → Entry 100-101, Stop below 98

CRITICAL RULE — NEVER MIX LOGIC

❌ WRONG: Entry at breakout level + Stop below pullback low = Disconnected R:R

✅ RIGHT: Use PULLBACK logic for pullbacks, BREAKOUT logic for breakouts

If price misses the pullback entry zone, the trade is INVALID — do not chase. Wait for next setup.

RECOMMENDED APPROACH

At TP1 (1.5R) — close 50% of the position and move your stop to breakeven. Let the remaining 50% run to TP2 (2.5R). This locks in profit while giving the trade room to breathe. Never let a winner become a loser after reaching TP1.

PULLBACK-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

For pullback continuations (the highest-probability setup):

Wait for the fill: Only enter if price fills your pullback entry zone (50-61.8% Fib or FVG)
Don't chase: If price doesn't retrace to your zone, the setup is invalid — skip it
Tighter stops: Pullback entries have clearer invalidation points, allowing tighter stops
Better R:R: Expect 1:2 to 1:4 R:R due to precise entry and stop placement

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Trade Journal — Logging Outcomes

JOURNAL

Every analysis is automatically saved to your journal. After a trade closes, return to the Journal tab, expand the trade entry, and mark the outcome. This data powers the Performance and Insights tabs.

OUTCOMEP&LDESCRIPTION

TP1+1.5RFirst target hit. Close 50% and move stop to breakeven.

TP2+2.5RSecond target hit. Full trade closed at maximum target.

TP1 + TP2+2.0RBoth targets reached. Logged as +2.0R average.

Stopped Out−1.0RStop loss was hit. Full risk loss taken.

Partial+0.5RManually closed before any target. Conservative estimate used.

WHY MARKING OUTCOMES MATTERS

After 4+ completed trades, TraderDNA injects your historical win rate by asset, session, and conviction level into every new analysis — adjusting confidence scores based on your actual track record. The more outcomes you mark, the smarter the system becomes.

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Performance Analytics

ANALYTICS

Comprehensive performance tracking with advanced analytics. Unlocks after 3 completed trades with outcomes marked. Shows overall statistics, equity curve, and breakdowns across multiple dimensions. Auto-refreshes every 60 seconds.

Total Trades

Count of all completed trades with outcomes marked.

Win Rate

Trades hitting TP1 or TP2 ÷ total completed. 55%+ is strong for this system.

Total P&L

Sum of all R-multiples. TP1 = +1.5R, TP2 = +2.5R, TP1+TP2 = +2.0R avg, Stopped Out = −1.0R.

Avg / Trade

Total P&L ÷ trade count. Above +0.3R confirms a real statistical edge.

Streak

Current consecutive win or loss streak — useful for identifying hot and cold periods.

The bar charts break down win rate by conviction level, session, direction (BUY/SELL), asset, and star rating. The equity curve shows cumulative P&L over time. Use these to identify where your edge is strongest.

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AI Insights — Per-Asset Coaching

Generates personalized coaching based on your trade history. Requires a minimum of 3 completed trades per asset. Each asset gets its own section with 3–4 specific, data-driven insights. Your last report is saved automatically and persists between sessions.

EDGE

A profitable pattern in your data. Do more of this.

WARNING

A pattern costing you money. Change this behaviour.

PATTERN

A recurring pattern worth being aware of.

TIP

A specific improvement grounded in your data.

PERSISTENCE & REGENERATION

Your last generated report loads automatically every time you open the Insights tab. Click Regenerate to refresh with new trade data. Click Clear to reset and start fresh.

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Strategy Deep Dive

STRATEGY

Price Action Philosophy

This system is built on pure price action — the study of how price moves on a chart without lagging indicators. Every decision is based on structure (higher highs/lows), patterns (engulfing candles, pin bars, BOS), and confluence (multiple factors aligning at the same level).

Higher Timeframe Bias

The single most important rule: always know the higher timeframe direction before entering on a lower timeframe. Counter-trend trades require far more confluence and should be treated as scalps only. See Phase 1 — Trend Structure for details.

Key Level Strategy

The best entries happen at significant levels where price has previously reversed, consolidated, or broken out. A signal at a key level is far more reliable than a signal in the middle of range. See Phase 2 — Key Level Confluence for details.

Fair Value Gap (FVG) Entries

A Fair Value Gap is a 3-candle imbalance where price moved so aggressively it left an unfilled zone. Price tends to return to fill these gaps. A signal combined with price entering an open FVG is the "elite entry zone" — the highest-probability setup in this system.

Break of Structure (BOS)

A Break of Structure occurs when price closes beyond a prior swing high (bullish BOS) or swing low (bearish BOS). BOS entries are entered on the retest of the broken level — waiting for the first candle to close back at the level before entering.

Pullback vs Breakout Entries

The system distinguishes between two primary entry types. Understanding which setup you're trading is critical for proper entry zone and stop loss placement.

🎯 PULLBACK CONTINUATION (Highest Probability)

A pullback continuation occurs when price retraces 50-61.8% of a strong impulsive trend move, then shows signs of resuming the original trend. This is the highest-probability setup in the system.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Strong impulsive trend move (up or down)
Price retracing 50-61.8% Fibonacci of that move
Pullback shows slow, choppy, overlapping candles (momentum contraction)
Approaching confluence: prior breakout level, FVG, EMA, or order block
Momentum decreasing during pullback phase

ENTRY & STOP PLACEMENT:

Entry Zone: The 50-61.8% retracement zone OR FVG zone (NOT current price)
Stop Loss: Below/above the pullback extreme (swing low/high of retracement)
R:R: Typically 1:2 to 1:4 (superior to breakout entries)
Example: Uptrend 100→150, pullback to 125-130, entry 125-130, stop below 120

PULLBACK SCORING SYSTEM

The system scores pullbacks on structure respect (0-25), momentum contraction (0-25), confluence factors (0-25), and timing (0-25). Scores of 80-100 = Elite setup (+10 conviction), 60-79 = Good setup (+5 conviction), <40 = Poor setup (-10 conviction).

⚡ BREAKOUT ENTRY

A breakout occurs when price breaks above/below a clear consolidation level with momentum, without a significant pullback present.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Price has been consolidating/ranging
Clear break above/below level with momentum
No significant pullback present (or already completed earlier)
Volume/momentum increasing on breakout

ENTRY & STOP PLACEMENT:

Entry Zone: The breakout level zone (resistance/support being broken)
Stop Loss: Below/above the breakout structure (recent swing or consolidation low/high)
R:R: Typically 1:1.5 to 1:2.5
Example: Range 95-100, breakout above 100, entry 100-101, stop below 98

CRITICAL RULE — NEVER MIX PULLBACK & BREAKOUT LOGIC

❌ WRONG: Entry at breakout level + Stop below pullback low = Disconnected R:R

✅ RIGHT: Either PULLBACK entry with pullback stop, OR BREAKOUT entry with breakout stop

If price misses the pullback zone, the trade is INVALID — do not chase. Wait for next setup.

Accumulation, Distribution & Manipulation

Smart money moves through three distinct phases before major price movements. Understanding these phases helps you identify where you are in the market cycle and anticipate the next move.

ACCUMULATION

Institutional buyers quietly build long positions at value prices, typically in ranging markets. The goal is to accumulate without moving price higher prematurely.

•Repeated tests of support holding firm

•Decreasing volume on pullbacks

•Absorption of selling pressure

•Tight range consolidation after downtrend

DISTRIBUTION

Early buyers exit positions as late buyers enter. This topping phase transfers ownership from smart money to retail traders before the reversal.

•Failed breakouts above resistance

•Increasing volume on down moves

•Inability to make higher highs

•Choppy action with bearish divergence

MANIPULATION

Final stop hunts and liquidity grabs before the real move. Market makers engineer traps to collect liquidity from both bulls and bears.

•Bull/bear traps at key levels

•False breakouts quickly reversed

•Long wicks sweeping highs/lows

•Often occurs during low liquidity sessions

TRADERDNA DETECTION

The AI analyzes candle patterns, volume profiles, and market structure to identify which phase the market is in. This context improves entry timing and helps avoid being caught in manipulation zones before the real move begins.

Session Timing

London (08:00–16:00 GMT) and New York (13:00–21:00 GMT) are the prime sessions for most assets. The LDN/NY overlap (13:00–16:00 GMT) is the highest volatility window. Asian session entries are acceptable for crypto and JPY pairs but lower quality for gold and EUR/GBP.

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Risk Management Rules

CRITICAL

NON-NEGOTIABLE — APPLY TO EVERY SINGLE TRADE

Violating these rules consistently is the fastest way to blow an account.

1.Never risk more than 1–2% of your total account on a single trade.

2.Always use a stop loss. Never enter without a pre-defined invalidation level.

3.If your stop distance is wide, reduce your lot or contract size accordingly — not your stop.

4.Move stop to breakeven after TP1 is reached. Never let a winner become a loser.

5.Never add to a losing position. One trade, one size, one stop.

6.Skip all SKIP verdicts. The system tells you when edge is absent — trust it.

7.Don't trade the first 15 minutes after major news (NFP, FOMC, CPI, etc.).

8.Don't trade revenge setups after a loss. Wait for the next valid signal.

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Common Mistakes

AVOID

❌ MISTAKE✅ FIX

Entering on a SKIP verdictTrust the system — SKIP means edge is absent. No exceptions.

No HTF chart uploadedAlways include the higher timeframe. Counter-trend setups are the #1 cause of losses.

Zoomed-in screenshot (5 candles)Show 50–100 candles. TraderDNA needs swing history to identify structure.

Cropped price scaleInclude the Y-axis. TraderDNA reads exact levels to calculate stops and targets.

Not marking trade outcomesMark every trade within 24hrs. The learning system requires data to improve.

Ignoring conviction scoreA 45/100 WAIT ≠ an 82/100 ENTER. Scale position size with conviction.

Trading Asian session on gold/EURPhase 5 flags this. Stick to London and New York for non-crypto assets.

Entering before candle closesWait for the entry candle to fully close. Wicks can invalidate the pattern mid-candle.

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⚠ DISCLAIMER: This documentation and TraderDNA AI are for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing herein constitutes financial advice. Trading involves significant risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always use proper risk management and never risk more than you can afford to lose.