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FAQ

Answers to common questions about setup, markets, trading workflows, and support.

General Questions

What is OpenTrade?

OpenTrade is an open-source algorithmic trading platform designed for traders and developers who want to build, test, and deploy automated trading strategies.

Is OpenTrade free to use?

Yes! OpenTrade is open-source and free to use. You can self-host it or use our hosted version. Some advanced features may require a subscription in the future.

What markets does OpenTrade support?

OpenTrade supports:

  • Cryptocurrency markets (via exchanges like Binance, Kraken, etc.)
  • Traditional markets (stocks, forex - coming soon)
  • Custom data feeds

Getting Started

Do I need programming knowledge?

Not necessarily! OpenTrade offers:

  • Visual strategy builder for non-programmers
  • Pre-built strategy templates
  • Python/JavaScript for custom strategies

How do I connect my exchange?

  1. Open Profile → Balance, choose Add Balance and set the type to Real.
  2. Pick the exchange and the environment. For a live wallet the dialog walks you through the key settings:
    • create the API key on a sub-account, not on the main account;
    • enable spot trading only — withdrawals, transfers and every other product stay off;
    • restrict the key to the platform IP addresses shown in the dialog.
  3. Enter the key. It is checked on the exchange before it is saved: a key that breaks any of these rules is refused, and the dialog tells you which setting to change.

Security Note: a key that cannot withdraw and only works from the platform’s IPs is close to useless if it ever leaks. Live trading opens only on exchanges whose key settings the platform can verify (currently Bybit); on other exchanges a wallet tracks balances only. Demo and testnet wallets are not checked.

How the key is stored: each wallet’s key is encrypted with its own key, which is itself locked by a master key kept outside the database, so a copy of the database does not reveal it. Every time the platform opens a key — to sync the balance or start a live bot — the access is recorded. When you replace a key, delete the old one on the exchange yourself: the platform does not revoke it.

How is my account protected?

  • Sign-in confirmation: every password sign-in (except the one right after registration) asks for a code sent by e-mail or Telegram (your choice in Profile → Security). With an authenticator app enabled, sign-in asks for its code instead — also when you sign in with Google.
  • Two-factor authentication (an authenticator app, with backup codes) is required for live trading: a live bot cannot be started without it, and it cannot be turned off while a live bot runs.
  • Sessions end after 7 days without use and 30 days after sign-in at the latest. Changing your password signs out every other device.
  • Alerts: repeated failed sign-ins or verification codes on your account trigger a notification on your active channels.
  • Lost your authenticator and backup codes? Contact support. After confirming your identity, an administrator can reset two-factor authentication; you are signed out everywhere and get an e-mail about it.

Can I use OpenTrade on mobile?

Currently, OpenTrade is optimized for desktop browsers. A mobile app is on our roadmap.

Trading

Is my money safe?

OpenTrade doesn’t hold your funds. Your money stays in your exchange account. We only execute trades via API connections.

Can I lose money using OpenTrade?

Yes, trading involves risk. Always:

  • Start with paper trading
  • Use proper risk management
  • Never trade more than you can afford to lose

What is backtesting?

Backtesting allows you to test your strategies against historical data to see how they would have performed in the past.

Technical Questions

Can I run OpenTrade locally?

Yes! OpenTrade is fully open-source. You can:

  • Self-host on your own server
  • Run locally for development
  • Deploy to cloud providers

What technologies does OpenTrade use?

  • Frontend: Astro, Svelte, Tailwind CSS
  • Backend: ElysiaJS, Bun, Drizzle
  • Charts: Pixi.js
  • Database: PostgreSQL

Can I contribute to OpenTrade?

Absolutely! We welcome contributions:

  • Code contributions on GitHub
  • Bug reports and feature requests
  • Documentation improvements
  • Strategy sharing

Support

Where can I get help?

  • Documentation: You’re here!
  • Discord: Join our community
  • GitHub Issues: Report bugs
  • Email: support@opentrade.io

How do I report a bug?

  1. Check if it’s already reported on GitHub
  2. Create a new issue with:
    • Clear description
    • Steps to reproduce
    • Expected vs actual behavior
    • Screenshots if applicable

Is there a paid support option?

Enterprise support plans are available for organizations. Contact us for details.