Guide · Trader tools

ChartsWatcher: the complete guide to the real-time market scanner

How ChartsWatcher works, how to build scanners, alerts, toplists and watchlists on a multi-window dashboard, and how to start from the free version up to the paid plans. A practical, step-by-step guide with links to the official sources.

What ChartsWatcher is

ChartsWatcher is a professional application to filter and watch, in real time, everything that moves in the stock market. Developed in Germany, it stands out for highly customizable multi-window dashboards: on screen you can assemble different “tiles” of various types — alerts, toplists, interactive charts, news feeds and watchlists — and arrange them however you like.

The core idea is simple: instead of staring at hundreds of charts, you define the conditions you care about (price moves, unusual volume, rotations, candle patterns, fundamental data, news sentiment) and let the scanner surface only the tickers that matter right now. It is a tool built above all for momentum traders who need to react quickly.

Note: ChartsWatcher is a scanning and analysis tool. This guide is informational/educational and is not financial advice nor a trading recommendation.

The dashboard and the windows (tiles)

The heart of ChartsWatcher is the dashboard. At the top there is a control bar with a dropdown to select the “screen config” you want to view: you can define a virtually unlimited number of different screen configs — for example one for the pre-market, one for the open, one for small-cap momentum.

Inside each screen you add the windows you need. The main tile types include:

Alert windowShows the alerts generated by your strategies: it is the engine of the scanner.
ToplistReal-time rankings (e.g. biggest gainers/losers, volume), sortable by column.
Interactive chartChart of the selected ticker, so you move from scan to chart without leaving the dashboard.
News feedA stream of news, useful to link the move to its catalyst.
WatchlistYour list of followed tickers, with the data columns you choose.
Other tilesYou can populate the screen with several tile types and connect them to each other.

How to build a scanner, step by step

In ChartsWatcher a scanner is built around an “alert window” powered by an alert configuration (strategy). The typical flow is this:

1. Add the alert window

At the top of the dashboard click +Add Window and then Add Alert Window. This window will host the scanner results.

2. Create or pick an alert configuration

Define a strategy with one or more conditions: you can start from simple price changes up to multi-condition strategies that combine technical indicators, fundamental data, volume and candle patterns. You can set audio and visual notifications when a condition triggers.

3. Attach the config to the window

Once you are happy with the configuration, select it in the dropdown at the top of the alert window: from then on the window shows, in real time, the tickers that meet your conditions.

4. Choose columns and colors

For each strategy you decide which data columns to see. For every column with a value you can define a custom color scheme, so the most relevant values stand out at a glance.

Toplists: real-time rankings

Toplists are dynamic rankings (for example the biggest gainers, biggest losers, highest volume). To create a new one, click the Add button at the top left and configure the columns you want to see directly in the dashboard. You can sort the list by any column and use it as a starting point to pick the tickers to dig into.

Watchlists and custom columns

The watchlist tile lets you manage the tickers that are important for your strategy. Here too you configure the data columns you want to monitor and sort the list as you prefer. The custom-column logic (with color schemes) applies across the whole app: it is what makes ChartsWatcher adaptable to very different trading styles, from scalping to swing.

Templates and default configurations

You are not forced to start from scratch. ChartsWatcher provides pre-built screen configs, alerts and toplists: they are a great starting point to learn the interface and then customize. The practical advice is to use the default templates as a base, change them one piece at a time, and rely on the official documentation and tutorials for the more advanced features.

Plans and pricing

ChartsWatcher offers a free plan and three paid plans (Starter, Advanced, Pro), billed monthly or annually. Amounts vary by country and currency and can change, so you will find current pricing directly on the official ChartsWatcher site.

The promo code SAVE10 gives 10% off the first paid period. The free version does not require a credit card to start: you apply SAVE10 only when you decide to upgrade.

How to get started (recommended workflow)

  • Start with the free version to get familiar with the dashboard, windows and controls.
  • Open the default templates (screen configs, alerts, toplists) and see how they are built.
  • Build your first scanner: +Add Window → Add Alert Window → attach an alert strategy.
  • Customize columns and colors to make what matters for your style stand out.
  • Add a chart and news to the same screen, so you move from scan to context without switching window.
  • When you are ready to upgrade, weigh Starter/Advanced/Pro by how much you need fast data, and apply SAVE10.

Try ChartsWatcher (free, then 10% OFF with SAVE10)

Real-time scanner for momentum, unusual volume and fast rotations. Start with the free version, then unlock 10% off your first paid period with the code SAVE10.

Go to ChartsWatcher Sign up and use SAVE10

Frequently asked questions

Is ChartsWatcher suitable for beginners?

Yes, but with a learning curve: the free version and the default templates help you start, while the multi-condition features leave room for advanced strategies when you are ready.

Do I need a subscription to start?

No. You can start with the free version without a credit card and move to a paid plan only when you need more features or faster data.

What is the difference between the plans?

The main differences concern advanced features and data speed (for example 10-second charts). Always check the up-to-date detail on the official site.

Sources

  • ChartsWatcher official site: chartswatcher.com
  • Official tutorials (dashboard, alerts, toplists): ChartsWatcher blog and Medium channel.
Informational and educational content only. This is not financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments. ChartsWatcher is a third-party tool; prices, plans and features can change and should be verified on the official site. Merlintrader is a ChartsWatcher affiliate: the marked links contain a referral code.