If you just signed up for Topstep and opened TopstepX for the first time, the screen can feel overwhelming. However, once you understand the layout, placing trades and setting stop losses becomes second nature. Moreover, knowing exactly how to protect your position is critical—because in a combine, one unprotected trade can wipe out your progress instantly.
So, in this guide, we’ll walk through how to use TopstepX, how to execute trades, and most importantly, how to put a stop loss properly so you never blow your account by accident.
What Is TopstepX?
To begin with, TopstepX is the proprietary trading platform built specifically for Topstep traders. Instead of using generic software, you get a streamlined interface designed for futures evaluation.
As a result, the platform focuses on speed, simplicity, and risk control. Nevertheless, if you’re coming from TradingView or another broker, the buttons and menus will look slightly different.
Therefore, take a few minutes to learn the layout before trading live. That small step alone can save you from costly mistakes.
Getting Started With the Platform
After you log in, you’ll see the main dashboard. Typically, the left side shows your accounts, while the center displays charts and order entry.
Here’s what you should check first:
- Confirm you’re trading the correct combine or funded account
- Verify your buying power and available margin
- Check your daily P&L and drawdown status
In addition, make sure your market data is connected. Otherwise, your charts won’t update in real time, and you might enter trades blindly.
So, always do this quick check before placing any order.
How to Place a Trade in TopstepX
Placing a trade is straightforward, but you need to be precise.
Follow these steps:
- Select the contract (for example, ES or NQ) from the symbol list
- Choose your order type: Market, Limit, or Stop
- Enter your quantity
- Confirm the entry price or let it fill at market
- Click Buy or Sell
After that, your position will appear in the positions panel. Meanwhile, your unrealized P&L updates in real time.
However, do not celebrate yet—because without a stop loss, your trade is not protected.
How to Put a Stop Loss in TopstepX
This is the most important part. Without a stop loss, you violate the core principle of risk management, and in a combine, that usually ends in failure.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
Method 1: Attach Stop Loss Before Entry
- Open the order ticket
- Click to expand “Advanced” or “Brackets” options
- Enter your stop loss price or tick distance
- Enter your take profit if you want one
- Submit the order
Consequently, the platform attaches both orders to your entry automatically.
Method 2: Add Stop Loss After Entry
- Go to your open positions panel
- Find the active trade
- Click on the position to open the modification window
- Set your stop loss price or use the drag feature on the chart
- Confirm the update
As a result, your position is now protected, and you can step away without fear.
Understanding Order Types for Protection
Not every stop works the same way. Therefore, you should know the difference:
| Order Type | How It Works | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Market | Becomes market order when triggered | Fast exit, some slippage |
| Stop Limit | Becomes limit order at stop price | Exact price, but may not fill |
| Trailing Stop | Moves with price in your favor | Locking in profits automatically |
So, for combine trading, a simple stop market is usually best. It guarantees an exit, which is exactly what you need when rules are strict.
Setting Risk Per Trade Correctly
Even though TopstepX makes it easy to place orders, you still need to calculate size yourself.
Here is a simple framework:
- Account size: $50,000
- Daily loss limit: $1,000 (official); personal stop: $300–$500
- Risk per trade: $150–$250
- Stop distance in ticks: calculate backward from risk
For example, if you risk $200 and your stop is 4 ticks away in ES, then your position size should match that risk.
In other words, never choose position size first. Instead, choose risk first, then calculate size.
Using Brackets for Automatic Management
One of TopstepX’s best features is bracket orders. Instead of managing each exit manually, you can set it all up before entering.
With brackets, you can:
- Set entry price or use market
- Attach stop loss instantly
- Attach take profit at a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio
- Modify or cancel without closing the trade
Moreover, using brackets removes emotion from the exit. Once the trade is live, you don’t have to make decisions in the heat of the moment.
That’s exactly why disciplined traders prefer them.
Common Mistakes When Setting Stop Losses
Even experienced traders make errors. However, in TopstepX, these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know them.
Watch out for the following:
- Forgetting to attach the stop before confirming entry
- Setting the stop too tight and getting stopped out by noise
- Setting the stop too wide and risking more than planned
- Moving the stop away from price after entry
- Removing the stop entirely out of hope
Furthermore, never think “I’ll add it later.” Because later often becomes never, and that’s how accounts blow up.
Platform Features That Help Risk Control
TopstepX also includes built-in risk tools. You should use them actively.
These include:
- Daily loss limit alerts
- Real-time drawdown tracking
- Position sizing calculators
- One-click flatten buttons to close all trades
In addition, the flatten feature is especially useful if you feel emotional. Instead of trying to manage each trade individually, you can exit everything instantly and reset.
Consequently, you stay within your rules without second-guessing yourself.
The Psychology of Using Stop Losses Correctly
Here is the truth: placing a stop loss is easy, but accepting it is hard.
Many traders move their stops because they don’t want to take the loss. However, that behavior turns a small planned loss into a big unexpected one.
If you struggle with emotional reactions during trades—especially when markets move fast—this breakdown can help:
https://vizdumb.com/the-psychology-of-trading-gold-how-to-stay-calm-when-xauusd-goes-wild/
Although it focuses on gold, the same emotional patterns appear in futures. So, learning to stay calm applies directly to how you manage stops in TopstepX.
Daily Routine Before Trading in TopstepX
Before you click Buy or Sell, run through this checklist:
- Confirm your account and evaluation stage
- Check your daily drawdown and remaining room
- Mark your entry, stop, and target on the chart
- Use bracket orders whenever possible
- Set your personal daily loss limit lower than the official one
After that, execute only planned trades.
Moreover, review your trades after each session. Look at whether your stops were respected, whether you followed your plan, and where emotions interfered.
That review process is what turns a trader into a consistent performer.
Final Thoughts
Using TopstepX is not complicated. You can learn the buttons quickly. However, trading safely requires discipline.
Always attach your stop loss before entering, calculate risk first, and use bracket orders to stay consistent. Most importantly, respect your stops—because in the combine, survival is everything.
Get the mechanics right, stay calm under pressure, and the platform becomes a tool for passing—not a reason for failure.