> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tradealign.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import Trades — Manual CSV

> Import trades from any broker by mapping your CSV columns to TradeAlign fields.

<Note>
  If your broker isn't directly supported (Topstep, Tradovate, or Interactive Brokers), you can still import trades from any CSV file by mapping columns yourself.
</Note>

## Step 1: Prepare your CSV file

Your CSV needs at minimum these 5 columns (the headers can be named anything):

| Required Field  | Description                                 |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Symbol**      | Ticker or contract name (e.g., ES, NQ, MNQ) |
| **Side**        | Trade direction — long/buy or short/sell    |
| **Entry Date**  | Date and time of trade entry                |
| **Entry Price** | Price at entry                              |
| **Quantity**    | Number of shares or contracts               |

Common optional columns that improve your data:

| Optional Field | Description                 |
| -------------- | --------------------------- |
| **Exit Date**  | Date and time of trade exit |
| **Exit Price** | Price at exit               |
| **Fees**       | Total commissions and fees  |
| **P\&L**       | Profit or loss amount       |

<Tip>
  Don't have a CSV yet? Click **Download Template** in the import wizard to get a pre-formatted file with example data you can fill in.
</Tip>

## Step 2: Start the import

1. Click the **Add Trade** button
2. Select your account
3. Choose **Manual CSV Import**

You can also start from **Settings** → **Accounts** → select an account → **Upload Trades**.

## Step 3: Upload your CSV

1. Click the upload area or drag and drop your file
2. TradeAlign reads your file headers and attempts to auto-match columns

If the system recognizes common header names (like "Symbol", "Price", "Quantity"), it will suggest mappings automatically.

## Step 4: Map your columns

For each TradeAlign field, select the matching column from your CSV:

* **Required fields** are marked with a red asterisk — all 5 must be mapped
* **Common optional fields** (Exit Date, Exit Price, Fees, P\&L) are shown by default
* **Additional fields** (Stop Loss, Take Profit, Asset Class, etc.) are collapsed behind a toggle

<Info>
  If your CSV includes a **P\&L** column, trades import directly with the provided profit/loss. Without P\&L, TradeAlign reconstructs trades from individual fills using the entry and exit prices.
</Info>

## Step 5: Save your mapping (optional)

If you'll import from this broker again:

1. Toggle **Save this mapping for future imports**
2. Name it after your broker (e.g., "NinjaTrader", "TradingView")
3. Click **Save**

Next time you import, your saved mapping appears as a quick-select button.

## Step 6: Preview and import

1. Review the preview table showing the first 5 trades
2. Verify symbols, sides, dates, and prices look correct
3. Click **Import Trades**

## Step 7: Verify your trades

After import, navigate to the [Trades Page](/journal/trades-page) to confirm:

* All expected trades are present
* Entry/exit prices, times, and symbols are correct
* P\&L values match your records

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Missing required mappings error">
    All 5 required fields must be mapped before you can proceed. Check that Symbol, Side, Entry Date, Entry Price, and Quantity each have a CSV column selected.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Dates not parsing correctly">
    TradeAlign supports common date formats including `YYYY-MM-DD HH:mm:ss`, `MM/DD/YYYY HH:mm:ss`, and others. If your dates aren't recognized, try reformatting them in your CSV before uploading.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Duplicate trades">
    TradeAlign uses content fingerprinting to prevent duplicates. If you import the same file twice, previously imported trades are automatically skipped.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Free plan trade limit">
    Free plan users are limited to 50 trades. If your import exceeds the remaining limit, you'll need to upgrade to Pro or reduce the import size.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Check>
  Once your trades are imported, you can begin journaling and reviewing them on the [Trades Page](/journal/trades-page).
</Check>