> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://atm-day.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://atm-day.gitbook.io/docs/strategies-and-education/trade-on-paper-guide.md).

# Trade-on-paper Guide

Before risking real capital, we highly recommend that you paper trade ATM signals. You can do that 1-2 days before start trading with the real capital. 

{% hint style="info" %}
Don't worry: you'll still have enough time to pay-off the subscription and get some gains, strongly suggest you not neglect this part. 
{% endhint %}

This is the fastest way to:

1. Test different entry/exit setups
2. Understand which algo fits your style (OG, LaunchLab, Pumpfun)
3. Build confidence using ATM without financial risk

### Why Paper Trade?

Many users lose money not because signals are bad — but because they:

* Enter too late
* Don’t have a consistent exit strategy
* Don’t track performance and repeat mistakes

Paper trading solves this. It helps you spot patterns, test setups, and find what works for you.

### What You’ll Need

1. A spreadsheet or notes app
2. 60–90 minutes per day
3. Access to ATM signals ([ATM Pro](https://atm.day/atm-pro) subscription)

### Suggested Table Format

Create a Google Sheet or Notion page with the following columns:

| Timestamp | Token | Algo    | Entry Price | Target (2x?) | Stop Loss (-50%?) | Max Drawdown | Peak ROI | Time to ATH | Notes                           |
| --------- | ----- | ------- | ----------- | ------------ | ----------------- | ------------ | -------- | ----------- | ------------------------------- |
| 12:15 UTC | $TKN  | OG      | $0.0012     | $0.0024      | $0.0006           | -28%         | 3.4x     | 4h 12m      | Good entry, pumped 30 min later |
| 13:50 UTC | $LOL  | Pumpfun | $0.0009     | $0.0018      | $0.00045          | -12%         | 1.4x     | —           | Flat after 1h                   |

### Exit Strategy Examples

These are commonly used with ATM:

| Strategy Name      | Description                                               |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| 100% TRTP / 50% SL | Take profit if price doubles (auto trailing), cut at -50% |
| ROI Bands          | Sell 50% at 2x, rest at 3x or SL                          |
| Time-Based Exit    | Sell after 2 hours unless it hits a clear target          |

### What to Look For

After 10–20 trades, start asking:

* [ ] Am I entering too late?
* [ ] Am I cutting winners too early?
* [ ] Which algo fits my rhythm?
* [ ] Do early drawdowns shake me out?

### When to Go Live

Go live with real capital only when:

* [ ] You’ve tested at least 30 trades
* [ ] You’ve found an exit strategy you’re confident in
* [ ] You’re emotionally neutral about outcomes
* [ ] You can replicate profitable setups
* [ ] You understand the specific of each ATM Algo
* [ ] You've formulated your trading strategy