Getting Started with Tape
Your complete guide to capturing, reviewing, and learning from your trading sessions.
Installation
- 1
Download the Extension
Install the Tape extension from the Chrome Web Store (coming soon) or load it manually in developer mode.
- 2
Pin to Toolbar
Click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome and pin Tape for quick access.
- 3
Sign In
Open the extension sidebar and sign in to sync your captures across devices.
Quick Start
Start capturing your trading session in seconds. Here's the fastest way to get value from Tape:
Take a Screenshot
Ctrl+Shift+SPress the global shortcut or use the toolbar popup to capture your current chart. Works even when your cursor isn't on the chart.
Record Voice Note
Ctrl+Shift+VToggle voice recording with the global shortcut. Perfect for capturing real-time analysis without typing.
Create Bookmark
Ctrl+Shift+BMark important moments with a timestamp. Great for noting entries, exits, or key price levels.
Toolbar Popup
Click the Tape icon in your browser toolbar to open the capture popup. One-click buttons for Screenshot, Voice, and Bookmark—no keyboard shortcut needed. Works anytime TradingView is visible.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Tape offers two sets of shortcuts: Global shortcuts that work anytime TradingView is visible (even without focus), and Focused shortcuts for when you're actively working on the chart.
RecommendedGlobal Shortcuts
These work regardless of where your cursor is. No need to click the chart first.
| Action | Windows / Linux | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot | Ctrl+Shift+S | ⌃+⇧+S |
| Voice Recording | Ctrl+Shift+V | ⌃+⇧+V |
| Bookmark | Ctrl+Shift+B | ⌃+⇧+B |
| Open Popup | Ctrl+Shift+T | ⌃+⇧+T |
Focused Shortcuts (when chart has focus)
These work when your cursor is on the TradingView chart. Faster gestures for power users.
| Action | Windows / Linux | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot | Ctrl × 2 (double-tap) | ⌃ × 2 (double-tap) |
| Voice Recording | Hold Ctrl+Space | Hold ⌃+Space |
| Bookmark | Ctrl+B | ⌃+B |
In Capture Overlay
| Action | Windows / Linux | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Save Capture | Ctrl+Enter | ⌘+Enter |
| Attention Shake | Escape | Escape |
Tip: You can customize the global shortcuts in Chrome at chrome://extensions/shortcuts
Capture Modes
Tape offers two screenshot capture modes. Choose based on your trading setup and preferences.
Overlay Mode
DefaultA floating card appears directly over your chart. Annotate without switching context.
Pros
- +Never leave your chart view
- +See the screenshot while typing notes
- +Fastest annotation workflow
- +Best when sidebar is closed
Cons
- −Temporarily covers part of the chart
- −May conflict with some chart popups
Sidebar Mode
Captures appear in the Tape sidebar panel. Traditional inline editing experience.
Pros
- +Chart stays fully visible
- +All captures visible in one place
- +Better for reviewing multiple captures
- +Works when overlay has issues
Cons
- −Requires sidebar to be open
- −Smaller screenshot preview
- −More eye movement
Switching Capture Modes
- 1.Open the Tape sidebar by clicking the extension icon
- 2.Navigate to the Settings tab (gear icon)
- 3.Find "Screenshot mode" under the Capture section
- 4.Choose "Overlay" or "Sidebar"
When to Use Each Mode
Use Overlay when:
- • Trading actively and need speed
- • Sidebar is closed to maximize chart
- • You want to see the screenshot while typing
Use Sidebar when:
- • Reviewing session and taking notes
- • Overlay has rendering issues
- • You prefer all captures in one panel
Using the Portal
The Tape Portal is your web dashboard for reviewing sessions, analyzing patterns, and creating content from your captures.
Cockpit
Your trading command center. Pre-market thesis, capture timeline, and performance metrics.
Spaces
Full timeline view of all your captures. Filter by date, ticker, or tag. Perfect for end-of-day review.
Trader 360
The story of your trading day. See your trades, voice memos, and screenshots in a beautiful narrative.
Tips & Best Practices
Capture Before and After
Take a screenshot before entering a trade (your thesis) and after (the result). This creates natural trade journals.
Use Voice for Speed
During fast-moving markets, hold Ctrl+Space to record voice notes. You can transcribe and organize later.
Tag Consistently
Use the quick tags (Pre-Market, Trade Setup, Lesson) consistently. This makes pattern recognition easier during review.
Review Daily
Spend 5 minutes at end of day reviewing your captures in the Portal. Look for repeated behaviors and lessons.
Keep Notes Short
Your future self will appreciate concise notes. Focus on the 'why' not the 'what'—the screenshot shows what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't the screenshot shortcut working?
Try using the global shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+S) which works regardless of cursor focus. If using the focused shortcut (Ctrl double-tap), make sure you're tapping quickly within 300ms and the chart has focus. You can also use the toolbar popup as an alternative.
Can I change the hotkeys?
Yes! Global shortcuts can be customized at chrome://extensions/shortcuts. The focused shortcuts (double-tap Ctrl, Ctrl+Space hold) are fixed but rarely conflict with trading platforms.
Where are my captures stored?
Captures are stored locally in your browser first (offline-first), then synced to the cloud when you're signed in. You can access them from any device through the Portal.
Does Tape work on all trading platforms?
Tape works on most web-based trading platforms including TradingView, Finviz, Yahoo Finance, and ThinkorSwim web. Desktop apps are not supported.
How do I delete a capture?
Hover over any capture in the sidebar and click the trash icon. In the Portal, open the capture modal and click Delete. Deleted captures are removed from all devices.
What's the difference between Cancel and Save when capturing?
Save keeps the screenshot with your notes. Cancel discards the screenshot entirely—it won't be saved to your timeline. If you want to save without notes, just click Save with an empty notes field.
Why does the overlay shake when I click outside?
The shake animation reminds you to make a choice—either Save or Cancel your capture. This prevents accidental dismissals and lost annotations.
Can I export my captures?
Export functionality is coming to the Portal. You'll be able to export sessions as PDF trade journals or individual images.
Ready to start capturing?
Sign up for free and start building your trading journal.