Setting Up Custom Layouts

Investors can set up custom pages on the IBKR Desktop on the “My Layouts page. To access the “My Layouts page click on the “My Layouts” icon on the upper-left side of the screen. The page will have the Basic Trading screen on it which can be further customized if the investor chooses to do so.

The investor can also add additional customized screens by clicking on the plus sign next to the Basic Trading tab and either choosing to add a second Basic Trading screen or build a Custom Layout.

Building a Custom Layout

Choosing the Custom Layout brings up a blank screen with the Custom Layout Toolbox displayed in the upper right-hand side. The tools are organized by four tabs: All, Quote, Trade, and Information.

Adding tools to the Custom Layout Screen

Each tab has topic specific tools available that the investor can add to the screen by clicking on them. Once the tool is added, it can be moved, enlarged, or made smaller.

In the example, the investor will create a custom layout with tools from Custom Layout Toolbox changing the size and moving the tool’s location.

Starting on the Quote screen the investor adds the Quote Details, clicking on the panel and it appears on the screen. Next, they click the Trade tab and click on Orders and rapid orders. Lastly the investor clicks on the Information tab and clicks on News. When done with the Custom Layout Toolbox they can click on the “X” to close.  To reopen they click on the toolbox icon at the top right of the screen.

Rearranging the Desktop tools and adjusting the size

To move the location of a tool, the investor clicks on the grey bar at the top of the screen and moves the tool to the desired location. To adjust the size of the tool, hover the mouse over any part of the outline, click and drag until the tool window is the desired size.

Connecting the Tools Using the Color Grouping Feature

The tools in the IBKR Desktop custom layout screen can be synced with each other by using the color grouping feature. In the upper right-hand corner of each tool is a chain link icon. When the investor clicks on the icon, they can choose to add the tool to one of seven groups or have the tool unlinked from any groups. Tiles within the same color group will update when a new symbol is typed or clicked in any of them. For example, the investor sets the color group to “Group Two” for the Quote Details, Rapid Order Entry, and News. Once set, typing a new symbol into the Quote Details tool will update all three.

Customizing the Tools  

Certain tools can be customized, if a gear icon is in the upper-right hand side of the tool, then it can be customized by clicking on the icon.

In the Order tool the investor clicks on the gear icon and can select available columns to add from the right-hand side by opening up a bucket by clicking in the arrow and selecting columns by clicking on the plus sign.

Once selected the investor can change the column order by clicking on the three lines to the right and dragging the column to the desired spot. When done click the “x” to close the window.

Removing a Tool

A tool can be removed from the custom Layout by clicking on the three dots in the upper right-hand side and selecting “Close Window”.