If you’re using TopstepX, you might come across the phrase “Flatten All.” Sounds dramatic, right? Like something out of a sci-fi movie! But don’t worry, it’s not that serious. In fact, it’s your best friend when things in the market get a little crazy.
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TLDR:
“Flatten All” in TopstepX is a safety switch. Hit that button, and *bam*, all your open trades close instantly. This stops you from losing more money when things go sideways. It’s a quick way to protect your trading account, especially in fast markets.
What Is “Flatten All”?
In simple words, “Flatten All” means *close everything right now*. It shuts down all your open positions with one click. That’s it. Done. Like flipping off a light switch.
In a world where numbers fly across screens and prices jump in milliseconds, this tiny button can save your day.
It’s like the “Get me outta here!” button for traders.
Where Is “Flatten All” in TopstepX?
TopstepX has a clean, easy-to-use interface. Look at the top of your trading dashboard. It’s that bright red button labeled “Flatten All”. Looks serious? That’s because it is.
It’s also available inside the Positions window. Wherever you see your trades, chances are you’ll find this button nearby.
Why Would You Use It?
Let’s look at times when “Flatten All” becomes your superhero move:
- Market Panic: Prices dropping fast? Get out before it’s too late!
- Trading Error: Bought something you didn’t mean to? Oops. Flatten it!
- Too Many Trades: Feeling overwhelmed? Clean the slate.
- Risk Control: Prevent big losses when things get out of hand.
Basically, if you want everything closed immediately—no questions asked—use this feature.
How Does It Work?
Clicking “Flatten All” sends a command to close every open order. It cancels all your working orders, too. That means both:
- Open positions (the trades you’re already in)
- Working orders (limit orders, stop orders that haven’t filled yet)
What happens next? The system closes everything at the best available price. Fast. Automatic. No need to confirm.
Heads Up: Things to Know
While “Flatten All” is awesome, it comes with a few things to keep in mind:
- No cancel button: Once clicked, there’s no undo. It’s instant.
- Slippage: You may not get the exact price you want, especially in fast markets. It sells at the next best price.
- Emotional use: Don’t click it just because you’re nervous. Only use it when it truly makes sense.
This tool is more of a “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” feature, not an everyday button.
Real-Life Scenario
Let’s pretend you’re day trading the futures market. You’re in three trades. Suddenly, breaking news hits. The market tanks. You panic a little.
You try to close the trades one by one. Click. Click. Click. But the prices won’t stop moving!
Instead, you hit “Flatten All”. Done. Trades closed. Account safe. No drama.
See? It’s not just a button. It’s peace of mind.
Tip: Use It With a Trading Plan
The best traders plan ahead. That means having clear entry and exit rules. Don’t rely on “Flatten All” as your plan A. Use it only as plan Z.
Real control comes from strategy, not panic exit buttons.
But still, it’s great to know that the button is there—just in case.
When Not to Use “Flatten All”
There are a few times when using “Flatten All” is not the best move:
- Normal trading situations: It’s better to close trades individually with proper targets/stops.
- If you’re unsure: Don’t click it unless you’re 100% sure you want out of everything.
- Low volume moments: You might get filled at worse prices because there are fewer buyers or sellers.
Bonus: Keyboard Shortcut
Want to be super fast? TopstepX lets you assign shortcuts to key actions.
You can link a key—like F12 or Ctrl+F—to the “Flatten All” action. That way, you don’t even need the mouse. Just tap the key and boom. You’re out.
Tiny move, big impact!
Customize Your Panic Mode
Some traders even color-code their screen to highlight the “Flatten All” button—so they never miss it. Others use sound alerts linked with risk levels. Get creative! It’s your safety net. Make it stand out.
Common Questions
Q: Does “Flatten All” cost extra?
Nope! There’s no special fee for using it. But you might still pay standard fees for trade execution, like usual commissions or slippage.
Q: Will it cancel my stops and limits too?
Yes! It closes all positions and cancels any working orders. It literally clears the deck.
Q: Can I click it by mistake?
You could. That’s why many platforms have a “confirm” pop-up. But not all do. Be careful and make sure you want to press that button.
Q: Will it work during a market freeze?
If the market is halted or not accepting orders, the “Flatten All” command may be delayed or not fill immediately. But it’ll try as fast as execution allows.
Final Thoughts
“Flatten All” is like an eject button in a jet. It’s not there for show. It’s there in case you need out—fast. It’s a backup plan, a split-second lifesaver. But it’s not your main trading strategy.
Use it wisely. Know it’s there. And remember—it’s better to flatten than fall further into a losing trade.
So the next time you’re in a tight spot and you see that big red button, you’ll know exactly what it means. Click it with purpose. And fly safe, trader!