Backtesting lets you replay historical market data and practice your trading strategies without risking real money. This article covers how to create a manual backtesting session.
💡 Pro Tip: Looking for hands-off strategy testing? Check out How to Use Automated Backtesting in TradeZella instead — describe your rules and let Zella AI run the trades for you.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create a Manual Backtesting Session:
Click Backtesting in the left sidebar, then click Create session in the top-right corner (or Create Session in the sidebar), and select Backtest on your own.
💡 Note: First time on the Backtesting page? You'll see the Backtest on your own and Automated Backtest options right away — no need to click Create session.
On the New manual backtest screen, click Start from scratch to pick your own symbols, dates, and starting balance.
⏱ Note: You'll also see a Pick a scenario option — ready-made setups with a specific market, date range, and context to practice on. (Coming soon!)
Fill out your session setup:
Session Name (required) — pick something you can refer back to
Description (optional) — provide details about the session
Strategy (optional) — select a strategy you've built in TradeZella to track consistency over time, create one on the spot with Create New Strategy, or leave it blank
Symbols (required) — choose up to 5 symbols to trade simultaneously in one session
Date Range — select a start and end date. This is the slice of history you'll trade through — backtesting data goes back up to 2014 depending on the Symbol.
Starting Balance — type an amount or use the quick presets ($5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $250K)
Finally, click “Create Session.”
Once your session is created, you'll land on the backtesting screen, where price will replay from your selected start date. That's it — you're ready to start trading through history!
What's Next?
Understanding the Backtesting window — learn the replay controls, how to enter trades, and how to navigate and utilize the backtesting window.
Video Overview by Josh: Check out our video walkthrough of the manual backtesting feature.
Manual Backtesting Walkthrough Link here: https://www.loom.com/share/d62ce4cccbbd40aa9dfd330b5df77524
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team — we're here to help!