How to use the ActiveTrader platform on Gemini

Understanding the ActiveTrader Platform on Gemini

The ActiveTrader platform on Gemini is a specialized trading interface designed for users who engage in frequent and advanced trading activities. Unlike the standard Gemini Exchange interface, ActiveTrader offers real-time market data, advanced order types, and customizable layouts tailored for technical analysis. Access to ActiveTrader is automatically enabled for eligible users, typically those who have completed identity verification and maintain a verified account in good standing. The platform supports trading across multiple asset pairs, including BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and other major cryptocurrency pairs with tight spreads and high liquidity.

To access ActiveTrader, log in to your Gemini account and navigate to the “Trade” section. Select the ActiveTrader tab located at the top of the trading interface. The platform loads a dynamic workspace where users can monitor order books, price charts, and open positions simultaneously. One of the key advantages of ActiveTrader is its low-latency execution, which is crucial for day traders and scalpers who rely on speed and precision.

Setting Up Your ActiveTrader Workspace

Upon entering ActiveTrader, users are presented with a default layout that includes a price chart, order book, trade history, and order entry panel. These components can be customized to suit individual preferences. To rearrange the workspace:

• Click and drag any panel to a new location within the interface
• Resize panels by dragging their edges
• Right-click on a panel header to access configuration options, such as changing the time frame on the chart or adjusting the depth of the order book
• Save your layout by clicking the 'Save Layout' button to ensure your preferred setup loads automatically on future logins

Users can also add multiple charts for different trading pairs by opening new tabs within the chart panel. The ability to pin multiple order books side by side allows for quick comparison of spreads and liquidity across pairs. For traders using multiple monitors, ActiveTrader supports full-screen mode and external display optimization.

Executing Trades with Advanced Order Types

ActiveTrader supports several advanced order types beyond the standard market and limit orders. These include:

• Limit Orders: Set a specific price at which you want to buy or sell. The order executes only when market conditions meet your price.
• Post-Only Orders: Ensures your limit order is placed as a maker order. If it would execute immediately as a taker, it is canceled instead. This is useful for avoiding taker fees.
• Immediate-or-Cancel (IOC): Executes as much of the order as possible immediately and cancels any unfilled portion.
• Fill-or-Kill (FOK): Requires the entire order to be filled instantly; otherwise, it is canceled.

To place an order:

• Select the desired trading pair in the upper-left dropdown
• Choose the order type from the dropdown in the order entry panel
• Enter the price and quantity manually, or use the price from the order book by clicking on a bid or ask level
• Click Buy or Sell to submit the order

The order confirmation dialog will appear if required, showing fees and total cost. After submission, the order appears in the Open Orders section, where it can be canceled manually.

Monitoring Positions and Order History

The Orders & Positions panel is central to managing active trades. It displays three sub-tabs: Open Orders, Order History, and Positions (for futures, if applicable). In the Open Orders tab, users can view all pending limit orders. Each entry shows the order type, price, quantity, and time placed. To cancel an order, click the 'Cancel' button next to it.

The Order History tab provides a complete log of executed, canceled, and partially filled orders. Filters allow sorting by date, trading pair, or order type. Each executed trade includes the execution price, fee, and timestamp. This data is essential for tracking performance and reconciling tax records.

For users trading futures or leveraged products (if available), the Positions tab shows current open positions, including entry price, liquidation price, unrealized P&L, and leverage used. Real-time updates ensure traders can react quickly to market movements.

Using Charting Tools and Technical Indicators

The charting engine in ActiveTrader integrates TradingView, offering a robust suite of technical analysis tools. To apply an indicator:

• Click the 'Indicators' button at the top of the chart
• Search for a specific indicator, such as Moving Average, RSI, or Bollinger Bands
• Select the indicator and adjust its parameters in the settings panel

Users can draw trendlines, Fibonacci retracements, and support/resistance levels using the drawing tools located on the left side of the chart. Studies can be saved as templates for reuse across different trading pairs. The chart also supports multiple time frames, from 1-minute candles to 1-week intervals, accessible via the time frame selector at the bottom.

Overlaying volume profiles and comparing price action with on-chain metrics (if integrated) enhances decision-making. Alerts can be set to trigger notifications when price reaches a specified level or when an indicator generates a signal.

Managing Security and API Access

Security remains a priority when using ActiveTrader. While the platform itself uses Gemini’s secure infrastructure, users should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app. Avoid accessing ActiveTrader on public or shared devices.

For algorithmic traders, Gemini provides API access with support for ActiveTrader functions. To create an API key:

• Navigate to the Account Settings page
• Select API from the menu
• Click Generate New Key
• Assign permissions such as View Balances, Place Orders, or Cancel Orders
• Restrict the key to specific IP addresses for added security

The API key and secret are displayed only once. Store them securely. Use the REST or WebSocket API to integrate with trading bots or custom scripts that interact with ActiveTrader’s order book and execution engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ActiveTrader on mobile devices?ActiveTrader is currently only available on the desktop web version of Gemini. The mobile app provides standard trading features but does not include the advanced charting, order types, or layout customization found in ActiveTrader.

Are there different fee tiers on ActiveTrader?Yes, Gemini applies a maker-taker fee model. Makers who add liquidity receive lower fees or rebates, while takers who remove liquidity pay higher fees. Fee tiers are based on 30-day trading volume and are consistent across both the standard exchange and ActiveTrader.

How do I switch back to the basic Gemini trading interface?At the top of the ActiveTrader page, click the “Switch to Exchange” button. This returns you to the standard trading view without affecting your account data or open orders.

Why isn’t my Post-Only order being accepted?A Post-Only order may be rejected if it would immediately match against an existing order in the book. The system cancels it to preserve maker status. Adjust your price to sit safely within the spread to ensure it’s posted.