> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://altodex.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://altodex.gitbook.io/docs/getting-started/1.3-user-guide.md).
# 1.3 User Guide
The Alto platform is made to be both user-friendly for novices and robust enough for experienced traders. The setup of the wallet, dashboard features, order types, position management, and fee structure are all covered in detail in this section on Alto usage.
***
### Wallet & Account
* **Self-Custody**: Alto has complete non-custodial self-custody. Users link their Web3 wallets to the platform directly, including Ledger, Rabby, MetaMask, and wallets compatible with WalletConnect. There is no need for a centralized account creation or KYC procedure.
* **Account Identity:** Your blockchain wallet address serves as your Alto "account." This guarantees that all positions, collateral, and history are still linked to your wallet and can be verified on-chain.
* **Security Tip:** Make sure your wallet is protected with hardware support whenever possible, and always confirm that you are on the official Alto app URL.
> ✅ **Key Benefit:** One important way that Alto differs from centralized exchanges is that users always maintain control because Alto never keeps custody of funds.
***
### Dashboard
The Alto trading control center is the dashboard. It strikes a balance between depth for experts and simplicity for novice traders.
* **Collateral Overview:** Shows the total amount of collateral deposited, the asset breakdown if multi-collateral margining is being used, and the current value in USD.
* All active trades are listed under "Open Positions," which also includes the entry price, position size, leverage, current PnL (realized and unrealized), and liquidation price.
* **Funding & Fees Display**: The Funding & Fees Display lists the fees that have been paid thus far, the estimated funding obligations (if any), and any rebates or discounts that come with owning $ALTO tokens.
* **Risk Metrics:** When they get close to dangerous levels, important metrics like the margin ratio, maintenance margin, and liquidation thresholds are indicated in red or yellow.
* **Views**:
* **Beginner Mode:** A streamlined interface with only the most important metrics and quick-trade buttons displayed.
* **Advanced Mode:** Complete professional-level interface with in-depth charts, analytics, and order book information.
***
### Orders
Alto accommodates various trading strategies by supporting a variety of order types:
* Market orders are executed immediately at the best price.
* Limit orders should only be executed if the market hits the designated price.
* Stop orders, which are usually used for stop-losses, are triggered when the market crosses a predetermined stop level.
* **Take-Profit Orders:** When a predetermined profit threshold is met, a position is automatically closed.
* **Trailing Stop Orders:** A dynamic stop that locks in profits as the trade moves in your favor by tracking the market price.
* **Planned Advanced Orders**:
* ***Iceberg Orders:** To reduce the impact on the market, large trades are divided into smaller, more visible pieces.*
* Batch orders allow you to carry out several commands in one transaction, such as long ETH + short BTC.
Every order is carried out on-chain in a transparent manner. Alto employs optimized smart contracts to reduce slippage and unsuccessful transactions during network congestion.
***
### Position Management
Users can control risk and maximize results in a number of ways once a trade is open:
* **Increase/Decrease Position Size:** Scale into or out of a trade or add more collateral.
* **Modify Leverage:** Modify leverage by modifying margin in the middle of a position. Traders can lower risk without closing trades thanks to this flexibility.
* Closing a portion of a trade while leaving the rest open is known as partial closure. beneficial for making money.
* **Add/Remove Margin:** Depending on the state of the market, increase or decrease a position's safety buffer.
* **Liquidation Price Visibility:** As market conditions or margin levels shift, the dashboard updates in real time to show the precise price at which liquidation will take place.
* **Risk Alerts:** When positions are about to be liquidated or when market volatility increases, Alto's interface sends out warnings (visual cues and optional notifications).
***
### Fees
Alto's fee structure is intended to be open and equitable:
* **Trading Fees:** Depending on whether a trader adds liquidity (limit orders) or takes liquidity (market orders), maker and taker fees are assessed. Prior to order confirmation, these fees are shown.
* **Protocol Fees**: A tiny portion of fees go to the Alto Treasury, which funds audits, ecosystem incentives, and development.
* **Funding Fees:** A funding mechanism that balances long and short open interest is used in Standard Mode. Riba-like (interest) structures are eliminated in Ethical Mode by substituting a flat service fee for this mechanism.
* **Discounts**: Traders who own or stake $ALTO tokens are qualified for rebates, fee reductions, or tier-based incentives.
All fees are fully auditable on-chain and are automatically subtracted.
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