How to Share a TradingView Template Step by Step
A TradingView template is a saved bundle of indicators and their settings — a preset you can apply to any chart with one click. The problem is, "share a template" can mean three different things, and picking the wrong method wastes time.
You might want someone to peek at your chart without touching anything. Or you might want them to have their own copy of your full layout — drawings, indicators, and all. Or you just need to send a quick picture of what you're looking at right now.
I've been through all three scenarios. Last month I shared a view-only AAPL daily chart with a colleague who was checking my support levels. A week earlier, I sent a copy-enabled TSLA layout to a new member of my trading group. Each situation called for a different link type.
What "template" really means on TradingView
Two separate things live under the same label.
Indicator template — a named set of indicators with their colors, periods, and inputs locked in. Save one called "My Trend Strategy" and you can load the whole bundle onto any symbol or timeframe in one click.
Chart layout — your entire workspace: indicators, drawings (trendlines, support and resistance levels, text labels), and chart settings. When you share a layout, someone sees or copies your complete trading environment.
| What You Share | What Your Friend Gets | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Indicator Template | Your exact indicators applied to their own chart | Sharing a scanner or strategy setup |
| Chart Layout (View-Only) | A read-only view of your full chart | Getting feedback, showing a trade idea without risk |
| Chart Layout (Copyable) | A full, editable copy in their own account | Onboarding teammates, helping beginners duplicate your workspace |
Save your indicator template first
Before you send anyone a link, save your indicator bundle as a named template. This locks in every setting so that when someone clicks "Make it mine," your exact setup — not a partial one — transfers to their account.
Here is the process and why each step matters:
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Open the indicator template dialog. Why: TradingView stores your template library here. What can go wrong: If you haven't applied any indicators yet, saving an empty template won't help anyone.
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Click "Save Indicator Template." Why: This writes every active indicator's settings into a reusable file. What can go wrong: If you recently tweaked an indicator's parameters but didn't apply the changes, the template saves the old settings.
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Name it clearly. "John's Trend Reversal Scanner" beats "My Strategy." Why: A descriptive name helps collaborators find and use the right template after they copy your layout. I learned this the hard way when a partner applied the wrong SMA crossover setup because I'd named it "Strategy v2."
If you're building custom indicators without coding, Pineify's visual tools let you design professional setups, save them as templates, and keep your workflow consistent across charts. You can also pull data from any symbol or timeframe with Pine Script's request.security() function.
Method 1: Share a view-only link
Want someone to see your chart without being able to change or copy it? View-only is the safest option.
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Open the layout you want to share. Why: The link reflects whatever chart is currently active. What can go wrong: If you switch to a different layout before generating the link, you'll share the wrong chart.
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Turn on layout sharing from the top menu. Why: This creates the unique URL. What can go wrong: Your chart must be saved first — sharing an unsaved layout can produce a blank or outdated link.
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Send the link. Recipients don't need a TradingView account to view it.
I use this method when I'm asking for a second opinion on my SPY analysis. The other person sees every trendline and indicator I've placed, but they can't overwrite or duplicate my original layout.
Method 2: Share a copy-enabled layout
This is what I reach for most often. It lets someone import your entire workspace into their own account and customize it.
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Enable copying in the sharing settings before sending the link. Why: Without this flag, the recipient gets a view-only page even if you meant to let them copy. What can go wrong: On December 15, a teammate couldn't duplicate my NVDA options flow layout — I'd forgotten to check the "allow copying" box. Easy fix, but it caused a 10-minute back-and-forth.
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Share the link with a quick instruction: tell them to click "Make it mine." Why: That single button clones your entire layout into their account — indicators, drawings, all of it.
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They should save your indicator stack as their own template right after copying. Why: Once it's saved, they can apply your exact setup to any future chart with one click.
I prefer copy-enabled links over the other two when I'm onboarding someone. A view-only link is good for showing, but copy-enabled actually lets them use the setup. I haven't tested how well this works with TradingView's paper trading accounts, so I stick to live accounts when sharing with my group.
Method 3: Share a snapshot
Tap the camera or share icon on your chart toolbar. This generates a static image link that captures exactly what you see at that moment.
Why use it: Speed. I use snapshots to post chart ideas in a Discord chat or on X/Twitter. The link loads instantly and shows the chart as-is, no login required.
What can go wrong: A snapshot is a picture, not a live layout. If you want someone to interact with the data or recreate your chart, use one of the two layout-sharing methods above.
For finding the best chart settings for your TradingView workspace, snapshot links work well for sharing examples during the setup process.
Common issues and how to fix them
Most sharing problems come down to three things:
Recipient can't copy your layout. Check that layout sharing is turned on AND copying is allowed in the privacy options. Then regenerate and send a fresh link.
They see the chart but can't make it theirs. They need to look for the "Make it mine" button. Clicking it creates a personal copy in their own account. Send a short note with your link: "Open this, click 'Make it mine,' then save it as a template."
You only need a quick preview. Use the camera icon for a static snapshot. It captures the current view without touching the layout settings.
| Sharing Mode | What It Does | Interactivity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| View-only link | Read-only access to your live chart | Can view, can't copy or edit | Public reviews, feedback requests |
| Copy-enabled layout | Full, editable clone in their account | Can modify and save as template | Team collaboration, template sharing |
| Snapshot (camera) | Static image of your chart at a moment | No interaction — just a picture | Social media, chat messages |
If you're setting up a team workspace, the complete TradingView layout guide covers how to organize multiple layouts and share them efficiently.
FAQ
▶What is the fastest way to share a TradingView setup so someone can use it?
Turn on layout sharing, check "allow copying," and send the link. The recipient clicks "Make it mine" to clone your entire layout into their account, then saves your indicators as a personal template.
▶Can I share a TradingView chart with someone who doesn't have an account?
Yes. Enable sharing for your chart layout to generate a view-only link. Anyone can open it in a browser — no login needed. They see your full chart but can't make changes to it.
▶Where is the Make it mine button and what does it do?
When someone opens a shared chart, the "Make it mine" button appears in the chart toolbar. Clicking it creates an editable copy of the layout in their own TradingView account so they can customize it.
▶What's the difference between the camera icon and layout sharing?
The camera icon generates a static snapshot — a picture of your chart at that instant. Layout sharing sends a live, interactive workspace the recipient can view or copy. Use the camera for quick posts on social media; use layout sharing when you want someone to work with your actual setup.
▶How should I name my indicator template before sharing?
Use a name that's both unique and descriptive. Instead of "My Strategy," try "Alice's Trend Reversal Scanner." This makes it easy for collaborators to find and apply the right template after they've copied your layout. For more naming tips, check out this beginner-friendly guide to Pine Script.
▶Can I let people view my chart but prevent them from copying it?
Yes. Keep layout sharing enabled but set it to view-only mode. The link shows your full chart, but the "Make it mine" button stays locked. Recipients can see your work without duplicating it.