Save or recover a TWS layout

Quick answer

Use TWS Layout Settings to save a known layout and recover one when windows move or disappear. Back up the current state before loading an older layout. A layout recovery is not a broker order recovery.

Educational software guidance. Trading involves risk. Read the financial and information disclaimers.

Step by step

1 In Mosaic, open File → Layout Settings and save the current settings to a named backup.
2 If a layout changed unexpectedly, open Layout Settings Recovery.
3 Choose the intended saved version or backup by its date and name.
4 Inspect watchlists, tools, and order-entry defaults after recovery.
5 Check account and working orders separately before resuming your normal workflow.

A practical example

After a screen change, a watchlist and an order window move off the place you expect. Save a copy of the current settings first. Then load the earlier known layout. Check more than the window positions: old defaults may return too. A saved layout is a screen and settings backup. It is not a backup that can undo fills, recover money, or change the broker’s past trades.

Illustrative scenario, not a record of a trade placed during this review.

Screen reference

TWS Layout Settings Recovery chooser with dated backup, Custom and default settings choices — Choose a saved layout by date or use Custom for your backup. The dialog was closed with Cancel; no layout was restored. Captured in TWS paper mode on 3 October 2026. Open the image for full size.

How to confirm the result The expected windows should return, and you should know which settings version you loaded.

Mistake to avoid

A restored layout can bring back old defaults. Check them rather than assuming only window positions changed.

Common questions

Does restoring a layout undo a trade?

No. Broker executions remain separate from screen settings.

Can settings move between computers?

IBKR provides save and server-storage workflows; follow the supported process and check the result.

Find Global Configuration in Mosaic and Classic TWS How to check TWS memory allocation TWS is slow or freezing: a practical diagnosis

Financial and information disclaimers

Financial disclaimer

These guides explain software. They are for education, not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. No example is a suggestion to buy or sell a product or use a trading strategy. Trading can lose money, including all funds you put at risk. With margin, futures, short sales, or some options, losses can exceed your starting funds. Automation can fail, send duplicate orders, or act late. Stops do not guarantee a fill or a price. Review your orders and positions, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your own needs. Paper trades, examples, and past results do not predict live results or promise a profit.

Information disclaimer

This is general help based on the sources and check date shown on the page. Screens, settings, fees, data access, and product support can change or differ by app version, account, country, and broker. The content may contain errors or become out of date; accuracy, completeness, and continuous service are not guaranteed. Check current broker and app instructions before acting. Screenshots show where controls are; they do not prove that an order test passed. This guide does not replace broker terms or risk notices. References to IBKR and TradingView identify their products and do not imply their endorsement of this guide.