Start Here
Published Jun 22, 2026 · Updated Oct 16, 2026
This path gets your first paper strategy running in about 15 minutes. You use virtual funds only, with no code and no deposit.
What AlphaFox does for you
- Copy strategies: copy a strategy with shared parameters from the leaderboard to your own trading account.
- Follow leaders: pick a lead trader in the Leader plaza and follow their trades in one click.
- Template strategies: configure grid, DCA, trend, and other templates that trade 24/7.
- Backtest: check parameters against historical data before you run them.
- Use your own AI agent: let it call supported template and backtest operations through the AlphaFox CLI.
For live trading you have two connection types. An exchange API connection is non-custodial: funds stay in your own exchange account, and the API key needs only read and trade permissions. You can also use an AlphaFox-managed Hyperliquid trading account, which AlphaFox holds in custody. Start with paper trading, which uses virtual funds and needs no real connection.
The beginner path
Sign in and claim your first newcomer benefit
Sign in with email, Google, X, or Telegram; the first sign-in creates your account. Then open Newcomer benefits at the top right and select Claim now on the “Try Plus for free” row. The row shows “Claimed” when it worked.
See Register and Log In.
Add a paper exchange
Open Account → Trading account, select Add next to “Connected exchanges”, switch to Paper exchange, set the initial funds, and select Save config. No API key is needed.
See First Paper Strategy.
Create your first strategy
Fastest route: open Plaza → Leaderboard, switch the window to 90 days, and check drawdown and data days first. On the strategy you choose, select One-click copy, pick your paper account under “Trading account”, and select Start paper.
To configure one yourself, open Strategy → Create strategy and go through Select strategy → Configure → Review. See Configure Your First Strategy.
Claim the paper benefit
Once the paper strategy exists, reopen Newcomer benefits and select Claim 3 days on the “Create a paper strategy” row.
Watch the runtime data
Open Strategy → My strategies, open the strategy, and review returns, positions, orders, and historical events. Let it run for a few days before you consider live trading.
See My Strategies.
Want the product to walk you through it? Select the help icon at the top right, then Quick start guide. It takes you from picking a leaderboard strategy to adding a paper exchange and starting your first paper strategy.
Newcomer benefits
Newcomer benefits at the top right holds three one-time tasks. Each grants 3 days of Plus, 9 days in total. If you already have an active Pro or Pro Max plan, you receive equivalent time instead and your plan does not change.
| Task | How to complete it |
|---|---|
| Try Plus for free | Select Claim now; no payment needed |
| Create a paper strategy | Create an internal paper strategy, then return to the panel and select Claim 3 days |
| Join the community | Bind your Telegram account first, then select Claim 3 days. Opening or joining the community link alone does not qualify |
See Membership for plan differences.
Beginner pitfalls
Do not go live with a real API key on day one, and never grant withdrawal permission to an API key. Run the whole loop on the paper exchange first.
| Common habit | Better habit |
|---|---|
| Copying off 7-day returns | Switch to 90+ days; check drawdown first |
| Ignoring the cost estimate | Confirm whether it is included in your plan or billed hourly before creating |
| Restarting a fresh strategy repeatedly | Let it run for days; read historical events and orders first |
Want to use your own AI agent?
Read the AlphaFox CLI installation guide for supported commands. For the web workflow, follow Configure Your First Strategy → Your First Strategy Backtest.