When a professional trader has done their research, analyzed the markets, and identified the stocks to trade, what comes next is execution, and in those crucial seconds, speed can mean everything. Yet most retail platforms slow you down. Without customizable hotkeys, traders are forced to click through menus, adjust prices, and confirm orders. In fast-moving markets, that friction can translate into missed opportunities or worse prices. That’s where the Hammer Pro platform hotkeys change the game.

A Quick Story from the Trading Floor

On October 10th, 2025, the U.S. government announced 100% tariffs on Chinese imports. Markets reacted instantly — indexes dropped within seconds.

Because I had my Hammer Pro hotkeys ready, I immediately canceled all my long-side orders with one keystroke before things turned ugly. Moments later, I closed nine open long positions – no hesitation, no panic, just pure execution.

Then I flipped short. My Reserve Locates hotkey automatically borrows shares within my preset limit of $7 per 100 shares, cutting the process time by nearly 80%. With that, I was able to enter short positions faster and at better prices.

That’s the difference between reacting emotionally and executing with precision.

Customizing Your Speed

So how does that kind of speed happen in practice? It’s all about customization. Hammer Pro lets you build your trading workflow entirely around keyboard-based execution. You can:

Create simple one-button actions
Design multi-step workflows with conditions and variables

Some hotkeys open a trade ticket for review, while others execute instantly — allowing you to trade almost entirely without touching your mouse.

Want to build your own setup? Check our guide:

Real Traders, Real Setups

Many professional traders ask how to build smarter hotkeys that can perform multiple actions based on real-time conditions.

Hammer Pro’s hotkey engine supports over 200 variables — including AskPrice, LastFillPrice, and TicketLimitPrice — giving you the flexibility to automate virtually any trading style or market approach.

Together with our clients, we’ve built hotkeys that:

Auto-adjust order prices relative to the spread
Instantly close open positions
Combine actions such as “close LONG + reverse SHORT” in one keystroke

This isn’t theory — it’s how top traders turn complex decisions into clean, executable actions.

Full Keyboard Trading: Total Control Without the Mouse

For some, customization is just the beginning. A growing number of Hammer Pro users now trade entirely by keyboard.

Execute, cancel, or modify orders instantly
Switch between panels (Level 2, Positions, Transactions, etc.)
Navigate and manage orders in real time

For high-frequency or momentum traders, this setup removes friction and adds rhythm — turning milliseconds into measurable advantage. It’s not for everyone, but for those who thrive on precision, it’s transformative.

The 7 Most-Used Hotkeys Among Professional Traders

After surveying more than 100 professional users, these are the most-used and trusted Hammer Pro hotkeys.

1. Cancel All Orders

Used by: ~70% of traders

Instantly cancels all active orders — perfect for fast reversals or sudden volatility spikes.

2. Limit SHORT Aggressively / Close LONG

Used by: ~45% of traders

Executes an aggressive SHORT up to $0.18 below the Ask or quickly closes a LONG position. Ideal for volatile spreads when speed and control both matter.

3. Limit BUY Passive / Close SHORT

Used by: ~60% of traders

Places passive BUY orders that auto-adjust to price range or closes SHORT positions with full size — simple and efficient.

4. STOP-Loss Order

Used by: 50%+ of traders

Fully customizable for both LONG and SHORT positions. A common setup:

Limit Price: $0.20 below entry borrowing

Stop Price: $0.10 below limit

5. Close Position (LONG or SHORT)

Used by: ~60% of traders

One key instantly closes all open positions — no hesitation, no wasted motion.

6. Locate Reserve

Used by: ~75% of traders

Automates borrow requests up to five times faster than manual methods. Traders define their locate size (often 100 shares) and maximum price per share to match their strategy.

7. Imbalances (DQOP BUY/SELL)

Used by: ~90% of traders

Among the most popular tools during market imbalances — especially active in the 30 minutes leading up to the market open.

Final Thoughts: Discipline Defines the Edge

Hotkeys won’t make anyone a great trader overnight. But when volatility spikes or opportunity flashes by, they can give you the edge to act with speed and confidence.The real key is discipline:

Use double-key combinations for high-risk actions
Review and refine layouts regularly
Practice in simulation before going live
Keep it simple — map only what you truly need

The same speed that makes hotkeys powerful can also magnify mistakes. Respect that power, and hotkeys become more than shortcuts — they become extensions of your precision and intent.

Ready to customize your own workflow? Explore Hammer Pro’s full guide series on You Tube to building professional-grade hotkeys and start trading with confidence and control.

Top 7 Hammer Pro Platform Hotkeys for Faster Execution