A trading journal template is a simple way to start logging trades before moving to a dedicated platform. The structure should support later analysis rather than storing only date, asset and profit.
What the template includes
The CSV includes columns for date, time, market, symbol, direction, strategy, timeframe, entry, stop, target, exit, size, commissions, other fees, net P&L, risk units, plan adherence, mistakes, context and notes.
How to use it
- Download the CSV and open it in Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc or another compatible spreadsheet.
- Use one row per trade.
- Keep strategy, timeframe and mistake labels consistent.
- Do not change a column’s meaning halfway through your history.
- Review data weekly and look for groups with a meaningful sample.
When a template starts to become limiting
Spreadsheets work well at the beginning, but maintenance grows as you add filters, charts, imports, calculations, multiple markets and comparisons. If you spend more time preparing the sheet than reviewing your trading, a specialised journal can make sense.
From the template to Trading Life Journal
A structured CSV also makes migration easier. Trading Life Journal supports trade imports so you can bring your history into the platform and continue analysing it through statistics, charts and journal tools.
Practical application
A template is a useful starting point when you do not yet have a structured journal. Its purpose should be to capture the minimum data needed to review decisions, not force you to maintain dozens of columns you never use.
Review checklist
- Keep field names consistent so data remains filterable.
- Use controlled lists for strategies and mistakes whenever possible.
- Record net results and include trading costs.
- Keep a clean backup before changing formulas or columns.
Frequently asked questions
Excel or a specialised trading journal?
Excel is flexible and can be enough to start. A specialised journal becomes useful when you want imports, statistics, charts and reviews without maintaining formulas manually.
Can I import the template into TLJ later?
Import compatibility depends on columns and format. Keep dates valid, data structured and values consistent to make later migration easier.