The Underrated Impact of Chart Color Themes on Technical Analysis
Most of us take cues and make decisions prompted by colors every day. So, color itself is certainly not underrated. But is it being utilized enough in the trading environment?
We’re examining the importance of chart color themes in technical analysis and how DXcharts capitalized on this opportunity by creating new themes. These themes not only benefit traders but also offer brokers an additional avenue for easy marketing wins.
Let’s get into it.
Why are colors important for technical analysis?
It’s not uncommon for traders to be grinding for long hours—sometimes days and nights—using their trading platforms. At the forefront of their workflow is their charting solution.
A well-designed charting interface, paired with customizable trading tools, significantly reduces mental strain, allowing traders to focus on making well-informed, profitable decisions.
To understand the impact of color, we can examine the study titled “Business Papers in Color. Just a Shade Better.” The study indicates that color usage can boost readership by up to 40%, enhance learning by 55–78%, and increase comprehension by 73%.
Another example: the Pantone Color Institute reports that color can increase brand recognition by 87% and influence up to 85% of purchasing decisions.
How does this all relate to charting? On top of making the trader’s process smoother, from a broker’s perspective, color is a tool that can enhance engagement and the overall experience.
This is especially relevant when you factor in trading platform features that support chart customization options for both branding and functionality.
The underrated impact of colors on trading behaviors
Even though charting tools offer numerous customization options, choosing the right color remains complex.
There are many factors to consider beyond just basic color theory. There’s the psychology, brand marketing, and practical experience of building dozens of trading platforms that also come into play.
Certain technical analysis “dogmas” are deeply ingrained in traders’ behavior. For example, red tends to prompt a stronger, faster reaction because it traditionally signals a bearish market or downtrend. Can and should this be disrupted?
Similarly, green is often seen as calming and is used to represent an uptrend. Is it possible to break this rule? You never know, experimenting with visual enhancements for charts could lead to unforeseen consequences, given the influence that color choices have on trading chart personalization.
New “Stress-Free” soft themes from DXcharts
Decisions made under stress are usually not that efficient. DXcharts introduced three new themes called Still, Oud, and Solar. The ultimate goal is to make charting as smooth as possible, enabling traders to be as confident as possible.
The new themes feature a soft and warm palette. DXcharts devs considered the known effects of red/green colors in trading and kept them in both dark and light schemes.
The result is a warm, analog look and feel that grounds traders, giving them that “deep breath out, everything is under control” vibe.
Check out the examples below and see what you think.
— Denis KrivolapovDXcharts Product ManagerWhen we started working on custom color themes, the goal was fairly simple: help traders stay in the zone and give brokers another way to lock in their branding on their platform. A trading setup that feels super “comfortable” can make a real difference in performance, so we wanted to create themes that are both functional and help find this sweet spot for technical analysis. Not only can aesthetics impact actual trading behaviors, but they can also be instrumental in engagement. We think our new “Stress Free” themes will make an immediate difference for traders, plus, they’ll be another tool brokers can use for retention, a tool that is currently underused.
Using color for easy marketing wins
Working your brand’s colors into a charting solution is a simple yet effective way to boost recognition and consistency. When your company’s style is reflected on-screen, it’s easier for users to connect with your brand and feel at home. A well-chosen palette might seem like a small detail, but it can have a significant impact by making your platform more memorable and giving you a quick marketing edge.
With the DXcharts financial charting library, this is made super easy because you’ve been given free rein to tailor the look and feel as much as needed. If you want to go rogue and test out the impact of using different colors, you can. If your firm’s branding is very strict and conservative—and that’s the way you like it—no worries, customize DXcharts so that it stays that way.
Custom chart themes are an easy and essential way for the marketing department to reinforce the branding and aesthetic they’re aiming for.
As part of our service, we provide clients with ongoing guidance and assistance in creating custom themes and templates that reflect the uniqueness of their brands.
If you’re looking for new opportunities to improve the trader experience, check out this article on accessibility and AI in online trading for brokers.
In addition to customization and flexibility, DXcharts also prioritizes control over client data. This could be another avenue for your marketing team to explore.
Starting to think it makes sense to test out the impact of color?
Nice. We’re on the same page. With DXcharts, you can create user-friendly trading interfaces that enhance chart readability and support trading chart personalization.
From color themes to support for traders pulling all-nighters to branded palettes that tick the boxes for marketing departments, DXcharts is rigged with the best tools for day traders and long-term investors.
Devexperts has extensive experience in replacing charting solutions in trading platforms, so don’t sleep on trading setup optimization. Check out the DXcharts demo to see if it’s a good fit for your firm.