A Footprint chart is a type of order flow chart that shows the actual volume traded at each price level its like the DOM but it doesn’t show the pace and also is sort of the past history of the DOM, broken down into aggressive buys (at the ask) and sells (at the bid), giving traders a clear view of market pressure. Order flow traders use it to spot imbalances, absorption, and high-volume nodes, helping them anticipate reversals or continuations at your levels which can be from VP extremes (Ledges/Shelfs) or however you get your levels.
The Footprint chart shows where contracts have been exchanged for each tick.
The Footprint chart shows completed orders represented as numbers on the left and right of the candle; the Bid (left) and the Ask (right)
When reading a Footprint chart, you compare orders diagonally; like a ladder.
You’re comparing the 56 Ask, to the 5 Bid.
You’re comparing the 45 Ask, to the 3 Bid.
And so on. and if its a long its up side to side and ofc if its shorts its vice versa down side to side from bid to ask
When you place an order, someone has to cross the spread and pay that cost. On NQ, aggressive orders pay it. Using limit orders instead of market orders can save thousands if you trade often that’s the core of high-frequency trading.