Posts  / #POST-237004
REDDIT

Am I missing something by not using order flow? (TOS + TopstepX user)

W
May 12, 2026 · 21:11

Hey everyone,

I currently trade using **ThinkorSwim (for options)** and **TopstepX (for futures)**.

My style is pretty simple:

* I trade **index futures (mostly intraday)**
* I usually take **2–3 trades per day max**
* I also swing trade options in TOS

Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot about **order flow (DOM, footprint, Bookmap, etc.)**, and it got me thinking…

**Am I missing anything by not using order flow?**

Since I’m not scalping and I don’t take a lot of trades, I rely mostly on:

* Chart structure
* Levels
* Price action

I’m not currently using DOM or footprint tools at all.

So I’d really like to hear from people who:

* Trade indexes (ES/MES/NQ)
* Use or don’t use order flow

\- Do you think order flow actually adds an edge for someone with my style?
\- Or is it more useful for scalpers / fast traders?

Trying to figure out if this is something worth learning or just unnecessary complexity for how I trade.

Appreciate any insight