---
title: "Opening Range Breakout (ORB) Entry Settings"
description: "How to enter a trade using the opening range breakout setup"
url: https://help.optionsautotrader.com/en/articles/173-opening-range-breakout-orb-entry-settings
collection: "Options Auto Trader 101"
updated: 2026-10-06
language: en
---

# Opening Range Breakout (ORB) Entry Settings

How to enter a trade using the opening range breakout setup

The **Opening Range Breakout (ORB) Entry Settings** allow you to control when your bot enters a trade based on the first move of the trading day. This popular strategy uses the **high and low of the opening range** as breakout points, helping you capture early market momentum.

## What Is the Opening Range Breakout?

The **opening range** is the first part of the trading day (e.g., first 5, 15, or 30 minutes). Traders mark the **highest price** and **lowest price** during that time window.

-   If the market later **breaks above the high**, it may signal bullish momentum.
    
-   If the market **breaks below the low**, it may signal bearish momentum.
    

ORB strategies are designed to catch these directional moves.

## How the Settings Work

When creating or editing an Auto Trader, you’ll find the **ORB Entry Rule** under **Entry Settings**.

-   **Time**: How long to wait before setting the opening range (e.g., 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes).
    
-   **Direction**: Whether you want the bot to enter on a **break above the high** or a **break below the low** of that range.
    

⚠ ORB works for **all assets except futures options**. If used with futures options, the reference point defaults to **SPY’s ORB levels**.

## Example

1.  **5-Minute Breakout Strategy**
    
    -   Set **Time = 5 minutes**, **Direction = High**.
        
    -   The bot waits 5 minutes, records the high/low, then enters if price breaks above the 5-minute high.
        
2.  **15-Minute Breakdown Strategy**
    
    -   Set **Time = 15 minutes**, **Direction = Low**.
        
    -   The bot waits 15 minutes, records the range, then enters if price breaks below the 15-minute low.
        
3.  **30-Minute ORB Range Filter**
    
    -   Set **Time = 30 minutes**.
        
    -   This creates a wider breakout range, which may help filter out false signals.
        

## Why This Matters

-   Helps you capture **early-day momentum**.
    
-   Filters entries until the market establishes an initial high/low.
    
-   Lets you easily automate one of the most popular day-trading strategies.
    

## Summary

-   ORB waits for the first **X minutes** of the trading day.
    
-   Records the **high and low**, then trades breakouts.
    
-   Works for **all assets**, but futures options use **SPY** as reference.
    
-   Useful for **momentum-based strategies**.