Alpaca

To enable fully automated execution, you must link your trading platform to your Alpaca account via an API. Follow these three steps to get started.

1. Create an Alpaca Account

Virtual Trading: This allows you to test your strategies in a “Paper Trading” environment with no financial risk.
Live Trading: Once your strategy is proven, you can apply the same steps to a live funded account.

2. Generate API Credentials

Inside the Alpaca dashboard, you will need to create a secure connection point.

Navigate to the API section of your dashboard.
Click the button to generate a new API Key and Secret Key.
Important: Copy your Secret Key immediately and store it safely; Alpaca will not show it to you again once you leave the page.

3. Connect to Level2

The final step is to bridge your credentials with the platform to enable execution.

Open the settings or integration menu in Level2.
Enter your API Key and Secret Key into the required fields.
Once saved, the system will verify the connection and enable fully automated trading.

Key Takeaway

Your API keys are the “passwords” that allow the system to trade for you. Never share your Secret Key with anyone, and ensure “Withdrawal” permissions are disabled on the Alpaca side for maximum security.