# Run an agent

## Overview

Once your agent is created (and ideally [backtested](/agents/backtest-an-agent.md)), you can **launch it in execution**. Two modes are available:

* **Demo mode (paper trading)** — the agent simulates its orders with virtual capital. Ideal to observe its behavior in real time without risk.
* **Live mode** — the agent places real orders through a connected platform.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Live mode** availability depends on your region and the broker used. See [Availability by region](/platforms/availability-by-region.md).
{% endhint %}

***

## Launching an execution

From an agent's page, click **Create an execution**. A dialog guides you through the necessary steps.

### 1. Execution type

Choose between:

* **Demo** — simulation with a virtual portfolio.
* **Live** — trading with real funds through a connected API key.

### 2. Starting capital *(demo mode only)*

Define the amount used for the simulation.

### 3. API key *(live mode only)*

Select the API key to use for trading. If no key is connected, you can add one from the **Platforms** section. See [Connectors](/platforms/connectors.md).

### 4. Target assets

For each asset referenced in the agent, choose the **exact symbol** to use for the execution.

### 5. Target exchange

Choose the **platform** on which these assets will be traded.

### 6. Notifications *(if the Notifications capability is enabled)*

Select at least one **channel** to receive notifications from the agent (email, Telegram, WhatsApp, push). See [Notification channels](/alerts-and-notifications/channels.md).

***

## Monitoring the execution

Once the agent is running, you can access several tabs to track its activity in real time:

* **Metrics** — cumulative performance since the start.
* **Trades** — list of open and closed positions.
* **Chart** — TradingView visualization of entries and exits.
* **Activity** — log of the agent's decisions (useful for AI traders and agents with the News capability).

{% hint style="info" %}
The **maximum number of simultaneous executions** depends on your subscription plan. See [Pricing](/misc/pricing.md).
{% endhint %}

***

## Start, pause, stop

You can **pause** or **stop** an execution at any time from the agent's page. A stopped execution preserves its viewable history, but no longer generates new trades or notifications.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Best practice**: before launching an agent in live mode, run it in demo mode for a few days or weeks to validate its behavior in current market conditions.
{% endhint %}


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.obside.com/agents/run-an-agent.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.