> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://farside.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://farside.gitbook.io/docs/user/bots-and-launch.md).

# Creating, Reviewing, and Launching a Bot

This page explains the bot flow from creation to launch.

## Creating a bot

To create a bot, choose:

* bot name
* paper or live trading mode
* trading venue or paper account
* strategy
* markets
* execution mode where shown
* leverage and risk
* grid settings if using Grid
* notifications where shown

Use [Bot Configuration Reference](/docs/user/bot-configuration.md) for each setting.

## Reviewing a bot

Before launch, review:

* selected wallet
* selected account
* selected mode
* selected venue
* strategy
* markets
* leverage
* risk limits
* funding and approvals
* readiness checks

If anything looks wrong, stop and fix it before launching.

Read [Fees](/docs/user/fees.md) before launching a live bot so you understand Farside platform fees, exchange trading fees, and how fees affect net results.

## Launching a bot

Launch/start means the bot begins running after review.

A running bot may still place no trade if market conditions, risk checks, spread, volatility, or venue readiness do not allow a trade.

## Bot start vs activation

Activation means the bot is enabled and allowed to run after checks pass.

Start or launch means the bot runtime begins running.

Saved, activated, and running are not the same.

## Bot statuses

| Status              | What it means                               | What to do                                    |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Saved               | The bot exists but may not be running.      | Review before launch.                         |
| Activated / enabled | The bot is allowed to run.                  | Confirm whether it has been launched.         |
| Running             | The bot runtime is active.                  | Monitor activity and warnings.                |
| Paused              | Bot activity is temporarily interrupted.    | Resume only after review.                     |
| Stopped             | The bot is not running.                     | Check orders and positions before restarting. |
| Blocked             | A required setup or readiness check failed. | Fix the blocker.                              |
| Safe mode           | Farside paused new bot actions for safety.  | Read the reason before restarting.            |

## If a bot is created but not running

Check:

* activation status
* readiness checks
* venue connection
* funding
* agent approval
* platform fee setup
* selected mode and account
* validation warnings