> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.trada.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.trada.io/copy-trading/working-hours.md).

# Working hours & scheduling

Restrict when a copier is allowed to copy trades using daily time blocks, and optionally close open positions when the trading period ends.

Working hours restrict **when a copier copies trades**. They're set per copier in **Copier Settings** (the gear icon on the copier's detail page), alongside the copier's name.

By default a copier has no schedule and copies 24/7. Add working hours to limit it to specific windows — for example, only during your main session.

<figure><img src="https://1071438488-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOsaVyFC53CtoAY5kabHr%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-fc4c04125d1ee9f7704900d429e4a12d75d85c86%2Fcopier-settings.svg?alt=media" alt="The Copier Settings dialog with Working Hours enabled, a Monday 08:00–17:00 time block, and auto-close"><figcaption><p>Copier Settings — the copier name plus Working Hours, with a daily time block and the auto-close option.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Set a schedule

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open Copier Settings

On the copier's detail page, choose **Settings**, then expand **Configure Hours**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Turn on Working Hours

Enable the **Working Hours** toggle. While it's off, the schedule controls are dimmed and the copier runs without time restrictions.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add time blocks

Choose **Add time block** and set a **Day**, **Start Time**, and **End Time**. Add as many blocks as you need — multiple per day are fine, and blocks may overlap. The copier copies during any active block.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save

Save the dialog. The schedule takes effect immediately.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Start time must be before end time within a block. Times follow the conventions in [Conventions](/reference/conventions.md).

## Auto-close at period end

Enable **Auto-close when period is over** to close open positions when a working-hours window ends:

* **On** — when a period ends, all open positions on the copier's accounts (sender and receivers) are closed.
* **Off** — positions stay open when the window ends, but no new trades are copied until the next window.

{% hint style="warning" %}
With Working Hours enabled and **no** time blocks defined, the copier effectively never copies — there are no active windows. The dialog shows a reminder when this is the case.
{% endhint %}

## Related

* [Copier states & lifecycle](/copy-trading/lifecycle.md)
* [Risk protection](/copy-trading/configure-receiver/risk-protection.md)
* [Create a copier](/copy-trading/create-a-copier.md)