CME Direct Trading Grids
Visualize and execute complex trades with speed and precision using pre-configured layouts. Simply import a grid file to instantly deploy a structured view of your preferred markets in CME Direct.
Choose your market
Select from our library of trading grids below. Each file is pre-populated with relevant instruments, strikes and expiries to get you trading right away.
Available grid layouts
- Options: Displays calls and puts side-by-side across various strike prices and expiration dates.
- Packs and bundles: Specifically for Interest Rate futures (like SOFR), these show packs (consecutive quarterly contracts) and bundles (multi-year exposures) in a single matrix.
- Sector: Used for Equity Index Select Sectors, allowing traders to see all Select Sector futures (energy, tech, financials, etc.) simultaneously.
- Quick/combo: Used in energy markets to facilitate fast execution of multi-leg strategies and combos (e.g., WTI crude oil spreads).
How to import your grid
Follow these steps to download your desired trading grid and integrate it into your CME Direct workstation:
- Download and save
Click your preferred asset class to download the XLM file(s). Ensure you save it to an accessible location on your computer, such as your Downloads folder or Desktop. - Open the menu
Within the CME Direct platform, navigate to the Menu button at the top of the screen. - Select import
From the dropdown menu, click Import view. - Upload the XML file
A dialogue box will appear. Navigate to the folder where you saved the file in Step 1, select it and click Open. - Confirm and launch
Your new trading grid will launch immediately as a new tab, pre-populated with all relevant instruments and columns.
Note: Importing a new grid adds a new tab to your interface, it will not overwrite your existing custom layouts.
Customize or create your own
While our pre-configured grids cover most market needs, you can easily tailor your workspace or build a new view from scratch.
Create a new grid
- Locate the + icon or Add Grid button within your interface.
- Provide a descriptive label (e.g., My Energy Options).
- Select the grid type and click Save & Close to create your empty workspace.
Add products
To populate a new or existing grid:
- Right-click
Select Edit View on any grid. - Search and select
Use the Edit Exchange Trading Grid window to search for specific products. - Deploy
Highlight the desired products and use the arrow button to move them to your Selected Items. - Finalize
Click OK to update your display with the new product data.
Contact us
Connect with a CME Direct expert to learn more about optimizing your workspace, request custom grid configurations or schedule a platform demo.
