---
title: Strategy Builder Overview
description: Find configuration panels, tests and reports in Strategy Builder, the current name for the former Backtest Strategy workspace.
url: "https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/backtest-strategy-page-overview/"
updated: "2026-11-07"
category: "Chapter 4 - Strategy Builder"
---

# Strategy Builder Overview

**Strategy Builder** is the workspace for configuring a strategy and inspecting its backtest reports. Older guide pages called it the “Backtest Strategy” page. Open it from Strategy Management by selecting a strategy and choosing **Backtest**.

**On this page**

- [Understand the workspace](#workspace)
- [Work through the configuration](#configuration)
- [Read reports after a test](#results)
- [Move to account management](#next)

## Understand the workspace

[![Strategy Builder with toolbar, configuration panels on the left and report tabs on the right.](https://portfolioboss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pb72-builder-map.png)](https://portfolioboss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pb72-builder-map.png)
The example shows a template before a completed strategy result is displayed. Its SPY benchmark line is not a strategy equity curve. [Click to enlarge.](https://portfolioboss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pb72-builder-map.png)

| Area | Purpose |
| --- | --- |
| Toolbar | Start the appropriate test, copy a strategy and access the actions available to that strategy. |
| Configuration / Rules area | Define the strategy, its portfolios, settings, filters, rules and backtest periods. |
| Reports area | Inspect the chart, metrics and other reports after a test. |
| Back arrow | Use the back arrow at the upper left to return to the preceding management view. |

## Work through the configuration

1. Check the [Strategy panel](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/strategy-panel-guide/) for the name and description.
2. Review the portfolios or instruments used by the strategy.
3. Review [System Settings](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/system-settings-panel-guide/) and the relevant filters and rules. A supplied template gives you a bounded starting configuration.
4. Review the [Backtest panel](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/backtest-panel-guide/): benchmark, capital assumptions, dates and sample periods.
5. When the configuration is ready, choose the appropriate test action.

Available panels and actions depend on the strategy type and enabled features. [Types of Strategy](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/types-of-strategy/) explains Basic, Meta and Multi. For your first machine-learning workflow, use the [Evo Engine Template](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/quick-start-guide/) included in every edition.

## Read reports after a test

A manual backtest evaluates the current configuration. It populates reports such as Metrics, Performance, Positions, History, Trade Signals and Chart. [Manual Results](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/manual-results-tab/) keeps tested parameter configurations for later review.

A model position or signal is different from a broker holding or completed order. Use [the dashboard’s orders and reconciliation views](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/review-orders-and-reconcile-broker-positions/) for actual account execution.

For machine-learning testing, follow [Divine Engine Test Management](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/divine-engine-global-queue-for-strategy-testing/) and [Divine Engine Test Results](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/divine-engine-test-results/).

## Move to account management

Once you have selected and reviewed a strategy, use [Trading Dashboard Overview & APM](https://portfolioboss.com/documentation/trading-dashboard-overview-apm/) for account management. The current workflow covers strategy funding, order settings, monitoring and reconciliation.