# Scanners

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1052337610>" %}

Scanner automations typically begin with a [symbol loop](https://docs.optionalpha.com/tools/bots/loops) and a subsequent list of one or more [decisions](https://docs.optionalpha.com/tools/bots/decision-actions), ending with an 'Open Position' action.

Here is an example of a scanner that evaluates the market and opens a bullish or bearish credit spread depending on the current conditions:

<figure><img src="https://2799944806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MYjluAVRcRcfh1YL43z%2Fuploads%2FrvcweeNzKqQBJQLxY9m5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=838128be-596e-4253-ab36-34315e46dcde" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Open Position action

The 'Open Position' action includes all the position's details, including the symbol, expiration, strike prices, position sizing, [SmartPricing](https://docs.optionalpha.com/tools/bots/smartpricing) settings, [Exit Options](https://docs.optionalpha.com/tools/managing-positions/exit-options), and any [tags](https://docs.optionalpha.com/tools/bots/tags) you may want automatically applied to the position that is opened.

<figure><img src="https://2799944806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MYjluAVRcRcfh1YL43z%2Fuploads%2FBqjbqtOkX29Mz9bvBTgQ%2FCleanShot%202026-03-11%20at%2012.45.32%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=68ac25a0-dcea-413b-8612-572a6bc4249a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We can also define one or more entry criteria:

<figure><img src="https://2799944806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MYjluAVRcRcfh1YL43z%2Fuploads%2FUJjRjjGAYtT9xQCpRuSu%2FCleanShot%202026-03-11%20at%2012.46.58%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ccdb4485-1a90-4b6f-bf03-5ec7a4aed9db" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

As well as position criteria to set minimum and maximum values for specific variables, which the bot will filter out if your criteria aren't met:

<figure><img src="https://2799944806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MYjluAVRcRcfh1YL43z%2Fuploads%2FIMAHpQaBp2PuK0gjqYwI%2FCleanShot%202026-03-11%20at%2012.48.45%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c3f6e14f-57d8-4120-aa01-f3d80bc2beaa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>