Bookmap Volume Dots vs Volume Bubbles: What Each Mode Shows
Bookmap gives you two ways to visualize executed volume: volume dots and volume bubbles. They display the same underlying trades, but the way they present that information changes how you read order flow. If you aren’t using the right mode for your style, you’re handicapping yourself.
What Volume Dots Are
Volume dots are small marks that appear at each price where a trade happened. Each dot represents an executed order at a specific moment in time.
What dots are good for:
- seeing the exact pace of execution
- spotting microbursts in trade speed
- reading very fine order flow details
- low-zoom precision
Dots show execution density without visually dominating the chart.
What Volume Bubbles Are
Volume bubbles group executed trades into visible sized circles. Bigger bubble = larger trade cluster. Color shows aggressor (buy or sell).
What bubbles are good for:
- spotting aggression immediately
- seeing trade clusters
- identifying imbalanced moves
- tracking which side is punching harder
If you want to know who is running the show in real time, bubbles make it obvious.
Dots vs Bubbles: What They Actually Show
| Feature | Volume Dots | Volume Bubbles |
|---|---|---|
| Execution granularity | Highest | Moderate |
| Aggression clarity | Lower | High |
| Visual clutter | Low | Medium/High |
| Best for | Precision | Aggression reading |
| Typical use | Scalpers | Momentum traders |
When to Use Dots
Dots are ideal when you need the cleanest possible view of execution:
- fast scalping on ES or NQ
- reading tape tempo
- identifying micro-stalls or micro-bursts
- avoiding bubble clutter during high volatility
Dots let you see the texture of execution—tiny but meaningful shifts in activity.
When to Use Bubbles
Bubbles shine when you need to see:
- which side is hitting harder
- who is winning the aggression battle
- where large cluster trades hit
- momentum behavior
If you’re tracking sweeps, stop runs, or burst aggression, bubbles show it instantly.
Switching Between Them
You don’t have to commit to one mode. Most traders switch depending on the situation:
- Use bubbles during key levels for aggression clarity
- Use dots during chop or scalping
Bookmap makes switching easy from the toolbar or settings menu.
Volume Dots + CVD = Microstructure Precision
If you want the tightest structure read possible, pair dots with CVD.
We covered CVD here: Bookmap CVD Explained.
This combo exposes:
- slow absorption
- fake aggression
- true trend pressure
Volume Bubbles + Heatmap = Aggression Confirmation
Bubbles show executed aggression. The heatmap shows resting liquidity. Together they expose:
- whether aggression is real or absorbed
- where liquidity is pulling or defending
- whether a level is likely to break
If you need aggression context fast, bubbles are the tool.
Final Thoughts
Volume dots and volume bubbles show the same trades, but the way they visualize them creates two completely different reads. Dots give precision and timing, bubbles show aggression and intention. Use each mode for what it’s good at and stop trying to force one tool to do every job.