> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://offchart.gitbook.io/offchart/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://offchart.gitbook.io/offchart/how-offchart-works.md).

# How offchart works

## Peer to peer, not a pool purchase

A normal swap trades against a liquidity pool, and a large sale moves the pool price against you. An offchart order is matched with another person's order (or with a swap that wants your token) at a price between your limits. The match settles in one transaction that does not touch the pool.

## The pieces

* **Order.** What you give, what you accept back, and your price limit relative to market (for example "not below −3%").
* **Round.** Once a minute (the app shows a *next round* countdown) the engine looks at all open orders and finds pairs, token-for-token swaps and rings of three people.
* **One transaction.** A match settles atomically: everyone gets their side, or nothing happens.
* **Your limit is the floor.** When both limits overlap, the swap settles halfway between them. The order form explains this under the limit buttons.

## Your coins stay in your wallet

Creating an order does not send coins anywhere. You sign one permission that lets the offchart program move **exactly the amount you chose**, only inside a swap where you receive at least your price. Cancelling removes the permission. The sign sheet repeats this in three points: *Coins stay in your wallet*, *Only the exact amount, only in the swap*, *You get your price, or nothing happens*.

## What "filled" depends on

An order fills only if other orders meet your limit. It can fill in parts (when partial fills are on), and it ends when its duration runs out.