Demo proves the buttons work. Live proves whether your sizing and psychology survive real money.
What demo cannot simulate
Fear of loss, withdrawal friction, and the urge to “make it back” rarely appear on a virtual balance. Treat demo as a mechanics sandbox — order types, platform quirks, session behaviour — not a performance certificate.
A staged go-live
Start with the smallest size your broker allows while keeping the same rules you used on demo. If you change strategy and size at once, you will not know which broke. Increase size only after a pre-defined sample of rule-compliant trades.
Match the environment
Use the same platform, similar session hours, and realistic spreads. A pristine demo feed can hide the costs that matter live. Periodically compare demo quotes to live quotes on the same symbols.
Journal the boring parts
Record why you entered, where you would exit, and whether you followed the plan. Edge is process compliance long before it is a pretty equity curve.
Permission to pause
If live emotions overwhelm the plan within days, cut size again or return to demo with a written fix. Speed of funding is not a skill.