Creating Charts: Difference between revisions
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A | A chart is a graphical representation of price movements of a security, commodity, currency pair, or other financial instrument over a specific period. Charts are fundamental tools used by traders and investors to analyze and predict future price movements based on historical data. | ||
In MultiCharts a chart is created for a financial instrument, designated by a ticker, such as @ES, BTCUSD, AAPL. | |||
== How to Create a Chart == | |||
To create a chart: | |||
# In the main MultiCharts window go to '''File''' → '''New''' → '''Chart Window''' or right-click the empty space → '''Chart Window'''. | |||
# Choose the desired instrument from the list on the '''Instrument tab''' or [[How_to_Add_Symbols|add a new symbol]] from the data source via the '''Add Symbol''' button → select the category tab → enter the symbol name or symbol root in the '''Symbol''' field → press '''Lookup'''. | |||
# Choose the necessary [[:Category:Chart Types|Chart Type]] and [[:Category:Chart Settings|Settings]] in the '''Settings''' tab: | |||
#* [[Chart Resolution]] – by default it is set to 1 Minute. | |||
#*[[Quote Field]] – by default it is set to Trade. | |||
#*[[Sessions]] – Default session will be used. | |||
#*[[Data Range]] – by default it is set to 80 Bars Back. | |||
#*[[Time Zone]] – by default it is set to Exchange. | |||
# Customize your chart appearance in the '''Style''' and '''Scaling''' tabs: | |||
#* [[Chart Style]] – by default it is set to [[OHLC Bar Chart|OHLC bars]]. | |||
#* [[Chart Scaling]] – by default it is set to Screen. | |||
# Click '''OK'''. | |||
== Creating Chart Using Format Instruments Window == | == Creating Chart Using Format Instruments Window == | ||
To create a new chart: | To create a new chart using Format Instruments window: | ||
# Open the '''Format Instruments''' window.<br><span>{{FormatSymbol}}</span> | # Open the '''Format Instruments''' window.<br><span>{{FormatSymbol}}</span> | ||
# Select the '''Instrument''' tab. | # Select the '''Instrument''' tab. | ||
# Select a data feed from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box. | # Select a data feed from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box. | ||
# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Instruments''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header. <br>If you can't find a symbol, see [[Operating Symbol List#Adding Symbols to Symbol List|Adding Symbols to Symbol List]] | # Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Instruments''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header. <br>If you can't find a symbol, see [[Operating Symbol List#Adding Symbols to Symbol List|Adding Symbols to Symbol List]]. | ||
# Double-click the symbol, or click '''OK''', to create a chart with the default settings. | # Double-click the symbol, or click '''OK''', to create a chart with the default settings. | ||
<div class="tip-no-title">To learn more about changing the symbol settings read the following: | |||
* [[Changing_Symbols|Changing Symbols]] | |||
* [[Chart_Resolution|Chart Resolution]] | |||
* [[Quote_Field|Quote Field]] | |||
* [[Sessions|Sessions]] | |||
* [[Data_Range|Data Range]] | |||
* [[Time_Zone|Time Zone]] | |||
* [[Data_Numbers|Data Numbers]] | |||
* [[Using_SubCharts|Using SubCharts]] | |||
* [[Chart_Style|Chart Style]] | |||
* [[Chart_Scaling|Chart Scaling]] | |||
<div class=" | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
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It is possible to add several data series to the same Chart Window. Each data series in a multi-symbol chart has a unique Data Number. The Data Number is assigned according to the order in which the data series was added to the Chart Window. | It is possible to add several data series to the same Chart Window. Each data series in a multi-symbol chart has a unique Data Number. The Data Number is assigned according to the order in which the data series was added to the Chart Window. | ||
<div class="important">Any data series can be deleted from the Chart Window, except for the data series that was added first ([[Data_Numbers|Data #1]]).</div> | <div class="important">Any data series can be deleted from the Chart Window, except for the data series that was added first ([[Data_Numbers|Data #1]]).</div> | ||
=== Inserting Additional Symbols into a Chart Window === | === Inserting Additional Symbols into a Chart Window === | ||
To insert an additional symbols’ data series into a Chart Window, click the '''Insert Instrument''' | To insert an additional symbols’ data series into a Chart Window, click the '''Insert Instrument''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/b/bb/Create_New_Chart_Window_%28125%29.png" width="24"> icon on the main toolbar. | ||
Additional data series can also be inserted by one of the following methods: | Additional data series can also be inserted by one of the following methods: | ||
* Use the '''F5''' key. | |||
* Use the '''F5''' key | * Select '''Insert''' in the main menu and click '''Instrument'''. | ||
* Select '''Insert''' in the main menu and click '''Instrument''' | * Right-click on the chart area and then click '''Insert Instrument'''. | ||
* Right-click on the chart area and then click '''Insert Instrument''' | |||
* If the Chart Window already contains more then one data series, right-click on the chart area, then click '''Format Instruments''', and click the '''Add''' button. | * If the Chart Window already contains more then one data series, right-click on the chart area, then click '''Format Instruments''', and click the '''Add''' button. | ||
=== Deleting Symbols from a Multi-Symbol Chart === | === Deleting Symbols from a Multi-Symbol Chart === | ||
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Data series can also be deleted by one of the following methods: | Data series can also be deleted by one of the following methods: | ||
* Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' | * Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/ab/Pointer.png" width="24"> changes into a '''Hand''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/a7/Hand.png" width="24">, right-click and then click '''Remove Series'''. | ||
* Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' | * Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/ab/Pointer.png" width="24"> changes into a '''Hand''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/a7/Hand.png" width="24">, click on the data series and then press the '''Delete''' key on the keyboard. | ||
=== Selecting the Active Symbol (Data Series) in a Multi-Symbol Chart === | === Selecting the Active Symbol (Data Series) in a Multi-Symbol Chart === | ||
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To select a symbol (data series) as active simply click on the data series. | To select a symbol (data series) as active simply click on the data series. | ||
== Creating Charts Using the Command Line Toolbar == | == Creating Charts Using the Command Line Toolbar == | ||
One new chart (if there are no charts in the current workspace) can be created by entering the symbol parameters into the Command Line toolbar. | |||
If the symbol name is known, the simplest way to create a new chart is to enter the symbol name and all known symbol parameters into the command line. Any omitted symbol parameters will automatically be selected, and the symbol plotted. | |||
<img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/9/94/Command.png" width="205"> | |||
By default, the Command Line toolbar is displayed docked to the top of the application window. | By default, the Command Line toolbar is displayed docked to the top of the application window. | ||
To learn more about toolbars, see [[MultiCharts_Work_Area#Understanding Toolbars|Understanding Toolbars]] | <div class="tip-no-title">To learn more about toolbars, see [[MultiCharts_Work_Area#Understanding Toolbars|Understanding Toolbars]].</div> | ||
Symbol parameters consist of the '''Symbol Name''', '''Data Source''', '''Category''', and '''Exchange''' parameters. Depending on the data source and the symbol category, one or more parameters are required | Symbol parameters consist of the '''Symbol Name''', '''Data Source''', '''Category''', and '''Exchange''' parameters. Depending on the data source and the symbol category, one or more parameters are required in order to precisely identify the symbol to be plotted. | ||
<div class="example">Type in "'''IB:AAPL'''" to create a chart with AAPL from Interactive Brokers.<br> | |||
Type in "'''TS:@ES'''" to create a chart with @ES from TradeStation.</div> | |||
<div class="tip-no-title">Find more info about Command Line on [[Command Line|this page]].</div> | |||
== Merging Data Sources Into a Single Chart == | |||
== | In some instances real-time data and historical data must be obtained from two separate data sources. A real-time data source and a historical data source can be merged into a single chart. | ||
To create a new chart: | |||
# Make sure that Merging is enabled in '''[[Preferences#Charting|Preferences]]''' window. | |||
# Open the '''Format Instruments''' window.<br><span>{{FormatSymbol}}</span> | |||
# Select the '''Instrument''' tab. | |||
# Check '''Merge Data Sources into a Single Chart''' check box. | |||
# From the '''For''' drop-down list box, select '''History'''. | |||
# Select a data feed for the historical data from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box. | |||
# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Instruments''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header. <br>If you can't find a symbol, see [[Operating Symbol List#Adding Symbols to Symbol List|Adding Symbols to Symbol List]]. | |||
# From the '''For''' drop-down list box, select '''RealTime'''. | |||
# Select a data feed for the real-time data from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box. | |||
<br> | # Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Instruments''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header. <br>If you can't find a symbol, see [[Operating Symbol List#Adding Symbols to Symbol List|Adding Symbols to Symbol List]] | ||
# Double-click the symbol, or click '''OK''', to create a chart with default settings. | |||
<div class="note">If you have '''Enable data source merging option''' disabled in '''[[Preferences#Charting|Preferences]]''' window it is possible to spot charts that have merged historical and real-time data sources. | |||
'''Merging of different data sources is on''' indication can be seen in Format Instrument window.</div> | |||
< | |||
Symbol | |||
<div class="note"> | |||
''' | |||
< | |||
[[Category:Using Charts|B]] | |||
[[Category:Charts]] |
Latest revision as of 15:22, 9 August 2024
A chart is a graphical representation of price movements of a security, commodity, currency pair, or other financial instrument over a specific period. Charts are fundamental tools used by traders and investors to analyze and predict future price movements based on historical data.
In MultiCharts a chart is created for a financial instrument, designated by a ticker, such as @ES, BTCUSD, AAPL.
How to Create a Chart
To create a chart:
- In the main MultiCharts window go to File → New → Chart Window or right-click the empty space → Chart Window.
- Choose the desired instrument from the list on the Instrument tab or add a new symbol from the data source via the Add Symbol button → select the category tab → enter the symbol name or symbol root in the Symbol field → press Lookup.
- Choose the necessary Chart Type and Settings in the Settings tab:
- Chart Resolution – by default it is set to 1 Minute.
- Quote Field – by default it is set to Trade.
- Sessions – Default session will be used.
- Data Range – by default it is set to 80 Bars Back.
- Time Zone – by default it is set to Exchange.
- Customize your chart appearance in the Style and Scaling tabs:
- Chart Style – by default it is set to OHLC bars.
- Chart Scaling – by default it is set to Screen.
- Click OK.
Creating Chart Using Format Instruments Window
To create a new chart using Format Instruments window:
- Open the Format Instruments window.To open the Format Instruments window, click the Format Instruments icon on the main toolbar;
if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button.
The Format Instruments window can also be opened by one of the following methods:
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; double-click once the Pointer changes into a Hand ;
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; once the Pointer changes into a Hand right-click and then click Format Symbol Name;
- Right-click on an empty area of the chart and then click Format Instruments; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button;
- Select Format in the main menu and click Instrument; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button. - Select the Instrument tab.
- Select a data feed from the Data Source drop-down list box.
- Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in All Instruments tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.
If you can't find a symbol, see Adding Symbols to Symbol List. - Double-click the symbol, or click OK, to create a chart with the default settings.
Understanding Multi-Symbol Charts
It is possible to add several data series to the same Chart Window. Each data series in a multi-symbol chart has a unique Data Number. The Data Number is assigned according to the order in which the data series was added to the Chart Window.
Inserting Additional Symbols into a Chart Window
To insert an additional symbols’ data series into a Chart Window, click the Insert Instrument icon on the main toolbar.
Additional data series can also be inserted by one of the following methods:
- Use the F5 key.
- Select Insert in the main menu and click Instrument.
- Right-click on the chart area and then click Insert Instrument.
- If the Chart Window already contains more then one data series, right-click on the chart area, then click Format Instruments, and click the Add button.
Deleting Symbols from a Multi-Symbol Chart
Any of the symbols (data series) can be deleted from a multi-symbol Chart Window, except for the first symbol that was added (the symbol with the Data # 1).
To delete a symbol (data series), right-click on the chart area and then click Format Instruments; in the Format Objects window that appears, select the data series that is to be deleted and click the Remove button.
Data series can also be deleted by one of the following methods:
- Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the Pointer changes into a Hand , right-click and then click Remove Series.
- Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the Pointer changes into a Hand , click on the data series and then press the Delete key on the keyboard.
Selecting the Active Symbol (Data Series) in a Multi-Symbol Chart
In a multi-symbol Chart Window only one of the data series at a time is active. The active data series is the data series to which any changes will be applied. Any one of the data series in a multi-symbol chart can be selected as active at any time.
Before making changes to a particular symbol's chart within a multi-symbol Chart Window you should first make sure that it is the active symbol (data series).
The first symbol (data series) added to a multi-symbol Chart Window is the active symbol by default.
To select a symbol (data series) as active simply click on the data series.
Creating Charts Using the Command Line Toolbar
One new chart (if there are no charts in the current workspace) can be created by entering the symbol parameters into the Command Line toolbar.
If the symbol name is known, the simplest way to create a new chart is to enter the symbol name and all known symbol parameters into the command line. Any omitted symbol parameters will automatically be selected, and the symbol plotted.
By default, the Command Line toolbar is displayed docked to the top of the application window.
Symbol parameters consist of the Symbol Name, Data Source, Category, and Exchange parameters. Depending on the data source and the symbol category, one or more parameters are required in order to precisely identify the symbol to be plotted.
Type in "TS:@ES" to create a chart with @ES from TradeStation.
Merging Data Sources Into a Single Chart
In some instances real-time data and historical data must be obtained from two separate data sources. A real-time data source and a historical data source can be merged into a single chart.
To create a new chart:
- Make sure that Merging is enabled in Preferences window.
- Open the Format Instruments window.To open the Format Instruments window, click the Format Instruments icon on the main toolbar;
if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button.
The Format Instruments window can also be opened by one of the following methods:
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; double-click once the Pointer changes into a Hand ;
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; once the Pointer changes into a Hand right-click and then click Format Symbol Name;
- Right-click on an empty area of the chart and then click Format Instruments; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button;
- Select Format in the main menu and click Instrument; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button. - Select the Instrument tab.
- Check Merge Data Sources into a Single Chart check box.
- From the For drop-down list box, select History.
- Select a data feed for the historical data from the Data Source drop-down list box.
- Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in All Instruments tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.
If you can't find a symbol, see Adding Symbols to Symbol List. - From the For drop-down list box, select RealTime.
- Select a data feed for the real-time data from the Data Source drop-down list box.
- Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in All Instruments tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.
If you can't find a symbol, see Adding Symbols to Symbol List - Double-click the symbol, or click OK, to create a chart with default settings.