Difference between revisions of "Preferences"

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To access Preferences window, please go to File menu and then select Preferences... The window can also be opened by using ALT+F, +F keyboard shortcut sequence.
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To access the Preferences window, in the main MultiCharts menu click File -> Preferences... <br>
 +
The window can also be opened by using ALT+F, +F keyboard shortcut sequence.
  
 
== Workspaces ==
 
== Workspaces ==
 
Workspaces preferences settings determine which workspaces, if any, will be opened on application startup, whether changes to workspaces will be saved on application exit, and if a confirmation prompt will appear when Chart/Scanner Windows are closed.
 
Workspaces preferences settings determine which workspaces, if any, will be opened on application startup, whether changes to workspaces will be saved on application exit, and if a confirmation prompt will appear when Chart/Scanner Windows are closed.
  
To set workspace preferences:
+
In the '''On start''' section select:
  
# To open Workspaces on startup, select the '''Open Workspaces on Start''' checkbox; clear the checkbox to not open any Workspaces on startup.
+
:* Open last active workspace from previous session  
# To show the '''Workspaces''' tab on software startup, select the '''Show the dialog''' checkbox; clear the checkbox to not display the dialog box.
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:* Open all workspaces from previous session
# Specify the workspaces you would like to open:
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:* Open prebuilt workspaces
#* Open last active workspace from previous session
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:* Do not open workspaces
#* Open all workspaces from previous session
 
#* Open prebuilt workspace
 
# To show '''Save Workspace''' dialog box on exit, clear the '''Do not show "Save Workspace" dialog on Exit''' checkbox; select the checkbox to not display the dialog box. If the checkbox is selected, there 2 options:
 
#* Select '''Save workspaces''' if you want them to be saved automatically without your confirmation
 
#* Select '''Do not save workspaces''' if you want them not to be saved automatically without your confirmation
 
# Windows Deleting. To prompt for a confirmation when a Chart/Scanner Window is closed (deleted), clear the '''Do not prompt for confirmation when I want to close a window''' checkbox; check the box to close all windows without confirmation.
 
# Wizard Options. To open Wizard on software startup, select the '''Run Wizard on Startup''' checkbox; clear the checkbox to not launch it on startup.
 
# Saving Data.
 
#*Select '''Store optimization reports within workspace''' to save report with a workspace (file size will be increased); clear it not to save report with a workspace.
 
#*Select '''Store historical optimization reports''' to keep the previous reports. When this option is unchecked, the previous reports will be deleted on start of the next optimization, as well as the unsaved reports on close of the workspace.
 
  
== Data Server Mode ==
+
:* Check '''Show this window''' box for the Preferences window to appear on start of MultiCharts
Data Server Mode settings affect the whole software (MultiCharts, Portfolio Trader and QuoteManager). This page determines whether the software has access to real-time data from a data provider server or it is limited to use only the data that is already stored in the database.
+
:* Check '''Run wizard''' to open Wizard on software startup
# Select '''Online: Load the locally stored data and connect to a real-time data feed''' to switch software to online mode and get access to data from data vendor servers.
+
 
# Check '''Download missing historical data''' to download the missing historical data from a data provider; clear the checkbox to work only with real-time data and locally stored data (no historical backfill from data vendor).
+
In the '''All workspaces''' section check:
# Select '''Offline: Use only the locally stored data''' to work only with historical data that is already saved in the database. No additional data will be requested from the data provider in this case.
+
 
# To show the '''Data Server Mode''' tab on software startup, select the '''Show Data Server Mode dialog box on startup''' checkbox; clear the checkbox not to display the dialog box.
+
:* '''Skip the confirmation when closing windows'''. The confirmation window will not appear when the window is closed.
<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">'''Note''': In order to switch between the modes or turn on/off the "Download missing historical data" box, all workspaces should be closed in all instances of MultiCharts, forward-testing and autotrading should be stopped in Portfolio Trader and QuoteManager should be exited, [[Forex_Board#Forex_Board_Service_Window|Forex Board service window]] should be dectivated and [[Pre-Scanning_and_Watchlist#Scanner_service_window|service Scanner]] should be cleared of all symbols (or also deactivated). </div>
+
:* '''Skip the confirmation when exiting the application'''. The confirmation window will not appear when the application is closed.
 +
:* '''Store optimization reports within workspaces'''. Clear it not to save report with a workspace.
 +
:* '''Keep the reports from previous optimizations'''. When this option is unchecked, the previous reports will be deleted on start of the next optimization, as well as the unsaved reports on close of the workspace.
 +
 
 +
In the '''On exit''' section select:
 +
 
 +
:* Save the changes on all workspaces
 +
:* Do not save any changes on all workspaces
 +
:* Ask about saving the changes on each workspace
 +
 
 +
== Data ==
 +
=== Data server mode ===
 +
 
 +
Data Server Mode settings affect the whole software (MultiCharts, Portfolio Trader and QuoteManager). This setting determines whether the software has access to real-time data from a data provider server or it is limited to use only the data that is already stored in the database.
 +
:* Select '''Online''' to switch software to online mode and get access to data from data vendor servers.<br>
 +
Check '''Download missing historical data''' to download the missing historical data from a data provider; clear the checkbox to work only with real-time data and locally stored data (no historical backfill from data vendor).<br>
 +
Check '''Save real-time minute bars to the database''' to save real-time data. If a data vendor provides historical minute data, the feature is not enabled by default and real-time minute data is not saved in the database.<br>
 +
<div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;"> Next two options are available in MultiCharts 15 Open Beta. </div>
 +
Check '''Collect data when QuoteManager is closed''' to collect data even when the QuoteManager window is not running. If any data collecting task is in progress, data will be downloaded until computer shutdown.<br>
 +
Check '''Collect data immediately after login''' to launch downloading once you enter the system.<br>
 +
<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">'''Note:''' Remember password and Remember my choice options should be enabled in MultiCharts License Manager and Login window.</div>
 +
:* Select '''Offline''' to work only with historical data that is already saved in the database. No additional data will be requested from the data provider in this case.<br>
 +
To show the Data tab on start, check the '''Show this window on start''' checkbox; clear the checkbox not to display it.
 +
<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">'''Note''': In order to switch between the modes or turn on/off the "Download missing historical data" box, all workspaces should be closed in all instances of MultiCharts, forward testing and auto trading should be stopped in Portfolio Trader and QuoteManager should be exited, [[Forex_Board#Forex_Board_Service_Window|Forex Board service window]] should be dectivated, [[Pre-Scanning_and_Watchlist#Scanner_service_window|service scanner]] should be cleared of all symbols (or also deactivated) and all the Data Collecting tasks should be finished. </div>
 
To learn how this page affects data collected in MultiCharts, please read [[Collecting and Saving Data to MultiCharts Database|this article]].
 
To learn how this page affects data collected in MultiCharts, please read [[Collecting and Saving Data to MultiCharts Database|this article]].
  
== Charting ==
+
=== Currency conversion ===
Charting settings affect the performance and usability of studies/drawings applied to your charts.
+
 
# Select '''Improve visual appearance of drawing tools (no blurriness, but higher CPU usage)''' to get a better visual appearance but use more resources; clear it to use less resources and get better performance.  
+
Currency Conversion functionality is used for converting price values when Base/Preferred Currency is different from the symbol currency set in QuoteManager. Since MultiCharts 10 Release 3 an alternative currency conversion server can be selected.
# Clear '''Do not require confirmation when removing a study from a chart''' to prompt for a confirmation when a study is deleted from a chart; select the box to delete signals and indicators without confirmation.
+
 
# Select '''Enable indicator status switch in a status line''' to enable functionality of [[Using Studies#Study Status Switch|switching an indicator on and off in the Status Line]].
+
The Currency Conversion settings are accessible from File -> Preferences -> Currency Conversion tab:
# Select '''Delete the drawing when Delete is pressed (if unchecked – the study is deleted)''' to be able to delete the drawings created by a study without removing the study from the chart.
+
 
# Select '''Do not delete drawings created by a study''' if a study is deleted to enable the corresponding option.
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* Set '''Currency request timeout''' parameter to specify the time value for accessing the Currency Conversion Server. Select the value between 30 and 120 seconds. The default value is 30.
# Clear '''Enable data source merging option (allows to merge historical and real-time data from DIFFERENT data sources)''' if you use the same data source for historical and real-time data. Merging should be used only in case you are getting historical and real-time data from different data providers (for example, historical data from IQFeed, real-time data from Interactive Brokers). If you select this box then [[Creating Charts#Merging Data Sources into a Single Chart|Merging Data Sources into a single Chart]] option in the Chart settings will be available.
+
* Enable '''Allow calculation if currency conversion data is incomplete''' checkbox to retain auto trading and calculate the signals with the previously received currency conversion data, in case Currency Conversion server cannot be accessed at that moment.
 +
* Select the '''Data source''' that will be used for currency conversion from the drop-down list. Limited number of data feeds can be used efficiently for currency conversion (Interactive Brokers, LMAX, MCFX), as they provide continuous Daily Bid Forex historical data.
 +
 
 +
To use alternative currency conversion sources: Interactive Brokers, LMAX or MCFX, it’s required to have a subscription to the needed currency pairs with the selected data vendor.
 +
If no alternative data feed is used, the Default currency conversion server can be chosen. It provides data for currency conversion since 2002.
 +
 
 +
<div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;"><u>'''NOTE'''</u>: MultiCharts needs to be restarted completely in order to apply any changes made for the Currency Conversion Server.</div>
 +
 
 +
'''Possible Issues'''
 +
 
 +
The message '''“Cannot access Currency Conversion server. Calculation will be stopped.”''' is displayed in case the Currency Conversion server cannot be accessed within the specified timeout. This message indicates that the signal calculation will be stopped as there is no data for conversion. Therefore, the signal will be turned off and auto trading will be disabled. To avoid this, check the box '''Allow calculation if currency conversion data is incomplete'''.
  
 
== Trading ==
 
== Trading ==
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===General===
 
===General===
 
# Select '''Show Error pop-up alert''' to enable alerting when any errors in MultiCharts working occur; clear the checkbox to disable alerting.  
 
# Select '''Show Error pop-up alert''' to enable alerting when any errors in MultiCharts working occur; clear the checkbox to disable alerting.  
# Select '''Sound Alerts''' to enable alerting when a position is opened/closed, an order is filled, cancelled, rejected; clear the checkbox to disable alerting. Affects both auto trading and manual trading
+
# Select '''Sound Alerts''' to enable alerting when a broker profile is connected/disconnected, position is opened/closed, an order is filled, cancelled, rejected; clear the checkbox to disable alerting. Affects both auto trading and manual trading.
  
 
===Manual Trading Options===
 
===Manual Trading Options===
:1. Check '''Show order confirmation dialog when placing/cancelling orders using keyboard shortcut''' to prompt for a confirmation when an order is placed/cancelled using keyboard shortcuts; clear the box to avoid confirmation
+
 
:2. Check '''Require Order Confirmation''' to prompt for a confirmation when an order is placed manually on charts, in DOM and Forex Board. Doesn’t apply to orders placed from Trade Bar.
+
==== Confirmations Settings ====
:3. Check '''Require Confirmation for Flatten Everything command''' to prompt for a confirmation when Flatten Everything command is used in the [[Order and Position Tracker]].
+
Select to '''require confirmation''' for
:4. Select the source of the average entry price for manual exit strategies in '''Exit Strategies Average Open Position Price''':
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:* '''Orders (not applied to Trade Bar)''' to prompt for a confirmation when an order is placed manually on charts, in DOM and Forex Board. Doesn’t apply to orders placed from Trade Bar.
 +
:* '''Close position command''' to prompt for a confirmation when a Close position command is used.
 +
:* '''Reverse position command''' to prompt for a confirmation when a Reverse position command is used.
 +
:* '''Flatten Everything command''' to prompt for a confirmation when Flatten Everything command is used in the [[Order and Position Tracker]].
 +
:* '''Orders placed/cancelled by the keyboard shortcuts''' to prompt for a confirmation when an order is placed/cancelled using keyboard shortcuts; clear the box to avoid confirmation.
 +
 
 +
==== Exit Strategies Average Open Position Price ====
 +
Select the source of the average entry price for manual exit strategies:
 
:* received from broker;
 
:* received from broker;
 
:* calculated based on order(s) execution price.  
 
:* calculated based on order(s) execution price.  
:5. Select the '''Exit Strategies Mode''':
+
 
 +
==== Exit Strategies Mode ====
 
:* '''First to Position, then to Orders''' - this is a combination of the 2 modes described below. The first exit strategy order works according to “[[Preferences#All to Positions|All to Positions]]” mode logic, all other exit orders work according to “[[Preferences#All to Orders|All to Orders]]” mode logic.  
 
:* '''First to Position, then to Orders''' - this is a combination of the 2 modes described below. The first exit strategy order works according to “[[Preferences#All to Positions|All to Positions]]” mode logic, all other exit orders work according to “[[Preferences#All to Orders|All to Orders]]” mode logic.  
 
:* '''All to Position''' - whenever an exit strategy is used (whether it is an auto-attached exit strategy or it was manually dragged and dropped it onto an open position on the chart), the number of contracts of the exit strategy always depends on number of contracts of current open position and the exit strategy can be cancelled or vice versa, not placed at all, if an open position is closed or there is possibility of overfill (it can be cancelled manually).
 
:* '''All to Position''' - whenever an exit strategy is used (whether it is an auto-attached exit strategy or it was manually dragged and dropped it onto an open position on the chart), the number of contracts of the exit strategy always depends on number of contracts of current open position and the exit strategy can be cancelled or vice versa, not placed at all, if an open position is closed or there is possibility of overfill (it can be cancelled manually).
Line 75: Line 107:
 
Similar to this case if you enter with an order + auto attached stop loss and then you place another order in opposite direction with attached profit target, the position will be closed, but both stop loss order and profit target orders will stay active, because they are not bound to open position in this mode. </div>
 
Similar to this case if you enter with an order + auto attached stop loss and then you place another order in opposite direction with attached profit target, the position will be closed, but both stop loss order and profit target orders will stay active, because they are not bound to open position in this mode. </div>
  
:6. '''Price Order Emulation''' - since '''MultiCharts 12''' it is possible to switch between native and emulated Stop, Limit and Stop-Limit orders in both auto trading and manual trading. This feature requires realtime data subscription on your broker account. When a Stop/Limit order is emulated - once the Stop/Limit price level is reached by the corresponding Ask/Bid or Trade prices, a market/limit order is sent to the broker correspondingly. When a Stop-Limit order is emulated - once the Stop price level is reached by the corresponding Ask/Bid or Trade prices, a Limit order is sent to the broker. In case Stop, Limit and/or Stop-Limit order emulation is enabled - the emulated OCO group is used, disregard the broker profile/autotrading broker plugin settings.
+
==== Price Order Emulation ====
 +
Since MultiCharts 12 it is possible to switch between native and emulated Stop, Limit and Stop-Limit orders in both auto trading and manual trading.<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">This feature requires real-time data subscription on your broker account.</div>
 +
 
 +
From the dropdown list next to the corresponding order type<br>
 +
Select '''Emulate locally using Bid/Ask''' or '''Emulate locally using Trade''' to enable the Stop, Limit or Stop-Limit order emulation for manual trading <br>
 +
Select '''Use native''' if using price order emulation is undesirable.<br>
 +
<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">To apply the changes, disconnect and reconnect the broker profile.</div>
 +
 
 +
When a '''Stop/Limit''' order is emulated - once the Stop/Limit price level is reached by the corresponding Ask/Bid or Trade prices, a market/limit order is sent to the broker correspondingly.<br>
 +
When a '''Stop-Limit''' order is emulated - once the Stop price level is reached by the corresponding Ask/Bid or Trade prices, a Limit order is sent to the broker.<br>
 +
When Stop, Limit and/or Stop-Limit order emulation is enabled - the emulated OCO group is used, regardless of the broker profile/auto trading broker plug-in settings.
  
To enable the Stop, Limit or Stop-Limit order emulation for manual trading select '''Emulate locally using Bid/Ask''' or '''Emulate locally using Trade''' from the dropdown list next to the corresponding order type. Leave the settings to '''Use native''' if using price order emulation is undesirable.
+
==== Additional Options ====
In order to apply the changes one needs to disconnect the broker profile and reconnect it.
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Check '''500 ms delay to avoid double clicking''' to avoid accidentally placing unnecessary orders.
 +
Check '''Show sleep/hibernation mode warning''' to see the warning when a broker profile is connected.
 +
Check '''Show warning when switching to the Risk Management mode''' to get the corresponding warning.
  
 
===Auto Trading Options===
 
===Auto Trading Options===
  
# Clear '''Do not show cancel active orders confirmation dialog when disabling auto trading''' to see the dialog window asking if the pending strategy orders should be cancelled when automated trading is turned off; check the box and select one of the following options to avoid the dialog:
+
'''Managing active orders when auto trading is turned off:'''
#* '''Cancel active orders sent by the strategy''',
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:* Cancel active orders sent by the strategy
#* '''Do not cancel active orders sent by the strategy'''.
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:* Do not cancel active orders sent by the strategy  
# Clear '''Do not show close open position confirmation dialog when disabling auto trading''' to see the dialog window asking if the opened by strategy position should be closed when automated trading is turned off; check the box and select one of the following options to avoid the dialog:
+
:* Require manual confirmation
#* '''Close the open [[Order and Position Tracker#Strategy Positions tab|position opened by the strategy]]''',
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#* '''Do not close the open [[Order and Position Tracker#Strategy Positions tab|position opened by the strategy]]'''.
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'''Managing open positions when auto trading is turned off:'''
 +
:* Close the open position opened by the strategy
 +
:* Do not close the open position opened by the strategy
 +
:* Require manual confirmation
 +
 
 +
'''When system resources (GDI/User objects, disc space, physical memory) are running low:'''
 +
:* Show confirmation dialogue
 +
:* Stop auto trading without confirmation
  
 
===Currency Options===
 
===Currency Options===
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Select one of the available currencies to see open [[Chart Trading#PnL and Current Position|profit and loss values on charts]] and profit and loss values in [[Order and Position Tracker#Open Positions Tab|Order and Position Tracker]] window in '''Preferred Currency'''.
 
Select one of the available currencies to see open [[Chart Trading#PnL and Current Position|profit and loss values on charts]] and profit and loss values in [[Order and Position Tracker#Open Positions Tab|Order and Position Tracker]] window in '''Preferred Currency'''.
  
== Directories ==
+
=== Fail-Watch and Trading System Warnings ===
Directories tab determines the location of MultiCharts Database, Cache files, Studies, Logs and Order and Position Tracker data. It is possible change the directories and [[How to Move MultiCharts Database, Studies and Logs from C Drive (Starting from 8.7 Version)|move all this to a different location]].
+
If you are satisfied with the current performance, do not observe any issues in the operation and consider any [[Fail-Watch_and_Trading_System_Warnings|alert]] excessive, you can change the timeout or completely disable the [[Fail-Watch_and_Trading_System_Warnings|alerts]].
 +
 
 +
== Misc ==
 +
 
 +
'''Directories'''
 +
 
 +
Directories section determines the location of MultiCharts Database, Cache files, Studies, Logs and [[Order_and_Position_Tracker|Order and Position Tracker]] data. It is possible change the directories and [[How to Move MultiCharts Database, Studies and Logs from C Drive (Starting from 8.7 Version)|move all this to a different location]].
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
==Scanner==
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'''Require confirmation for the actions in the Format Objects window'''
In the Scanner tab it is possible to select the way the instruments/rows/groups are inserted into the Scanner. The available options are '''Above Active Cells''' and '''Below Active Cells'''.
 
  
==Currency Conversion==
+
Select to
Currency Conversion functionality is used for converting price values when Base/Preferred Currency is different from the symbol currency set in QuoteManager. Since MultiCharts 10 Release 3 an alternative currency conversion server can be selected.
+
:* Require confirmation to change the studies' status
 +
:* Require confirmation to change the drawings' status
 +
:* Require confirmation to remove the instruments
 +
:* Require confirmation to remove the signals
 +
:* Require confirmation to remove the drawings
 +
:* Require confirmation to remove the indicators
 +
 
 +
'''Charting'''
 +
 
 +
Select to
 +
:* Remove studies from charts without confirmation
 +
:* Enable the [[Using_Studies#Study_Status_Switch|Status switch]] for indicators in the status line
 +
:* Show the data sources [[Creating_Charts#Merging_Data_Sources_into_a_Single_Chart|merging]] option
 +
:* Reverse the [[Time_Scale#Setting_Bar_Spacing|bar spacing]] direction when using mouse
  
The Currency Conversion settings are accessible from File -> Preferences -> Currency Conversion tab:
+
When rolling the scroll wheel select to:
 +
:* Scroll through a chart
 +
:* Change bar spacing
  
* Set '''Currency request timeout''' parameter to specify the time value for accessing the Currency Conversion Server. Select the value between 30 and 120 seconds. The default value is 30.
+
'''Drawings'''
* Enable '''Allow calculation if Currency Conversion data is incomplete''' checkbox to retain auto-trading and calculate the signals with the previously received currency conversion data, in case Currency Conversion server cannot be accessed at that moment.
 
* Select the '''Data source''' that will be used for currency conversion from the drop-down list. Limited number of data feeds can be used efficiently for currency conversion (Interactive Brokers, LMAX, MCFX), as they provide continuous Daily Bid Forex historical data.
 
  
To use alternative currency conversion sources: Interactive Brokers, LMAX or MCFX, it’s required to have a subscription to the needed currency pairs with the selected data vendor.
+
Select to
If no alternative data feed is used, the Default currency conversion server can be chosen. It provides data for currency conversion since 2002.
+
:* Improve visual appearance of drawing tools
 +
:* Keep the drawings created by a study if a study is deleted
  
<div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;"><u>'''NOTE'''</u>: MultiCharts needs to be restarted completely in order to apply any changes made for the Currency Conversion Server.</div>
+
When Delete key is pressed for the selected drawing select to:
 +
:* Delete the drawing
 +
:* Delete the study that generated it
  
===Possible Issues===
+
'''Scanner options'''
  
The message '''“Cannot access Currency Conversion server. Calculation will be stopped.”''' is displayed in case the Currency Conversion Server cannot be accessed within the specified timeout. This message indicates that the signal calculation will be stopped as there is no data for conversion. Therefore, the signal will be turned off and auto-trading will be disabled. To avoid this, check the box '''Allow calculation if Currency Conversion data is incomplete'''.
+
In the Scanner options section it is possible to select the way the instruments/rows/groups are inserted into the [[Working_with_Grid|Scanner]].
  
[[Category:Help]]
+
Select to insert rows:
 +
:* Above active cell
 +
:* Below active cell

Latest revision as of 14:24, 31 January 2024

To access the Preferences window, in the main MultiCharts menu click File -> Preferences...
The window can also be opened by using ALT+F, +F keyboard shortcut sequence.

Workspaces

Workspaces preferences settings determine which workspaces, if any, will be opened on application startup, whether changes to workspaces will be saved on application exit, and if a confirmation prompt will appear when Chart/Scanner Windows are closed.

In the On start section select:

  • Open last active workspace from previous session
  • Open all workspaces from previous session
  • Open prebuilt workspaces
  • Do not open workspaces
  • Check Show this window box for the Preferences window to appear on start of MultiCharts
  • Check Run wizard to open Wizard on software startup

In the All workspaces section check:

  • Skip the confirmation when closing windows. The confirmation window will not appear when the window is closed.
  • Skip the confirmation when exiting the application. The confirmation window will not appear when the application is closed.
  • Store optimization reports within workspaces. Clear it not to save report with a workspace.
  • Keep the reports from previous optimizations. When this option is unchecked, the previous reports will be deleted on start of the next optimization, as well as the unsaved reports on close of the workspace.

In the On exit section select:

  • Save the changes on all workspaces
  • Do not save any changes on all workspaces
  • Ask about saving the changes on each workspace

Data

Data server mode

Data Server Mode settings affect the whole software (MultiCharts, Portfolio Trader and QuoteManager). This setting determines whether the software has access to real-time data from a data provider server or it is limited to use only the data that is already stored in the database.

  • Select Online to switch software to online mode and get access to data from data vendor servers.

Check Download missing historical data to download the missing historical data from a data provider; clear the checkbox to work only with real-time data and locally stored data (no historical backfill from data vendor).
Check Save real-time minute bars to the database to save real-time data. If a data vendor provides historical minute data, the feature is not enabled by default and real-time minute data is not saved in the database.

Next two options are available in MultiCharts 15 Open Beta.

Check Collect data when QuoteManager is closed to collect data even when the QuoteManager window is not running. If any data collecting task is in progress, data will be downloaded until computer shutdown.
Check Collect data immediately after login to launch downloading once you enter the system.

Note: Remember password and Remember my choice options should be enabled in MultiCharts License Manager and Login window.
  • Select Offline to work only with historical data that is already saved in the database. No additional data will be requested from the data provider in this case.

To show the Data tab on start, check the Show this window on start checkbox; clear the checkbox not to display it.

Note: In order to switch between the modes or turn on/off the "Download missing historical data" box, all workspaces should be closed in all instances of MultiCharts, forward testing and auto trading should be stopped in Portfolio Trader and QuoteManager should be exited, Forex Board service window should be dectivated, service scanner should be cleared of all symbols (or also deactivated) and all the Data Collecting tasks should be finished.

To learn how this page affects data collected in MultiCharts, please read this article.

Currency conversion

Currency Conversion functionality is used for converting price values when Base/Preferred Currency is different from the symbol currency set in QuoteManager. Since MultiCharts 10 Release 3 an alternative currency conversion server can be selected.

The Currency Conversion settings are accessible from File -> Preferences -> Currency Conversion tab:

  • Set Currency request timeout parameter to specify the time value for accessing the Currency Conversion Server. Select the value between 30 and 120 seconds. The default value is 30.
  • Enable Allow calculation if currency conversion data is incomplete checkbox to retain auto trading and calculate the signals with the previously received currency conversion data, in case Currency Conversion server cannot be accessed at that moment.
  • Select the Data source that will be used for currency conversion from the drop-down list. Limited number of data feeds can be used efficiently for currency conversion (Interactive Brokers, LMAX, MCFX), as they provide continuous Daily Bid Forex historical data.

To use alternative currency conversion sources: Interactive Brokers, LMAX or MCFX, it’s required to have a subscription to the needed currency pairs with the selected data vendor. If no alternative data feed is used, the Default currency conversion server can be chosen. It provides data for currency conversion since 2002.

NOTE: MultiCharts needs to be restarted completely in order to apply any changes made for the Currency Conversion Server.

Possible Issues

The message “Cannot access Currency Conversion server. Calculation will be stopped.” is displayed in case the Currency Conversion server cannot be accessed within the specified timeout. This message indicates that the signal calculation will be stopped as there is no data for conversion. Therefore, the signal will be turned off and auto trading will be disabled. To avoid this, check the box Allow calculation if currency conversion data is incomplete.

Trading

Trading settings affect the functionality and usability of manual and auto trading.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Any changed configuration in Preferences on Trading tab will come into effect and work correctly only after restart of MultiCharts.

General

  1. Select Show Error pop-up alert to enable alerting when any errors in MultiCharts working occur; clear the checkbox to disable alerting.
  2. Select Sound Alerts to enable alerting when a broker profile is connected/disconnected, position is opened/closed, an order is filled, cancelled, rejected; clear the checkbox to disable alerting. Affects both auto trading and manual trading.

Manual Trading Options

Confirmations Settings

Select to require confirmation for

  • Orders (not applied to Trade Bar) to prompt for a confirmation when an order is placed manually on charts, in DOM and Forex Board. Doesn’t apply to orders placed from Trade Bar.
  • Close position command to prompt for a confirmation when a Close position command is used.
  • Reverse position command to prompt for a confirmation when a Reverse position command is used.
  • Flatten Everything command to prompt for a confirmation when Flatten Everything command is used in the Order and Position Tracker.
  • Orders placed/cancelled by the keyboard shortcuts to prompt for a confirmation when an order is placed/cancelled using keyboard shortcuts; clear the box to avoid confirmation.

Exit Strategies Average Open Position Price

Select the source of the average entry price for manual exit strategies:

  • received from broker;
  • calculated based on order(s) execution price.

Exit Strategies Mode

  • First to Position, then to Orders - this is a combination of the 2 modes described below. The first exit strategy order works according to “All to Positions” mode logic, all other exit orders work according to “All to Orders” mode logic.
  • All to Position - whenever an exit strategy is used (whether it is an auto-attached exit strategy or it was manually dragged and dropped it onto an open position on the chart), the number of contracts of the exit strategy always depends on number of contracts of current open position and the exit strategy can be cancelled or vice versa, not placed at all, if an open position is closed or there is possibility of overfill (it can be cancelled manually).
Example:
  1. All to Positions mode is used. Stop Loss exit strategy is configured to be auto attached.
  2. You click Buy Market 10 contracts.
  3. Long market position for 10 contracts is opened and 10 contracts stop loss is placed according to its settings. This stop order can be filled, modified or cancelled according to modified or filled number of open contracts or it can be cancelled manually.
  4. It is possible to apply a different exit order to your current open position now. Let’s say, you decide to drag and drop a preset Profit Target onto your open market position. If you do this, you will place a 10 contracts profit target order according to its settings.
  5. The key difference of this mode is that if you manually close 1 long contract out of 10 opened at the moment, both the stop loss and the profit target orders will be modified to reduce their quantities down to 9, because in this mode they are to be dynamically adjusted according to current number of open contracts.
  6. Similar to the described case: if you enter with an order + auto attached stop loss and then you place another order in opposite direction with attached profit target, the position will be closed and both stop loss order and profit target orders will be cancelled, because they are bound to open position in this mode.
  • All to Orders - whenever an exit strategy is used (whether it is an auto-attached exit strategy or it was manually dragged and dropped it onto an open position on the chart), the number of contracts of the exit strategy is always fixed and the exit strategy is not cancelled under any conditions, it can be only filled (it can be cancelled manually).
Example:
  1. All to Orders mode is used. Stop Loss exit strategy is configured to be auto attached.
  2. You click Buy Market 10 contracts.
  3. Long market position for 10 contracts is opened and 10 contracts stop loss is placed according to its settings. This stop order can be either filled or you can cancel it yourself, it will not be cancelled or modified any other way because it was bound to your 10 contract buy entry order.
  4. It is possible to apply a different exit order to your current open position now. Let’s say, you decide to drag and drop a preset Profit Target onto your open market position. If you do this, you will place a 10 contracts profit target order according to its settings.
  5. The key difference of this mode is that if you manually close 1 long contract out of 10 opened at the moment, both the stop loss and the profit target orders will remain with quantities = 10, because in this mode they are not to be dynamically adjusted according to number of currently open contracts.
Similar to this case if you enter with an order + auto attached stop loss and then you place another order in opposite direction with attached profit target, the position will be closed, but both stop loss order and profit target orders will stay active, because they are not bound to open position in this mode.

Price Order Emulation

Since MultiCharts 12 it is possible to switch between native and emulated Stop, Limit and Stop-Limit orders in both auto trading and manual trading.

This feature requires real-time data subscription on your broker account.

From the dropdown list next to the corresponding order type
Select Emulate locally using Bid/Ask or Emulate locally using Trade to enable the Stop, Limit or Stop-Limit order emulation for manual trading
Select Use native if using price order emulation is undesirable.

To apply the changes, disconnect and reconnect the broker profile.

When a Stop/Limit order is emulated - once the Stop/Limit price level is reached by the corresponding Ask/Bid or Trade prices, a market/limit order is sent to the broker correspondingly.
When a Stop-Limit order is emulated - once the Stop price level is reached by the corresponding Ask/Bid or Trade prices, a Limit order is sent to the broker.
When Stop, Limit and/or Stop-Limit order emulation is enabled - the emulated OCO group is used, regardless of the broker profile/auto trading broker plug-in settings.

Additional Options

Check 500 ms delay to avoid double clicking to avoid accidentally placing unnecessary orders. Check Show sleep/hibernation mode warning to see the warning when a broker profile is connected. Check Show warning when switching to the Risk Management mode to get the corresponding warning.

Auto Trading Options

Managing active orders when auto trading is turned off:

  • Cancel active orders sent by the strategy
  • Do not cancel active orders sent by the strategy
  • Require manual confirmation

Managing open positions when auto trading is turned off:

  • Close the open position opened by the strategy
  • Do not close the open position opened by the strategy
  • Require manual confirmation

When system resources (GDI/User objects, disc space, physical memory) are running low:

  • Show confirmation dialogue
  • Stop auto trading without confirmation

Currency Options

Select one of the available currencies to see open profit and loss values on charts and profit and loss values in Order and Position Tracker window in Preferred Currency.

Fail-Watch and Trading System Warnings

If you are satisfied with the current performance, do not observe any issues in the operation and consider any alert excessive, you can change the timeout or completely disable the alerts.

Misc

Directories

Directories section determines the location of MultiCharts Database, Cache files, Studies, Logs and Order and Position Tracker data. It is possible change the directories and move all this to a different location.

Require confirmation for the actions in the Format Objects window

Select to

  • Require confirmation to change the studies' status
  • Require confirmation to change the drawings' status
  • Require confirmation to remove the instruments
  • Require confirmation to remove the signals
  • Require confirmation to remove the drawings
  • Require confirmation to remove the indicators

Charting

Select to

  • Remove studies from charts without confirmation
  • Enable the Status switch for indicators in the status line
  • Show the data sources merging option
  • Reverse the bar spacing direction when using mouse

When rolling the scroll wheel select to:

  • Scroll through a chart
  • Change bar spacing

Drawings

Select to

  • Improve visual appearance of drawing tools
  • Keep the drawings created by a study if a study is deleted

When Delete key is pressed for the selected drawing select to:

  • Delete the drawing
  • Delete the study that generated it

Scanner options

In the Scanner options section it is possible to select the way the instruments/rows/groups are inserted into the Scanner.

Select to insert rows:

  • Above active cell
  • Below active cell