View source for Working with Symbols

<br>
In the Scanner it is possible to add, format, and remove symbols. 

Symbols can be added from diverse data feeds and have different settings. 

Linking of the symbols to the chart or multiple charts makes it possible to plot charts in considerably small time period. 

Symbols can be sorted according to the defined criteria with possibility to use a timer. 

<br>
== Adding a Symbol == 

To add a new symbol to the Scanner window:

# Access '''Format Instruments''' dialog window:
#* Press F5 key on the keyboard, or
#* Select '''Symbol''' in the main menu then select '''Symbol''', or
#* Double-click on any cell in any empty row, or
#* Right-click on any cell and select '''Insert Symbol...'''.
# Select the '''Symbol''' tab.
# Select a data feed in the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box. 
# Delete the text, if any, in the '''Symbol/Description''' drop-down list. 
#: The text is used to filter available symbols.  If there is text, then only symbols that contain the text will be available.<br><div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;">Learn more about [[Operating_Symbol_List#Adding Symbol(s) to Symbol List|Adding Symbols]] to QuoteManager Symbol List</div>
# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Symbols''' tab.
#: <div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;">Tip: Use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols.</div>
#: <div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;">Tip: The list can be sorted by any column. To sort, click on the column header.</div>
#: It is also possible to add multiple symbols at the same time. To highlight multiple symbols use one of the following methods:
#:* Click on the symbol to begin with and while holding SHIFT key click on the last necessary symbol. All symbols in the range between these two will be selected; or:
#:* Use CTRL in combination with the mouse to select/deselect symbols one by one. While holding CTRL, a single click will select the symbol and second click on the same symbol will deselect it; or:
#:* While holding SHIFT use the UP ARROW and the DOWN ARROW keys to select a group of neighbor symbols; or:
#:* While holding CTRL, use the UP ARROW and the DOWN ARROW keys in combination with the SPACE key to select symbols. 
#:* Using the Ctrl+A keyboard shortcut to select all symbols.
# Сlick '''OK''', to create a chart with the default settings. 
<br>Read more about [[#Formatting Symbols|Formatting Symbols]]
<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: The order of the symbols in the scanner may be different from the order of the symbol selected in the Format Instruments window if automated sorting is turned on.</div>
<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: The maximum number of symbols per one Scanner window is 5,000 (in MultiCharts 32 bit) / No limitation for the amount of symbols per Scanner window (in MultiCharts 64 bit).</div>
<br><div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;">Tip: Symbols can also be copied and pasted from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or text file to the Scanner.</div>

<br>

== Formatting Symbols == 

To format a symbol in the Scanner window:

# Access the '''Format Instruments''' dialog window using one of the following methods:
#* Select '''Scanner''' in the main menu and click on '''Format Instruments…''', or:
#* Double-click on the necessary symbol in the symbol list, or:
#* Right-click on the necessary symbol and select '''Format Instruments...'''
# Modify appropriate symbol settings if needed:
#: [[Changing_Symbols|Symbols]] 
#: [[Chart_Resolution|Chart Resolution]] 
#: [[Quote_Field|Quote Field]] 
#: [[Sessions|Sessions]] 
#: [[Chart_Resolution#Build Volume On Selector|Build Volume On]] 
#: [[Time_Zone|Time Zone]] 
#: [[Setting_Properties#Displaying prices in fractional format|Fractional Price Scale Format for Symbols]]
# Modify Data Range settings if needed (Using Custom Data Range):
## Select the '''Use Custom Data Range''' check box  to set the number of bars/days back for indicators applied to this symbol. Clear the check box to use the default bars/days back.
## Enter a number in the text box (from 1 to 100000) and select either '''Bars Back''' or '''Days Back''' in the drop-down list. 
## Select the most recent date from which to calculate '''Bars Back''' or '''Days Back''' range.<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: By default, current date is set for the initial value.</div>
# Click '''OK'''.

<br>

== Formatting All Symbols == 

To edit resolution for all the symbols at the same time:

# Right-click on any cell in the '''Resolution''' column.
# Select '''Format Resolutions for All Symbols...'''. 
# Format Resolution (All symbols) dialog window will appear.
: Learn more about [[Chart_Resolution|Chart Resolution]].
: <div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: Resolution settings will be applied to all existing symbols; however newly added symbols will not inherit these settings.</div>

<br>To change the custom data range for all the symbols at the same time:

# Right-click on any cell in the '''Resolution''' column.
# Select '''Format Resolution for All Symbols...'''.
# Select the '''Use Custom Data Range''' check box.
# Enter a number in the text box (from 1 to 100000) and select either '''Bars Back''' or '''Days Back''' in the drop-down list. 
# Select the most recent date from which to calculate '''Bars Back''' or '''Days Back''' range.
: <div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: By default, current date is set for the initial value.</div>

<br>

== Removing a Symbol == 

To remove a symbol from the Scanner use one of the following methods:

* Click on the symbol name and use the DELETE button, or 
* Select '''Edit''' in the main menu and click on '''Remove Symbol''', or
* Right-click on the symbol and select '''Remove Symbol'''. 

<br>
== Removing All Symbols == 

To remove all symbols from the Scanner:

# Select '''Edit''' in the main menu.
# Click on '''Remove All Symbols'''. A confirmation window will appear.
# Click '''Yes''' to remove all symbols, or '''No''' to cancel.

<br>
== Sorting Symbols == 

Sorting makes it possible to quickly locate and monitor best trading opportunities defined by customizable criteria. 

The market data lines in the Scanner can be sorted based on any column.

To sort based on a single criterion:

# Double-click on the column header. The market data lines will be sorted based on ascending or descending order.
: <div style="background-color: #E5F6FF;">Tip: Double-click on the same header will switch from the ascending to the descending order of sorting.</div>

To sort based on multiple criteria (up to three),

# Right-click on any market data line and select '''Sort'''. The Sorting Settings window will appear.
# Select the first criteria to sort by using the '''Sort by''' drop-down list.  Then press the '''Ascending/Descending''' button to sort by ascending or descending order. 
# Select the second criteria to sort by using the '''Then by''' drop-down list.  Then press the '''Ascending/Descending''' button to sort by ascending or descending order. 
# Select the third criteria to sort by using the '''Then by''' drop-down list.  Then press the '''Ascending/Descending''' button to sort by ascending or descending order. 

To sort automatically:
# Select the '''Sort Data Every''' check box and enter the time period in seconds.

<br>

== Linking Symbols == 

Symbols in the Scanner can be linked to a chart plot.  After linking, the selected symbol in the Scanner can be easily plotted by simply clicking on the symbol in the Scanner.  The symbol will plot automatically in the chart.

To link a Scanner symbol to a chart plot:

# Create a Chart window using any symbol.
# Create a Scanner window within the same or different workspace. 
# Select the '''Instrument Link''' [[File:LinkingSymbol.png]] button on the '''Instrument''' column header in the Scanner.  Select a color. 
# Select the '''Instrument Link''' [[File:LinkingSymbol.png]] button on the Status Line of the Chart window to be linked.  Select the same color as the color chosen in the Scanner. 
#: <div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: The '''Instrument Link''' [[File:LinkingSymbol.png]] button will not appear if it is hidden in the Status Line settings.</div>
# In the Scanner window select a cell that contains a symbol's ticker. The chart for the symbol will be plotted in the Chart window. 
: <div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: The symbol name is linked to the Chart window.  The other settings, such as Resolution of the Chart, Quote field, Time Zone, Build Volume on, and Sessions will not be affected.</div>

To unlink a chart from the scanner:

Click the '''Instrument Link''' [[File:LinkingSymbol.png]] button on the chart and change it to '''Not Linked''' [[File:NotLinked.gif]].
: <div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: All studies or signals previously applied to the chart will be recalculated after linking.</div>
: <div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: All manually placed drawings will stay in their original locations.</div>
: <div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: Objects based on formula calculations (e.g., signal arrows, etc.) may disappear if the formula calculation on the new data series does not generate an object.</div>
<br>

[[Category:Real-Time Market Scanner]]