Sierra Chart - Changing the Symbol of a Chart

Changing the Symbol of a Chart

Within a chart you can change to a different symbol. This feature lets you change to any symbol in the chart and keep all the settings and studies the same. Data for each symbol is stored in its own chart data file. These files are located in the Data Files Folder (select Chart >> General Settings on the menu to set that folder).

Changing The Symbol of a Chart

Select Chart >> Chart Settings on the menu. In the Symbol box type the symbol you want to change to. Press the OK button.

A new chart data file will be created for the entered symbol if you have not previously requested the symbol before.

Futures: For instructions to change the symbol of a chart to a new futures contract month and include the data from the prior contract month, see the Renaming Chart Data Files section. In the case of historical charts the usual method to view a continuation chart is to use the special symbol from the data service to download continuation chart data. For example, the myTrack symbol for gold is GO`#00.

Also see Renaming Chart Data Files to change the symbol of a chart while keeping the existing data from the previous symbol.

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Quickly changing the Symbol of a Chart to a Symbol for which you have a Data File

Typing a complete symbol or partial symbol into the active chart window and pressing ENTER on your keyboard will load the first symbol that you have a data file for that matches the entered symbol. You will have a data file for a symbol if you previously opened a chart for that symbol. You can make a chart window active if it is not already by clicking on its title bar with the pointer. The window captures the keystrokes as you type them. There is no specific place on the chart you need to type them. The keystrokes will be displayed in the title bar of the window. For example, you can type: IBM and press the ENTER key on your keyboard to change to the symbol IBM. Or for example, you can type: IB and press the Enter key to change to the symbol IBM assuming you do not have a data file for IB.

For this feature to work, you need to have the option Global Settings >> General Settings >> Support Symbol Entry from Chart Window enabled.

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Quickly Changing the Symbol of a Chart to a New Symbol For Which You Do Not Have a Data File

Activate the chart by clicking on it's title bar or anywhere on the chart. Type a slash (/) followed by the symbol, and press the Enter key on your keyboard. Example: /ESM7. The window captures the keystrokes as you type them. There is no specific place on the chart you need to type them. The keystrokes will be displayed in the title bar of the window.

For this feature to work, you need to have the option Global Settings >> General Settings >> Support Symbol Entry from Chart Window enabled.

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Moving Through Your Data Files

The Next File (+ key on your keyboard) and Previous File (- key on your keyboard) commands on the Chart menu will change the active chart symbol to the next or previous symbol. All of the current settings for the chart window will stay the same. If the Only Symbols in Symbol List setting is checked on the Chart menu, this will change the active chart to the next or previous symbol in the Chart >> Associated Symbol List. If the Only Symbols in Symbol List setting is unchecked, then this allows you to move through all the symbols for which you have a chart data file.

Another method you can use is to move through the open chart windows within the visible chartbook. This can be done using the F4 (Previous Chart) key on your keyboard and the F9 (Next Chart) key. These command can also be found on the Window menu.

You can also automatically scan through your files. For information about this please see the Scan Menu Commands.

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Using the Associated Symbol List

The Associated Symbol List will allow you to cycle among multiple symbols in the same chart, and allow you to maintain the same settings. Before you can use the Associated Symbol List, you must setup the list of associated symbols. To setup the list select Chart >> Associated Symbol List on the menu. Click the Add button, and type in the Symbol you wish to add. Press Add before entering each symbol. Click OK when you have finished entering symbols.

Each chart has it's own Associated Symbol List. When you open the Associated Symbol List you will see the associated chart name on the title bar.

Once the Associated Symbol List is setup, make sure the option Chart >> Only Symbols in Symbol List on the menu is selected, or you will cycle through all the charts that are available in your data folder. When this option is enabled, you can use the + and - keys to change the symbol displayed in the chart to the next or previous symbol in the Associated Symbol List.

The Chart >> Start Scan command will cause the chart to cycle through all symbols in the Associated Symbol List. However, if the Chart >> Only Symbols in Symbol List option is not set, this will cause the chart to cycle through all symbols in the data folder. The Chart >> Stop Scan command will stop the chart from scanning.

Importing a List of Symbols

It is possible to import a list of symbols from a plain text file into the associated symbol list. Each symbol needs to be on its own line in this file. This is especially useful if you have a long or complex list of symbols. Please follow these steps:

  1. The first step is to create your list of symbols in a text file. Use an editor such as Windows Notepad. Enter each symbol on its own line in the file. If you are working with complex symbols and the command File >> Find Symbol and Open Chart is available for the data or trading service you are using, then you can select the symbol from that list. It will be displayed in the text box on the bottom of that window. Select the symbol, right-click and select Copy. You can paste that symbol into your Notepad file.
  2. Save the file to the Sierra Chart application folder. Although you can save this file anywhere.
  3. On the Chart >> Associated Symbol List window press the Import button. Locate your text file you created in the prior step and select it, and press Open. The list of symbols will now be imported.
  4. Press Ok.

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