# Welcome to OptimusFLOW Help Here you’ll find all the detailed documentation for OptimusFLOW features, learn how to create and customize your Workspace, understand all settings, get to know advanced features, and more ![](/files/-LvqvnXeqwlQizuxPshq) For ease of navigation, the Help system is divided into several categories that will allow you to quickly find the information you need: {% content-ref url="/pages/-Lvqvmw2IxArtiKeXqKm" %} [Getting started](/getting-started) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmwTg1XNyaZsX3FR" %} [Analytics panels](/analytics-panels) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmxBx3MwMgGj\_TiX" %} [Trading panels](/trading-panels) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmxKU5YQU\_dKDhI6" %} [Portfolio panels](/portfolio-panels) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmxRioxJ-iE13XX9" %} [Information panels](/informational-panels) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmxZTPu-rTamVqgD" %} [Miscellaneous](/miscellaneous-panels) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmxiUrntxJx8z63P" %} [Algo](/quantower-algo) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmxwMiWrGJxAaNoP" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-LvqvmxwMiWrGJxAaNoP) {% endcontent-ref %} # Getting started # First Time Users Take a look at the process that first time users should follow when first getting started with Optimus Flow. For first-time users of Optimus Flow please download the platform [Here](https://updates.quantower.com/OptimusFLOW/x64/latest/OptimusFLOW.exe)! Once Optimus Flow is downloaded, please follow the steps listed below: 1. Save the “.exe” file to your computer. 2. Double-click the file to install it and open it when it has finished. 3. Follow the prompts of the Installation Wizard, choose a destination path for your file, and click on the **Extract** button to begin. 4. Run the full program by double-clicking on the Optimus Flow icon on your desktop. 5. Once Optimus Flow is open, the connection menu will automatically open prompting you to enter your credentials. Choose your data feed connection (for demo accounts please choose: Optimus Futures) and click **Real** if you are using a Live Trading Account or **Demo** if you intend to connect with an Optimus Futures Paper Trading account. 6. Enter your Account credentials and click **Connect** once completed to establish a connection to the data feed of your choice. {% embed url="" %} For further instructions on how to connect a new demo account, please refer to the [following section of our help guide](https://help.optimusflow.app/connections/connection-to-optimus-futures). # Control center Get to know how to use and manage the Control center which is the starting panel of Optimus Flow. **Control center** — is the main starting point of all terminal, used as a launcher and informer simultaneously. The main functions of the Control center (CC) are: * Launcher for panels * Workspaces holder * Connections monitor * General settings access point ![Control Center Toolbar](/files/-M1gCmdXUERTwzpB408V) CC technically is a panel, but behaves something differently: it can be dragged among your screens (if you have more than one) and it will be always stuck at the top of the screen. It adapts own width up to the screen width and it participates in the workspace, meaning, that other panels can be stuck to it. Due to the fact that CC is the main controlling panel it has an ability to collapse all terminal’s interface by clicking the “***Collapse***” icon. This action makes all application panels to collapse to the taskbar and literally disappear from your screens; it affects all panels on all screens. If you press the CC icon on the taskbar after the collapse, you will get all of the interfaces appear again. ![Global interface collapser](/files/-LvqvntPfY45ge_LtZjO) The “***Close***” icon just closes the terminal. You may set up “*not to ask to confirm the closing*” setting in the pop-up screen while the first closing. ## Customization of Control Center For optimal use of the space on Control center, we have added the ability to display/hide some controls. For example, to hide the Timezones, Workspaces, Connections, etc., right-click on the context menu and go to View section. By clicking on the ticks, the controls will appear at the control center. ![Right click on the control center will bring up the additional settings window.](/files/-M1gDP6PHnFHd1U8-zjY) We have also added the ability to quickly call the controls without displaying them on the control center. ![Additional settings of Control Center](/files/-LvqvntTQHctfKpYt6Ps) ## Sidebar All of the panels are placed in so-called ***“Sidebar”*** screen, that is popping out once you click the Logo icon on CC. ![Control Center sidebar (Main Menu)](/files/-M1gCYDnrojECHrzqOR_) The Sidebar consists of panels icons, grouped by the functionality. Each group can be collapsed in order to make the panels list cleaner. From this place, you can open any panel by left-clicking on its icon. Each group has its color to help you determine the functional assignment of each panel. The footer of Sidebar contains several functions: * “**About**” link: opens a screen with information about terminal (version, rollback, updates checker etc.). If the system detects the new version of OptimusFLOW, the “NEW VERSION” button appears instead of this link; * “**Exit**” button: closes the application. {% hint style="info" %} The list of links in footer can contain more or fewer items, depending on current application requirements. {% endhint %} ## Favorite panels You might already have seen the Star icon in the right top corners of some panels tiles in Sidebar. This is the “Favorite panels” functionality, allowing you to select the most usable panels and place their icons on the Favorites bar on Control center. ![Favorites Panel](/files/-M1gES90rMabOAa68_Am) The way to use it very simple — hover over the right top corner of any panel tile in Sidebar and click the Star icon appeared. You can also right click an icon and choose the **Pin On Toolbar** option. That is all: panel appears in Favorite panels bar in Control center. To remove from favorites just click the activated Star icon on Panel's tile or right-click on the icon in Favorites panel and select “***Hide from toolbar***”. ## Lock trading If you would like to prevent the manual trading operations occur, you may use the “***Lock trading***” button on Control center. Once clicked it displays the confirmation message that trading being locked and all of the functions, related to opening or closing orders and positions will be disabled. Unlock trading can be done the vice-versa way. ![Lock trading icon](/files/-Lvqvnta9O8D6-MqC_JK) This feature is useful in case you would like to only analyze the market or while editing your workspace (mostly to avoid misclicks). ## Workspaces manager **Workspaces manager** allows you to see, create, edit and delete your working environments as well as lock their modification. It is represented with the special icon, that opens the list of available Workspaces once being clicked. {% embed url="" %} How to manage, edit, and create new workspaces. {% endembed %} ![Workspaces manager](/files/-LvqvntcrYiy6rkmfvsa) The currently active workspace is marked with the color and has a blue dot on the left side of its name. You can switch the current workspace by left-clicking any of available item from the list. The bottom part of the list (after separator) consists of actions, referred to the currently active workspace and allows to: * **Lock**: disables an ability to add, remove, move or resize any panel in current workspace; * **Rename...** : invokes a pop-up screen where you can set up a new name for the current workspace; * **Create new**: opens a pop-up screen with the new workspace creation form. ![New workspace creation window](/files/-LvqvnteJYnjYUh6WMqO) When creating the new workspace, you have an ability to specify its future name and select whether it should be Blank, once created, or should contain some predefined panels set. {% hint style="success" %} The list of Workspace templates will be constantly growing. {% endhint %} You can also Remove any of Workspaces by clicking the “***Trash***” icon on the right side from Workspace name (icon appears while hovering the name). ## Favorite connections The list of active connections can be seen on Control center in Favorite connections block. By default, you will see several items here, each representing one of the available connections. The [Connection manager](/connections/connections-manager) screen will be opened by clicking any of items in Favorite connections block. ![](/files/-M1RzhFo1m3iB5tnTuFQ) In order to show some connection on this bar, you need to click a “***Star***” icon at the right side of connection name in Connections manager panel. Click once more, and the connection will be removed from Favorites bar. Being added to Favorites bar, each connection will be displayed as a tile, containing some vital info: * **Connection name** * **Status text** (can be a status message or Ping time in ms when the connection is active) * **Status Dot**, a visual representation of connection status. Can be grey (disconnected), yellow (connecting), green (active). If connected, the Dot blinks periodically. You can Remove connection from Favorites by right-clicking on it and selecting “***Hide from toolbar***” item. Here you can also ask to connect or disconnect. ## Notifications center The most actions during the platform use generate various notifications. There can be system notification (some connection problems or errors) and Deal tickets. The Deal tickets — are the notifications about the trading operations. Each time you create an order or opening a new position — we will create a deal ticket for this. While some trading actions may be done in one click at the first sight, they usually consist of several related operations, each of them will be displayed via the Deal tickets. That is why you can see much more items in Notifications center than you did actions. ![The Deal ticket and Notifications center icon](/files/-LvqvntiNGCKNxHbex0g) The Notifications center — is the place where all notifications are stored in one list. You can open that list by clicking the Notifications icon in Control center. ![Notifications center](/files/-Lvqvntk-FTlRVVTm_Ck) When you have a set of new notifications, the small number will appear in the left top corner of Notification center icon. It displays how many unread notifications you have. Once you open the list — it understands that you have read them and the number will disappear. You will see all notifications just from the platform start. You may also clear this list by clicking the “***Clear all***” link. This action will hide all of the currently seen notifications from this list (but they will be still available in Event Log panel). By clicking one of the notifications you will see the window with the detailed info. ## General settings The “***Gear***” icon opens a general settings screen, where you can setup the most common parameters of our terminal. [More details about the **Settings**](/getting-started/general-settings) screen is available in the corresponding section of this documentation. ## Time & Time zones The Time bar is also displayed on the Control center toolbar showing you time in selected timezone. By default, your local timezone is used. You can change the time zones list by clicking the "***Gear***" icon and then select the required ones in [**General settings screen**](/getting-started/general-settings). You may also select several time zones and they will appear as a list in a drop-down panel, allowing you to switch among them quickly. ![Switch between your favorite timezones](/files/-Lvqvntmqzkl4a7E8yzH) # Workspaces, Binds, Groups Create the best trading environment, based on your own preferences. Use panels, Binds, and Groups under one Workspace We have divided the Workspaces organisation hierarchy into four basic layers (in terms of its scales): * [**Standalone panels**](/getting-started/workspaces-binds-groups#panels) * [**Groups**](/getting-started/workspaces-binds-groups#groups) * [**Binds**](/getting-started/workspaces-binds-groups#binds) * [**Workspaces**](/getting-started/workspaces-binds-groups#workspaces) ![General scheme of organisation layers](/files/-LvqvnYU-3xbmCKq_1TM) Each layer plays its role in process of Workspace contents organization and we sure that once you get used to our process, you will find it convenient, flexible and able to accomplish any of your ideas. ## Panels Standalone panels are the minor elements of any Workspace and they behave just like any usual PC window: * can be resized and positioned to any place on your screen; * can stick to each other within their borders when they close enough; * can stick its size to repeat the dimensions of other panels, while resizing; * can be collapsed to the OS taskbar as usual windows ## Panel's context menu Each panel has its own **context menu**, situated on the left upper corner, right before the Panel’s title. ![Panel's context menu](/files/-LvqvnYWtmng232v8ZXj) This menu usually consists of following functions: * **Link**. Allows linking several panels by common symbol using the Color definition. Just select one link color in two panels and they will have a synchronized symbol parameter. Once linkage is applied, the panel’s title will be colored to the respective color. * **Create bind**. Combining several panels in Super-panel. More in corresponding section below. * **Duplicate panel**. Just creates one more totally similar panel. * [**Save as template**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/getting-started/templates). Customize the panel, combine in a group or Bind and save as template. * [**Save as default**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/getting-started/set-as-default)**.** Each panel type has its own settings by Default. You can tune them whatever you want and even make your personal defaults. Just select “***Set as Default***” option, and OptimusFLOW will store your current panel’s settings and will apply them for each newly opened panel of this type. * **Help**. If you have questions about working with the panel or specific functionality, click on this link and you will immediately redirect to the documentation for this panel. * **Settings**. Personal settings per each panel. Opens a Settings screen where you can tune your panel as you like and then, in case of need, save these settings as Defaults. {% embed url="" %} ## Groups The simplest level of combining several panels together is a group. This layer allows to arrange several panels as nested tabs and then move the created group as one panel. To group two panels just click and drag one Panel’s header over another. To ungroup panels just drag an active Panel’s tab out of group tabs bar. ![Panels grouping](/files/-LvqvnYYw9aemoADsCJ4) Panels can also be reordered within group tabs as well as closed being grouped. Each newly created group has a default name “**Group**” that can be easily changed via panel’s context menu. {% hint style="success" %} Grouping is very useful for saving space and putting together several common panels. {% endhint %} ## Binds The most innovative and, we are sure, a useful layer of panels organization — is Binds (binding). It was developed to allow a user to create its own “Super-panels” — the sets of basic panels that should be stuck together. Generally, Binds allows to create any combination of panels in any required way; the only limit is your fantasy. Creation of Binds is an easy process: 1. place several panels on your workspace close to each other; 2. focus on one of the panels; 3. press “***Ctrl + \~***” hotkey or select “***Create bind***” from panel’s context menu (this turns the Bind mode on); 4. click on the panels, that you want to bind together or just hold the left mouse button and drag ("draw") over that panels to make them selected in one area; 5. press “***CREATE BIND***” button in the right-bottom corner of the Bind area (or hit “Enter” button on your keyboard); 6. that is all — now you have your own Super-panel. ![Binding panels — is an easy process](/files/-LvqvnY_wH-I1-LTLZks) {% hint style="warning" %} Keep in mind: intersected panels can’t be binded. {% endhint %} Each Bind acts as a single panel so when you resize it, it proportionally resizes all its containing panels. You may also drag the inner-separators to modify the dimensions between panels. Once you put some separators in one line, they will stick and resize as one. In order to edit the contents of the Bind, you should unbind it using its context menu option “Unbind”. {% hint style="info" %} Please notice that not all elements of OptimusFLOW can be binded. This feature doesn’t allow to combine screens (like Connections manager, settings) and some non-standard panels: Order entry, FXCell. This restriction was made because of impossibility to resize the Screens while binds should contain only the resizable items. {% endhint %} ## Workspaces The highest level of trading area organization — is a Workspace. This is the most general grouping layer that you may even don’t need most of the time. Binds and single panels are already enough for most use cases, but if you prefer to have a logically-separated environment (like “Trading - Analysis - News” or “Grains - Bonds - Metals” etc.) — Workspaces are your solution. Because of its nature (the global grouping tool), Workspaces manager is situated on Control center panel and can be invoked by clicking the corresponding button. [More about creating, managing and switching the workspaces](/getting-started/control-center#workspaces-manager) can be found in Control center section. As a top-level grouping layer, Workspaces store all their contents in special local files. These files can be found in ***OptimusFLOW -> Settings -> Workspaces*** folder. Each file represents some workspace; both have the similar names. Technically, the workspace file is an XML-document containing all of the settings of all panels that are in the workspace. {% hint style="success" %} OptimusFLOW auto-saves each workspace into its local file every 5 mins, in order to keep them safe. {% endhint %} # Templates Customize the panel as you need and save it as a Template for quick use for other trading instruments Due to the wide list of features, most panels in OptimusFLOW terminal have a huge list of customization possibilities. The more powerful panel is — more settings it has. This allows any user to tune each functionality by its own and sometimes this process can take a lot of time to complete. In order to save your work on workspace customization, we have developed a ***“Templates”*** functionality. It helps you to save your customizations in special objects — templates — and instantiate them later, keeping all of the applied settings. You can ***save any Panel, Group or Bind as a template***, so its usefulness is very promising. ## How to create the template? The process of Template creation is as simple as 1-2-3: 1. Open any panel (or use Group / Bind) 2. Customize it according your needs 3. Save as Template with custom name. ![“Save as template” option in panel’s context menu](/files/-LvqvoAW9X3B7EbydxZ1) All of the created templates are stored in Control center sidebar, under the ***“Templates”*** group. So you can launch any template from this place any time you wish. You can put the saved templates on the Favorites bar of Control center, as any other default panel. ![Templates found in the Control Center Sidebar.](/files/-M1gG0yo3PKYI9a_w5T1) If you want to **edit** the template name or **delete** it from your terminal — use the context menu on it. Each Template stores all of the settings data, including sizes, coloring, internal elements visibility, a predefined symbol of account values, additional specific settings etc. In other words: all that you can customize + more. {% hint style="success" %} You can **share your templates** with other OptimusFLOW traders by sharing the template files with them. Template files can be found in “OptimusFLOW -> Settings -> Templates” folder. {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} # Set as Default Set as Default option allows to customize the panel and save its settings by default. Each newly opened panel of this type will apply the saved settings. Flexible platform settings allow you to customize any panel on your own. Change the font, color, add indicators, determine the displaying of the required columns in the table, etc. But if you don’t want to configure the newly opened panels of this type every time, we have created the "***Set as Default*****"** option that redefines the factory settings. ## How Set as Default works? * **Open the panel** for which you want to assign new settings. * **Customize the panel**. For example, on the chart panel, add any indicator, change the font size of the price axis, change the background color. * Click on the panel's context menu (left upper corner) and click on the "***Set as Default"***. You will see the message "***Settings saved as default layout***". * A new panel of this type will open with saved settings. ![Saving default settings](/files/-LvqvnXdGaeTQww4fbz4) {% hint style="warning" %} If you enable [***volume analysis tools***](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools) on the chart panel and save it by default, then each new chart panel will be loading tick and volume data. It will increase traffic consumption and reduce the speed of building chart data. {% endhint %} In the latest version of the platform, we have removed the "***Reset to Default***" option. Therefore, each time clicking on the "***Set as Default*****"** you redefine the previous settings. # Symbols lookup Symbols lookup manager allowing to search and select any available symbol from active connections Symbols lookup manager — is a special screen, allowing to search and select any available symbol from active connections. There are various panels in OptimusFLOW terminal, that require to have a Symbol parameter being set up (Watchlist, Chart, Symbol info etc.). Depending on the requirements, symbols lookup can allow single or multiple symbols selection. Each time you successfully connect with some integration, you will get a list of its symbols in Symbol lookup manager screen. Due to OptimusFLOW allows a multiple integrations connection, you may have several similar symbols with data, that can vary a bit. This is normal because different providers can give us different quotes data. ## Lookup field Symbols lookup screen usually invoked from a lookup field. This field consists of two parts that allow you to open lookup screen: * Symbol name (with connection name) * “***Lookup***” icon in the form of three vertical points ![Symbol lookup field](/files/-Lvqvn_6Vdm7KsOEW2Jn) If you click on symbol name you will see that Lookup screen will pop up and the symbols, entered by you will be applied as filtering for the Symbols list. If you click on “***Lookup***” icon you will see the popped up Lookup screen without any filtering applied to symbols list. ![Symbol Lookup Screen](/files/-M1gGyAhG2LQK_599LuA) Anyway, you will get the Lookup screen, ready for Symbol selection. Lookup screen consists of three elements: * Toolbar with Search field and filter * The list of Connections and their symbols * Footer section If you want to close it just click outside of it. ## Searching & Filtering Usually, each connection gives you a numerous list of trading Symbols to select from. If you know name, you can start typing it in “***Search field***”, and the below list will be instantly filtered to the items, containing the entered phrase. In the example below, we search for ES: ![Symbol Lookup Filtering](/files/-M1gHA34AagdVk4kqIL1) {% hint style="warning" %} Be careful. While the Search field becomes reset each Lookup screen invoke, the second level filters stay as they were set up last time. So if you can’t find the required Symbol type — please check if you have this type enabled. {% endhint %} ## Symbols list The list of symbols is a result of filtering in Lookup screen. Here you can see the nested tree of Symbols, grouped in the following order: * Connection * Exchange * Type * Subtypes The Symbol types are marked with additional icons to help you identify the required one more quickly. The Symbol item row consists of Name and description. To select the Symbol — click on it; to apply the symbol to the required panel, just double-click on it. This action closes the Lookup screen ## Multiple Symbols Select In some cases, when panel can accept more than one Symbol item from lookup (like the Watchlist), you have an ability to select multiple items by holding the "***Ctrl key***" and clicking on the list. Once you ready to apply multiple items — press the "***check icon***" in the right bottom corner of the list. You may also select any category level item to apply all its contents to the required panel. ![Multiple Symbols Select](/files/-M1gHv2jemiLlkeCwZjC) ## List footer To help you deal with the big lists of Symbols, there is a footer toolbar with a set of mass actions. It allows to: * Collapse all nodes * Expand head nodes (top-level nodes, usually Connections) * Expand first-level child nodes ![List Footer Filtering](/files/-M1gJEoLX7dItxOcuz5t) The other useful information is placed on the right side of footer toolbar — items count. It may show the total amount of available Symbols (after the filtering was applied) as well as 3/235 (3 from 235) value, saying that you have selected multiple items among available. # Table management Get to know how to add or remove columns in the table, sort and filter data, set alerts and actions ## Table panels Table panels are represented as a separate class — they all have at least 99% of functionality based on the table view. We use the common table component for all of these panels, so the behavior and features are mostly the same. ![Table panels example](/files/-Lvqvnk9HkcteJYbcfoP) Some table panels have a special toolbar that can be used for Mass-filtering or Quick actions. Other table panels can have no column headers because they don’t really need for understanding the data, thus were hidden to save space; this disables an ability to filter columns data in such panels. ## Columns management Data in table panels are organized in rows and columns, where each item’s (row) parameters are displayed in columns. Not all of the available columns are displayed by default in each table panel. We have selected the most popular and vital per panel and made an ability to modify the columns set as you like. ![Modify table columns set as you like](/files/-LvqvnkBZX2U-OnkjurM) Right-click on any column header to see the “***Column set***” context menu. Then click on any item in this menu to switch the column’s visibility. You can disable up to 1 column minimum; the last visible column won’t be available to hide. Other useful features of columns management are sorting and resize. Each column can be dragged by its header between other columns inside the table in order to set the required sequence. You can also drag the vertical borders between two columns to resize them. ## Filtering The set of rows in the table can be filtered by some data value in their column. There are two ways to apply the filtering: * Quick table filter * Advanced table filter {% hint style="success" %} Quick table filter is just another point of access to advanced filtering option, allowing to apply simple filters in several clicks. {% endhint %} Quick table filter can be accessed by clicking the “***Filter***” icon in any table column’s header. ![Quick filtering per column](/files/-LvqvnkDoCcAeLp-fIwa) Depending on the data type in a column, the Quick filter will give you the corresponding form for input; currently “***String***”, “***Date/time***” & “***Number***” filtering are supported. Once you select some option — the table rows will be filtered to that ones, containing the selected value. Quick filter can be cancelled by pressing “***Cancel filtering***” option. ## Advanced table filter In case you would like to apply some more complex filtering (multi-filtering) you can open an advanced filter from panel’s context menu, option “***Setup actions***”. This screen has two tabs on the left side, where the first one is an Advanced filter. {% hint style="success" %} You will see your filters here if you have applied some previously in Quick mode. {% endhint %} ![Table advanced filter screen](/files/-LvqvnkFrtuymBp8xK_K) This screen allows you to Enable/disable filtering as well as set up filtering Conditions. These conditions are set up as: $$ IF (condition1 AND condition2 ...) OR (conditionN...) … $$ You can setup as many conditions as you like. Due to the possible complex logic of filtering, you are required to apply the changes once you finished the filter set up. {% hint style="info" %} Please notice, not all of applied via Advanced filter conditions can be accessed from the Quick filter. {% endhint %} ## Sorting Each table can be sorted by column value. To sort the table, click on column’s header; you will see a “***Sorting***” icon appears. The next click on this header will revert the sorting by this column. You can sort your table only by one column simultaneously. ## Grouping If you want to organize your rows more precisely, you can use a “***Rows grouping***” feature. It allows separating all table items in groups, made from data of some column. Currently, only “***String***” data columns are supported for grouping. ![Table grouped by “Side” value](/files/-LvqvnkH0emzocgIh0NH) To apply the grouping just right-click on table body and find an option “***Group by***”; the second-level of context menu will contain all of available columns that can be grouped by. You can group by one column only. To cancel grouping — follow the previous steps and uncheck the column. ## Table actions This feature allows you to setup certain behavior on some data change in the table. Currently, OptimusFLOW tables support four types of actions: * Show message * Play sound * Color row * Color cell ![Table actions per any OptimusFLOW table-based panel](/files/-LvqvnkJI7jj7EJZWaw2) The Table actions functionality can be found under the panel’s context menu option “Setup Actions” and once launched, it opens an “Actions screen”, where you can manage your Actions. The process of Action creation is not complicated. 1. Create an Action item 2. Set conditions (“OR” & “AND”) 3. Set tasks (Show message, Play sound, Color row, Color cell) 4. Save Action 5. Enable Action ## Table actions conditions Conditions setup for Table Actions is similar to [Filtering conditions, mentioned earlier](/getting-started/table-management#advanced-table-filter). ## Table actions tasks Once some condition is met, action will execute the corresponding tasks. Each task will be executed as many times, as the condition was met. | **Show message** | Displays a popup box with the user-specified message | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Play sound** | Plays some user selected sound file | | **Color row** | Changes the styling of the whole row, where the condition was met. Allows changing the background and/or text colors. | | **Color cell** | Changes the styling of the specified cell(s) of the row, where the condition was met. Allows changing the background and/or text colors. | {% hint style="warning" %} Be careful with the frequently occurring conditions. Some may be met several times per second, so tasks like “*Play sound*” can become disturbing. The “*Show message*” task, fired several times, will be shown as one message box. {% endhint %} # Backup & restore manager Backup & restore manager plugin allows to keep your settings safe and restore them in case of troubles with the application. ## General Backup & restore manager plugin allows to keep your settings safe and restore them in case of troubles with the application. This smart tool can backup your global settings, connections credentials, workspaces and per panel layout settings in one local file, that can be used later to restore them in several clicks. ![Backup & restore master starting screen](/files/-LvqvnVSpwxH9ugl_Zyl) ## Backup settings The backup process is easy and doesn’t require many explanations. Just select the path where your backup file will be stored (OptimusFLOW backups folder by default; recommended) and press the **\[ CREATE BACKUP ]** button. ![](/files/-LvqvnVU9ZlBI3qFJIDm) Once the process is started, you will see the progress screen, showing the backup process flow. When the backup will be finished you can press the **\[ FINISH ]** button to get to the starting screen. Each backup is created with the automatic name by the template: “Date Time.zip”. {% hint style="info" %} You may find some backup files in OptimusFLOW Backup folder, containing the “**A**” letter at the end — these are the Automatic backups, periodically made by OptimusFLOW (daily, overridden each 5 min). {% endhint %} ## Restore settings In case you want to restore some previous settings or wish to apply some custom settings (got from another OptimusFLOW user, that backed up its settings previously), follow the **\[ RECOVER SETTINGS ]** button. ![Recover your settings in several clicks](/files/-LvqvnVW6Az3I5lNwf7n) Here you can find two ways of Backup file selection: * From backups folder * From custom file The “***Backups folder***” is the default OptimusFLOW folder where it saves all automatically created backup files and proposes it to store yours, manually created. The Backup & restore manager checks this folder and displays you all the found files to import settings. You may also select some different location of your backup file, using the “***From custom file***” option. {% hint style="warning" %} Please make sure, that you are specifying the correct backup file (made by B\&R manager earlier) to avoid the problems with settings import and restore. {% endhint %} Once you select the required backup file and press the **\[ START RECOVERY ]** button, you will see the recovery process flow. When finished, you will be asked about the application restart. This is the required action to apply your newly imported settings. {% hint style="success" %} In case of any problems with the backup file, B\&R manager will keep your current OptimusFLOW settings and inform you about it. {% endhint %} # General settings General settings — is a screen, where you can set up the most common behavior of the whole OptimusFLOW application. General settings — is a screen, where you can set up the most common behavior of the whole OptimusFLOW application. It is logically grouped into several tabs: * [**General**](/getting-started/general-settings#general) * [**Control Center**](/getting-started/general-settings#control-center) * [**Sounds**](/getting-started/general-settings#sounds) * [**Confirmations & Warnings**](/getting-started/general-settings#confirmations) * [**Time zone settings**](/getting-started/general-settings#time-zones) * [**Excel RTD**](/getting-started/general-settings#excel-rtd) {% hint style="info" %} The most settings are applied automatically, once you change them, but, in some cases, you will be prompted to confirm the changes apply; this action is required for complex settings, where the one change will influence a complex logic. {% endhint %} General settings are backed up automatically every 5 minutes by default and you can control this behavior in the General tab. ## General settings ![General settings of OptimusFLOW — Localization, Themes, Sounds, RTD, Time zones](https://github.com/optimusflow/KB/tree/dae7f34d89353156e9869a54638d0da621a15fc4/.gitbook/assets/general-settings-of-OptimusFLOW.png) | **Theme** | List | Сhoose one of the 6 color schemes that suits you best | | --------------------------------------- | ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Language (beta)** | List | OptimusFLOW supports 15 languages. In case of errors or inaccuracies in translation, any user can make changes to the text. Read the manual [how to make changes in selected language](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/customization/localization). | | **Autosave settings (every 5 minutes)** | true | OptimusFLOW will save your application settings in "Settings" folder and overwrite them every 5 minutes while the application is active. It also saves on application close | | **Display quantity in lots** | true | | | **Abbreviate volume & ticks** | true | | ## Control Center Control center is the starting point of all terminal, used as a launcher and informer simultaneously. And for optimal use of the space on it, we have added the ability to display/hide some controls. ![Configure the display of controls on the main control panel](/files/-Lvqvnz3seIJxY4PTjZy) ## Sounds ![Sounds management](/files/-Lvqvnz5FS5hrzKLmi_O) Sounds are a good way of additional interaction with user allowing to inform about some activities even you don’t currently in front of your PC. Sounds can be enabled or disabled per certain action. | **Enable sounds** | true | Enables or disables all of the application sounds globally | | ----------------- | ---- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | The group of actions in OptimusFLOW, when the sound should be played consists of the most vital situations in application usage. This list is not final and can be extended or changed later. Each option has a set of controls: * enable/disable checkbox * action name * sound path (you can select your custom path to any **.wav** file) * prelisten button (play/stop) ## Confirmations ![Confirmations and Warnings management](/files/-Lvqvnz7d3osAvExy9eZ) | **Confirm order placement** | true | Ask before placing order | | --------------------------------------- | ---- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | **Confirm order cancellation** | true | Ask before cancelling order | | **Confirm order/position modification** | true | Ask before order of position modifications apply | | **Confirm position reversing** | true | Ask before reversing the position | | **Confirm application close** | true | Ask before closing the OptimusFLOW terminal | | **Confirm bind close** | true | Ask before closing the binds | | **Show deal tickets** | true | Show the pop-up screens with the trading notification | | **Confirm hot button action** | true | Ask before make any action with Hot Button | ## Time zones ![Favorite time zones management](/files/-Lvqvnz9d3-twkE6poFm) In case you are trading in various markets that are in different time zones, you will find it useful to switch the time indicator in [**Control center**](/getting-started/control-center) to one of your favorite market times. In Time zone settings group you can select what time zones are your favorite and should be displayed in a pop-up screen when you click the [**Time**](/getting-started/control-center#time-and-time-zones) in **Control center**. Once you select several items from this list, you will then be able to switch between them easily. ## Excel RTD ![](/files/-LvqvnzBN6HRyYa1ZzrC) # Connections # Connections manager The Connections manager allows users to select from available integrations and connect to them using your trading account. This window will automatically open upon platform launch. This window his how users connect to their trading accounts through Optimus Futures. Connections are integrations with data providers that supply various data: account balances, order execution, trading quotes, symbols history etc.

Click on "Optimus Futures - Disconnected" in the top right or right-click your toolbar to access the connection manager.

{% hint style="success" %} Each integration is developed and tested by OptimusFLOW specialists and guarantees the stability and security of all transferred information. {% endhint %} ## General information **Connections manager** — is a screen that allows you to select from available integrations, the ones you are trading with, and connect to them using your accounts. While connecting to any integration, Connections manager remembers your login credentials and will use them for further auto-connects (reconnects in case of errors). If you don’t want to store your login credentials in manager, just click the “Lock” icon in the login form. ![Connections Screen Manager with Multiple Account](/files/-M1gJvAAvuSvW2R7dJCF) Connections manager screen consists of two columns: connections list & connection info. Connection info column holds an information about the active connection or Login form, in case if the current connection is not active. Each active connection is marked with green Status dot by the left hand from its name. The "***Star***" icon indicates that connection is favorite and displayed on Control center toolbar. This icon is also used to **add/remove** a connection **from favorites**. Connection login form varies depending on integration requirements. Usually, it has Login & password fields and “***Connect***” button. This button initiates the authorization process. Some integrations have settings (a “***Gear***” icon on the right side of connection logo) and account creation button (a “***User with plus***” icon on the right side of “***Connect***” button). Account creation redirects you to the integration vendor website. Once connected, info column will contain the data about ping and current connection status text. There is a “***Disconnect***” button also. ## Multi-connect {% hint style="info" %} OptimusFLOW supports multiple connections simultaneously. {% endhint %} # Connection to Rithmic Rithmic technology provides access for trading futures and options on CME, CBOT, NYMEX and other exchanges. Full market depth, reliable data and great execution are main features of Rithmic. To connect OptimusFLOW to a broker that uses Rithmic technology, it is sufficient to have (or create a new) account. ## Existing Accounts * Open connection manager, select Rithmic and specify the type of connection (Demo / Real). * Enter your login and password and click **Connect.** * If necessary, the server can be changed in the connection settings. By default, the Rithmic Paper Chicago server is set for demo accounts and the Rithmic Aurora Chicago server is set for real accounts. ![Enter login data for Rithmic, choose server type, and change connection settings if needed.](/files/-M1S2RBs_hKTqZ7HZPmo) ## New Accounts {% embed url="" %} How to connect with a live or demo Rithmic account {% endembed %} * Create a new demo or open a real account with any broker supporting Rithmic technology, accept agreements, and start using our platform. * To register for an Optimus Flow demo and 14 day trial of the Rithmic datafeed, please follow this [link](https://www.rithmic.com/demo.html#sign-up\&customer=OptimusFutures). * Fill in all the required fields * Accept *"Market Data Subscription Agreement"* and *"Market Data Self-Certification"* # Connection to Ironbeam (Certigo) The Ironbeam (Certigo) connection provides access to Futures trading on the CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX and Coinbase Derivatives (formerly FairX) exchanges. The Ironbeam (Certigo) connection is only available with the FCM: Ironbeam. The Ironbeam (Certigo) connection has no monthly cost beyond market data. Level 1 top of book market data is $3 per exchange monthly. Level 2 market depth market data is $15.50 per exchange monthly and includes 10 levels of market depth for the DOM. If you do not have level 2 data enabled on this data feed, the bid/ask data on your DOM will be delayed by 10 minutes. ## Existing Live Accounts * The connection manager of Optimus Flow will automatically open upon Launch. Once the connection manager has opened, select Ironbeam (Certigo) under recent connections and specify the type of connection (Real). * Enter your login and password and click **Connect. (For live users, your username and password are the same credentials used on the Ironbeam portal - these will be provided over email as well once your account has been configured)**
New Demo Accounts * After filling out the form on our website, new demo users will immediately be provided with Ironbeam (Certigo) connection credentials. Users will also be emailed these credentials. Please keep in mind these credentials will ONLY work on Optimus Flow - you cannot use these demo credentials on other platforms, such as TradingView. * Once the platform has been downloaded and opened, click the Optimus Futures data feed from the connection manager and enter your Optimus Futures credentials under DEMO. {% embed url="" %} Optimus Flow Demo Setup Tutorial {% endembed %} # Connection to CQG CQG technology provides access for trading futures and options on CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX, EUREX, ICE, and CBOE. CQG offers 100 levels of market depth for indices and 10 levels for all other products, 3 years of historical data and fast execution are primary features of CQG. ## CQG for Existing Accounts * Open connection manager, select CQG and specify the type of connection (Real). Before connecting to CQG with a live account, users must enable the exchanges they require access to within connection settings. Most exchanges will be enabled by default:
* After your exchanges are enabled, enter your login and password and click **Connect.** # Connection to Paper to Trader dxFeed The Paper to Trader dxFeed connection provides access to a risk-free Simulated environment for paper trading on CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX futures. 1. To access the risk-free Simulated environment via the Paper to Trader dxFeed connection, users must first sign up and open an account by clicking "Sign Up" on the following page: . After signing up users will be sent two emails, one including instructions and one including a password to be used for Step 2. 2. Once a user has signed up and purchased a Paper to Trader license, users must log in to their Paper to Trader account portal: [Here](https://dashboard.optimusflow.app/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F). This link will also be emailed to users after registering. 3. Before proceeding to connect on Optimus Flow, users must sign the mandatory Non-professional market data agreements prompted for first-time users in the top right of their Paper to Trader account portal. 4. After signing the mandatory market data agreements, users can open Optimus Flow and access the connection menu. The connection menu of Optimus Flow will automatically open upon launch, it can also be opened by right-clicking the platform toolbar at the top of your screen and clicking "connections".

Click on "Optimus Futures - Disconnected" in the top right or right-click your toolbar to access the connection manager.

5. With the connection menu open, click on "Paper to Trader dxFeed" under recent connections on the lefthand side of the menu. 6. Set the connection to REAL 7. Enter the same email address and password assigned to you that is used in Step 2. 8. Press connect. 9. Once Paper to Trader dxFeed is connected, users may not receive market data immediately until they update symbols on their watchlist, chart or DOM:

Add symbols to your chart, watchlist, or DOM to populate market data on your Optimus Flow platform.

10. Once a symbol has been added to your watchlist, chart, or DOM users will begin to receive live market data and can begin using their Paper to Trader login for risk-free simulation trading. Users can customize their account balance and risk parameters at any time by logging back into their account portal ([Login here](https://dashboard.optimusflow.app/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F)):
# Connection to Rithmic Prop OptimusFlow enables Rithmic users with evaluation prop firm accounts to connect and trade using their accounts on Optimus Flow by purchasing an optional license. **This connection requires the purchase of an annual $575 "Prop" license from your Optimus Flow account portal.** 1. To connect your Rithmic evaluation prop firm accounts, you must first register for an account on the [Optimus Flow account portal here](https://accounts.optimusflow.app/). 2. Once your account has been registered log in to your Optimus flow portal, navigate to "Addons licenses" and Click "buy" 3. Enter your payment details and checkout with Stripe. 4. Once you have purchased your license, if you haven't already, you can log in to Optimus Flow using the same Email Address and Password used on the portal link above.

Login to your account on Optimus Flow by clicking the Profile Icon (1.) and then Login (2.)

Once you have signed into your Optimus Flow profile you can now connect to your Rithmic Prop account by opening the connection menu.

Steps to connect to Rithmic Prop

1. Open the connection menu by clicking "Optimus Futures disconnected" 2. Choose Rithmic under recent connections 3. Enter your Rithmic credentials that were provided by your evaluation school. Please select their specific Rithmc server from the Server dropdown field. (Please contact your evaluation school for your username/password and the server that should be used if you are not familiar with it) 4. Click "Connect" once all details have been entered. The connection menu will display a connected status once a connection has been made. 5. Data will not automatically display on OptimusFlow until symbols have been updated on your workspace. Please follow the steps below to add a symbol to your workspace.

Your platform may appear like this once connected to Rithmic - this is normal!

Now that you are connected to Rithmic, you need to replace the symbols on OptimusFlow's default workspace. You can do this by erasing the symbols in your watchlist and replacing them or by adding a new symbol to your chart.

Right click your watchlist > click "clear all" to remove default symbols

Once symbols have been cleared from the watchlist, you can add and replace them with Rithmic symbols by clicking on the "+" button in the top left of your watchlist. You can also add a symbol directly to your chart by using the chart's symbol search function.
# Connection to OANDA This guide helps you in a few simple steps to configure the connection to OANDA with the correct settings. This guide helps you in a few simple steps to configure the connection to OANDA with the correct settings. 1. Open real or demo trading account with OANDA on their [**official website**](https://www.oanda.com/). ![Open demo or real account with OANDA](/files/-LvqvnhjrMOuPgI59Kwr) 1. After completing registration and confirming your account, **go to your OANDA account**. To do this, use your *Username* and *Password*. 2. Click on **Manage API Access** in *My Services* to get a unique API key (Token API) in your personal cabinet. ![Get your personal API key](/files/-Lvqvnhlo8V3Lh5XtG-B) 1. **Generate your API key** and copy it carefully. {% hint style="success" %} In case you have forgotten or lost your API key, you can create a new one at any time. To do this, click the **Revoke** button. {% endhint %} ![Generate and copy your API key](/files/-Lvqvnhnvo1XaWYeDC_e) 1. Launch OptimusFLOW platform **(**[https://www.OptimusFLOW.com/](https://optimusfutures.com/OptimusFlow.php)**)** and select OANDA from the connection list. Choose demo or real connection and insert the API key. ![Connect to OANDA using your API Key.](/files/-M1S3Hc5JShu2QBCNVmA) # Trading Journal Customers of Optimus Futures get FREE access to our latest tool – A TRADING JOURNAL with platform-sync technology. To use the Optimus Flow trading journal, you must [first register for an Optimus Flow account here](https://accounts.optimusflow.app/). You can then [**Access your Free Journal Here**](https://journal.optimusflow.app/dashboard) **-** Simply log in with your existing Optimus Flow credentials that you just created. * Automated Journaling – Upload all your trades seamlessly from Optimus Flow to the Trading Journal with just one-click * Get in-depth trading analytics and performance metrics on all your trades on Optimus Flow * Improve Trading Performance - Identify patterns in your trading to find out what’s working so you can focus on your strengths and cut down on your mistakes * Web-based Journal – Access your trade history anywhere on any device

Click the "Profile" icon (1. in the image above) to Login to your Optimus Flow account (2.)

**First-time journal users must login to their account first within Optimus Flow to sync their journal.** After a user has logged into their Optimus Flow account, your platform will then have the ability to export your trades to the journal with a single click. To export your trades via Optimus Flow, simply open the TRD - Trades Window and click the new **Export to Journal** button. ![How to Export trades into the journal with one click.](/files/-MkhIhUNkbm_UlYolNWt) Users also have the option of exporting/important trades via CSV file. To export trades via CSV from Optimus Flow, click the menu icon in the top left of your trades tab and then choose **Export Data**. ![How to export via CSV file](/files/-MkhJEUqW4aDE1-AZSK9) Once Export data is selected, choose the **Check all columns** icon and then **Export file.** ![](/files/-MkhJUvQ6fgvzOWmxU9K) Once your CSV trade log has been exported, users can manually import trades via CSV in the top right of their trading journal. Click on the **+ Add Trades** button, choose **By File**, select **Optimus Flow** as the **Import Format, choose your file,** and then click **Start Import!** ![Importing trades via CSV from Optimus Flow](/files/-MkhK72E7gCCripWD_oW) Please take a look at our introduction video for instructions and a step-by-step guide on how to get started: {% embed url="" %} # Analytics panels # Chart Learn how to launch and configure the chart panel. What types of charts are available in the platform? How to activate volumetric analysis tools? Get to know about overlays, indicators and drawings. ## General info The chart panel is one of the most important panel for an active trader. Accurate market data, graphical and analytical tools are integral components of the panel, which allow you to make the right trading decisions. ![Main parts of Chart panel in OptimusFLOW](/files/-Lvqvp7AfDIvgB7vSdJf) The chart panel can be divided into 5 parts: * primary or [**top toolbar**](/analytics-panels/chart#top-toolbar) with the main controls * **the chart area** itself with the displaying of price data, indicators, positions * \*\*\*\*[**sidebar menu**](/analytics-panels/chart#sidebar-menu-or-object-toolbar) with controls of indicators, drawings, overlays and object manager * **chart order entry** with hot buttons for quick trading * bottom toolbar with **volume analysis tools** ## Top toolbar The top toolbar allows you to select a trading instrument, set the chart type and style, timeframe, depth of market data as well as call additional toolbars. Here is the list of [chart types and styles](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types) where you can find a detailed explanation of how to build them. ![Primary or Top toolbar with the main controls ](/files/-Lvqvp7Ea671J3o7f5Qg) ## Sidebar menu or object toolbar The sidebar menu allows you to add an indicator to the chart, a drawing tool or an overlay, and also manage all objects through the object manager. ![An overview of Sidebar menu with indicators, drawings and overlays](/files/-Lvqvp7G3CZsKWlEyf77) For traders who often refer to certain drawings, there is an option to fix them on the Sidebar. For this, near each drawing there is an "Star" icon, upon activation of which you add them to the Favorite List. # Chart types Select various chart types and styles that the most suite for your trading approach OptimusFLOW offers a variety of chart types to help you display chart data in different formats. You can change chart type from ***Aggregation type*** menu as shown below. ![Switch between different time frames in one click](/files/-LvqvnZH4ESoWdxPI6D9) ## Chart types and styles OptimusFLOW provides **9 chart types**: * Tick chart * [Time chart](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/time-aggregation) * [Heiken-Ashi](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/heiken-ashi) * [Range Bars](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/range-bars) * [Renko](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/renko) * [Line Break](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/line-break) * [Kagi](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/kagi) * [Points & Figures](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/points-and-figures) * [Volume](/analytics-panels/chart/chart-types/volume-bars) ![Chart types in OptimusFLOW](/files/-LvqvnZLJJBspfcdV6vy) Charts can also be represented in **6 different styles**: * Candle * Bar * Line * Dotted Line * Area * OptimusFLOW ![Chart styles in OptimusFLOW — Candle, Bar, Line, Dotted Line, Area, OptimusFLOW style](/files/-LvqvnZNg5H1NSAuJbp2) # Renko ## General info Renko chart is completely time-independent, based on price movement only and help filter out the noise that can occur on other chart types. Renko is built from bricks, which are created only when the price exceeds the body of the previous brick by a certain size, which is set by the trader in the chart parameters. ![General view of Renko chart type in OptimusFLOW](/files/-LvqvojmEIqsC33QC-08) ## Renko chart calculation The construction of the Renko chart is based on bricks, the size of which is set up by the trader. Thanks to this, the Renko chart ignores the time and focuses on price changes only. For example, by setting Brick size 10 points, the new brick will be built when the price is reaching out 10 or more points. Otherwise, the price of the Renko chart will not change. * If there is an up brick before and the price will go up another 10 pips, a new up brick is be created * If there is a down brick before and the price will go down another 10 pips, a new down brick is created * If there is an up brick before, price needs to go down 20 pips, to create a new down brick * If there is a down brick before, price needs to go up 20 pips, to create a new up brick ![Renko chart ignores time factor](/files/-LvqvojpOcTD5uXLC-sL) ## Calculation styles (methods) In the Renko chart settings, you can choose one of several styles based on which the chart will be drawn: * **Classic** — using closing price (or last price) only ![Settings for Renko Classic](/files/-Lvqvojrt6T0jwWeNloz) ![ The size of each brick equal 100 poins](/files/-LvqvojuhbJg0b5mrYrO) * **High / Low** — using high and low prices. If the previous brick was growing, then the current brick takes into account high prices first, and then low prices. If the price drops, the method takes into account the low prices first, and then high prices. * **Advanced Classic (Advanced High / Low)** — this method allows you to build non-standard Renko charts based on the closing price (or high / low prices). To do this, use additional chart settings — *extension* (%) and *inversion* (%). * **Show wicks** — allows you to add wicks to Renko bricks, indicating actual highs and lows within a brick. * **Build current bar** — is the option that shows/visualize the creation of the current brick in real-time. If you choose one minute for your time aggregation, all Renko bricks, that would have been created based on price movement, will be plotted at once after one minute. ## Non-standard Renko charts **Medium Renko** smoothes out the chart more than Classic Renko because an open price is in the middle of a brick. They will show fewer pullbacks and trend reversals are easier to spot. An *extension and inversion value of 50%* would create Median Renko bricks. ![Medium Renko chart construction](/files/-Lvqvojw82SLszNL2rYh) ![Medium Renko in OptimusFLOW](/files/-Lvqvojyd-Q2EvCsGXE4) **Geometric Renko** will give you very smooth reversals, and the charts are smooth out more than with Median Renko. One special property of these Renko form is, that when using an *extension and inversion percentage of 12.5%*, the slope of up-bricks will be 45° and for down bricks -45° ![Geometric Renko chart construction](/files/-Lvqvok-n9PfJ__G1kOW) ![Geometric Renko in OptimusFLOW](/files/-Lvqvok1DHk_cfuRfIY4) **Turbo Renko** smooths out the majority of pullbacks and only shows high probability reversals. Turbo Renko is using the *extension 12%* of the brick and the *inversion of 100%.* Price has to reverse by a complete brick to form a reversal, illustrated as the dashed bricks. ![Turbo Renko chart construction](/files/-Lvqvok3MLsUvHLI0Tuo) ![Turbo Renko in OptimusFLOW](/files/-Lvqvok5J0kAcTgXUNtq) # Heiken Ashi ## General info Heiken-Ashi chart (HA) is a modified type of classic candlestick chart, which is based on recalculation of OHLC data. The resulting candlestick filters out some noise in an effort to better capture the trend and reversal points. ![General view of Heiken-Ashi chart type](/files/-Lvqvo_FcOeor4oRcJIT) The following calculations are used to construct the HA chart: * HA Close = (O+H+L+C)/4 * HA Open = (HA Open (previous bar) + HA Close(previous bar))/2 * HA High = Maximum (H, HA Open, HA Close) * HA Low = Minimum (L, HA Open, HA Close) ## Creation a new Heiken-Ashi chart To open a new HA chart, you need to select Heiken-Ashi from the drop-down list of aggregations and specify the build parameters - ***Value*** and ***Build from***. Click **\[ Apply ]** and the chart will be built. If the number of candles (data) is not enough, then choose a greater depth of history, for example 1 year or 5 years. You can create several predefined settings to quickly build HA charts. To do this, you need to configure the parameters and ***Add to favorites*** by pressing the Star icon. ![The creation process of Heiken-Ashi chart type](/files/-Lvqvo_HHi4W480m2NGu) {% hint style="info" %} Heiken-Ashi is used only with the Candle chart style. {% endhint %} # Kagi ## General info As P & F chart and Range bars, **Kagi chart** is full time-independent and based on price action only. Kagi chart consist of vertical lines that connected by horizontal lines. ![Kagi chart in OptimusFLOW platform](/files/-LvqvoYXULZGzAt9mHpS) ## Kagi chart calculation There are two main parameters that affects on Kagi chart: * **Built from and its value** — it's a parameter on the basis of which the chart will be print. If you set the 5 minute so the closing prices are taken from the 5-minute close. * **Reversal** — the amount of price movement that required for the Kagi line to reverse direction. For instance, if you'll set 10 ticks for the reversal parameter it means that price need to change at least 10 ticks to print reversal line. ![Parameters for Kagi chart](/files/-LvqvoYZDpE28SY_RMLN) # Points & Figures ## General info Points & Figures is one of the most popular chart types that allows traders to analyze only the price without time-bound, thereby eliminating market noise. In contrast to the usual candlestick charts, P & F consists of X and O columns, which reflect the rise or fall in prices, respectively. ![General view of Points & Figures chart type](/files/-LvqvnYjBDmYwph2lrpC) P\&F charts provide a unique look at price action that has several advantages: * Filter insignificant price movements and noise * Focus on important price movements * Determine support and resistance levels * Identify trends and reversal points * Remove the time aspect from the analysis process ## How is the Point & Figure chart built? ![Main parameters for plotting P & F chart](/files/-LvqvnYlMJUgysxLAYdA) The plotting of P & F chart depends on several basic parameters: * **Box size**, which determines the price range (the number of ticks) for X-Columns or O-Columns. Each X and O occupies an area called ***Box***, the size of which is determined by the Box Size parameter. No Xs or Os are displayed if prices rise or fall by an amount that is less than the box size. * **Reversal**, a parameter that indicates the number of Box Sizes that the price should go in the opposite direction to begin a new column. A new column, therefore, signals a change in the price trend. * **Build from** parameter specifies the time frame of the data that is used to build the Point and Figure bars. To build a chart, you can use two styles: * **Classic**, which uses only the closing price (last price) to plot the chart. * **High / Low** is based on High and Low prices. The difference between these calculation styles you can see on the screenshots below. ![P & F chart based on close prices (Classic style)](/files/-LvqvnYoBuWhkeSE3CoV) ![P & F chart based on high or low prices (High/Low style)](/files/-LvqvnYq5F2D1HYZsfPH) # Range bars ## General info **Range Bars** chart consists of bars (candles) within a certain range, which is determined by the trader in the chart settings. Range Bars does not depend on time, but only on price movement. Thus, if the price has low volatility and stays in a range that is less than specified in the parameters, then new bars (candles) will not be built. Hence, the higher volatility of the trading instrument the more bars will be built; conversely, during periods of lower volatility, fewer bars will be built. ![Range bars in OptimusFLOW platform](/files/-Lvqvnqvy1B2YIf-lK40) ## Calculation of Range Bars To built range bars there are three simple rules: * Each range bar must have a high/low range that equals the specified range. * Every new range bar must open outside the high/low range of the previous bar. * Each range bar must close at either its high or its low. # Line break ## General info **Line Break** is quite similar to other time-independent charts like Kagi, P & F, Range Bars. Line break chart prints the series of bars which represent increasing and falling prices. The key parameter that participates in the chart plotting is the number of the last bars for building the current bar. ![General view of Line Break chart in OptimusFLOW](/files/-LvqvoK6GEm-KtlkScVa) It is important to note that the bars on this chart are usually called "lines". Line Break based on closing prices so it takes the current price and compares it with the closing prices of the previous bars (lines). The number of the previous bars that participate in the calculation specified in the chart settings. ## Line Break calculation The most common number of Line Break setting is 3. It means that the closing price of the current line is compared to the closing price of the third line ago. ![Chart settings for Line Break](/files/-LvqvoK8zec0z8arpcIw) Each new closing price has three possible outcomes: * a new line with the same color — build when the price goes in the same direction. * a new line with the opposite color — build when the price change is enough to warrant a reversal. * no new lines are added when the price does not extend the trend or the change is not enough to warrant a reversal. ![An example of how to build a Line Break chart](/files/-LvqvoKAIjC9rOCEHr9Y) In the example above shows areas where the line color was changed. The yellow line shows the level of the third bar, when it breaks, the line color changes. # Volume Bars Chart type Volume Bars are built based on volume data — tick or exchange volume when available. Time is not involved in this aggregation. **Volume Bars** are built based on volume data — tick or exchange volume when available. Time is not involved in this aggregation. Each bar in a Volume Bar chart contains a specified volume level. This volume level is reached by accumulating the volume of each of the underlying bars. When the volume level is reached, the next Volume Bar begins to accumulate volume from the underlying bars. ![The comparison between Time chart and Volume Bars chart type in OptimusFLOW platform](https://github.com/optimusflow/KB/tree/dae7f34d89353156e9869a54638d0da621a15fc4/.gitbook/assets/volume-bars-chart-in-OptimusFLOW.png) ## How to set Volume Bars chart? Open the Timeframe switcher and select from the list the Volume Bars chart type. Set the necessary value of lots (or ticks) that will be included in each bar (candle). ![Select Volume bars chart type via timeframe selector](/files/-LvqvpjUuIw7QDrETiju) # Chart overlays {% embed url="" %} How to add overlays to a chart. {% endembed %} # Technical indicators Get to know how to add technical indicators to chart and manage them in one click. {% embed url="" %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmwfxsYPjY9oG3hO" %} [Oscillators](/analytics-panels/chart/technical-indicators/oscillators) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmwovWqybJ3yGfBB" %} [Moving averages](/analytics-panels/chart/technical-indicators/moving-averages) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmwrF91QcGHC4XTj" %} [Volatility](/analytics-panels/chart/technical-indicators/volatility) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-LvqvmwuWBpBb8DS6XBj" %} [Trend](/analytics-panels/chart/technical-indicators/trend) {% endcontent-ref %} # Oscillators # Aroon Indicator ## What is Aroon Indicator? The Aroon indicator, developed by Tushar Chande, indicates if a price is trending or is in a trading range. It can also reveal the beginning of a new trend, its strength and can help anticipate changes from trading ranges to trends. AroonDown and the AroonUp indicators are used together and combined are called the Aroon indicator. **AroonUp** measures how long it has been since prices have recorded a **new high** within the specified period. If the current bar’s high is the highest within the user defined number of periods before it, then the AroonUp value is 100. In other words, it is a new high for the period. Otherwise it returns a percent value indicating the time since a new high occurred for the specified period. **AroonDown** measures how long it has been since prices have recorded a **new low** within the specified period. If the current bar’s low is the lowest within the user defined number of periods before it, then the AroonDown value is 100. In other words, it is a new low for that period. Otherwise it returns a percent value indicating the time since the new low occurred for the specified period. ## How Aroon indicator works? * If the Aroon-Up crosses above the Aroon-Down, then a new uptrend may start soon. Conversely, if Aroon-Down crosses above the Aroon-Up, then a new downtrend may start soon. ![Aroon Indicator](/files/-Lvqvnsdli_IALxgC3SZ) * When Aroon-Up reaches 100, a new uptrend may have begun. If it remains persistently between 70 and 100, and the Aroon-Down remains between 0 and 30, then a new uptrend is underway. * When Aroon-Up and Aroon-Down move in parallel (horizontal, sloping up or down) with each other at roughly the same level, then price is range trading or consolidating. ## How is Aroon indicator calculated? Aroon-Up = \[(Period Specified – Periods Since the Highest High within Period Specified) / Period Specified] x 100\ Aroon-Down = \[(Period Specified – Periods Since the Lowest Low for Period Specified) / Period Specified] x 100 # Moving Average Convergence/Divergence ## Description Moving average convergence/divergence(MACD) indicator graphically describes the mathematical difference between fast and slow exponential moving averages. The third line is called a “signal line”. Common periods of moving averages are: 26 for a slow EMA, 12 for a fast and 9 for a signal line. ![](/files/-LvqvnXGe-tT0ocfPGJl) ## Formula Fast EMA - Slow EMA ## Most useful cases * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) on the price scale not confirmed with a new high of MACD. Such price and indicator’s behavior can be interpreted as the weakness of current existing trend. ![](/files/-LvqvnXKbuPYt2dJvH9M) * **Crossover** - Crossover pattern occurs when MACD value crosses the signal line upward or downward. This signal can be used as a trigger to open buy/sell position. * **Crossing zero line** - this is a trend reversing signal and it can be very useful in case of determining a correction of existing trend, beginning of a new trend wave or starting a new trend. # Awesome Oscillator ## Description Owesome oscillator is an another kind of Moving average convergence/divergence indicator just with predefined input parameters. AO calculates the difference beetwen 34 period SMA and 5 period SMA smothed with 5 period mooving average. ![](/files/-LvqvoDbG4ErOhEfT1d4) ## Formula 5 period SMA - 34 period SMA ## Most useful cases * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high/low of AO. Such price and indicator’s behavior can be interpreted as the weakness of current existing trend. ![](/files/-LvqvoDdhrHzbVIIpgPs) * **Crossing zero line** - this is a trend reversing signal and it can be very useful in case of determining a correction of existing trend, beginning of a new trend wave or starting a new trend. # Accelerator Oscillator ## Description Accelerator Oscillator was introduced by Bill Williams in his book "Trading Chaos", according Bill Williams theory market price is latest element which will be changed and prior to this change the market driven forces will change its direction. The AC indicator measures acceleration and deceleration of these forces. If indicator rises it means that market is inbalanced now and buy power is greater than sell one and vice versa. ![](/files/-LvqvnYKWz9bhmEXcUhf) ## Formula MEDIAN PRICE = (HIGH + LOW) / 2\ AO = SMA (MEDIAN PRICE, 5) - SMA (MEDIAN PRICE, 34)\ AC = AO - SMA (AO, 5) Where:\ MEDIAN PRICE — median price;\ HIGH — the highest price of the bar;\ LOW — the lowest price of the bar;\ SMA — Simple Moving Average;\ AO — Awesome Oscillator. ## Most useful cases * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high/low of AC. Such price and indicator’s behavior can be interpreted as the weakness of current existing trend. ![](/files/-LvqvnYSIrO3iJGAd-k2) * **Crossing zero line** - this is a trend reversing signal and it can be very useful in case of determining a correction of existing trend, beginning of a new trend wave or starting a new trend. # %R Larry Williams ## Description Williams Percent Range, is an oscillator indicator that measures overbought and oversold of the price. It reflects the level of the close relative to the highest high for the look-back period. %R indicator is highly correlated with Stochastic, but in contrast, the Stochastic Oscillator reflects the level of the close relative to the lowest low. As a result, the Fast Stochastic Oscillator and Williams %R produce the exact same lines, the difference is just in the scalling of both indicators. ![](/files/-Lvqvnn5UoR63D-mxhTL) ## Formula %R = (Highest High - Close)/(Highest High - Lowest Low) \* -100 Where: Lowest Low = lowest low for the look-back period Highest High = highest high for the look-back period %R is multiplied by -100 correct the inversion and move the decimal. ## Most useful cases * **Indication of overbought/oversold levels -** Traditional settings are -20 as the overbought threshold and -80 as the oversold threshold. When %R value rises above -20 this is a sell signal and when %R value falls below -80 is buy signal. * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high/low of AO. Such price and indicator’s behavior can be interpreted as the weakness of current existing trend. ![](/files/-Lvqvnn7YQnDJqZjkdW2) # Momentum ## Description Momentum indicator shows an acceleration of price movement. From technical point of view it is the difference between current price and close price N-periods ago. Firstly introduced by John J. Murphy in "Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets" Momentum fixedly joined to traders arsenal. In spite of age this indicator is still actual and widely used ![](/files/-Lvqvnl3cWKf-ndU5hhI) ## Formula Momentum = Close - Close(N-periods ago) Where:\ Close - current close price\ Close(N-periods ago) - the close price N-periods ago ## Most useful cases **Trend indicating -** crossing a zero line could be used as an indicator of a new trend wave. ![](/files/-Lvqvnl5BX2Rlq1cjc0z) * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high/low of Momentum. Such price and indicator’s behavior can be interpreted as the weakness of current existing trend. ![](/files/-Lvqvnl7U_nozYOJCCT0) # Rate of Change ## Description Rate of change is the same indicator as Momentum and also shows an acceleration of price movement. But instead of Momentum, Rate of Change is expressed in percantage value. Simply put ROC measures the percentage change in price between the current price and the price N-periods in the past. Rate of change can be used in variety of different ways. In addition to being used as a general trend or trend strength indicator, the ROC is also commonly used to find a divergence of a price that is a signal of a possible upcoming trend change. ![](/files/-Lvqvo3wpxvFa8JRgHz0) ## Formula ROC = (Close - Close(N-periods ago))/Close(N-periods ago) x 100 Where:\ **Close** - current close price\ **Close(N-periods ago)** - the close price N-periods ago ## Most useful cases **Trend indicating -** crossing a zero line could be used as an indicator of a new trend wave. ![](/files/-Lvqvo3yRLsko4jcTEMs) **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high/low of ROC. Such price and indicator’s behavior can be interpreted as the weakness of current existing trend. ![](/files/-Lvqvo4-xCJa8bevJtdm) # Commodity Channel Index ## Description The Commodity Channel Index​ (CCI) is a momentum based technical indicator first time introduced by Donald Lambert in 1980, the most often user case is an identifying market cycles, reaching a condition of being overbought or oversold. From technical perspective CCI measures the change in an instrument's price relative to a pre-defined moving average (MA) of the price divided by 1.5% of a normal deviation (D) from that average. ![](/files/-Lvqvo4BB2-HFNCE8d6E) ## Formula CCI = (Price - MA)/0.015\*STD Where:\ **Price** - current close price\ **MA** - selected N-period moving average\ **STD** - Standart deviation of price ## Most useful cases * **Indication of overbought/oversold levels -** The most useful case of the commodity channel index is an identifying of price reversals, an instrument would be deemed oversold when the CCI dips below −100 and overbought when it exceeds +100. From oversold levels, a buy signal might be given when the CCI moves back above −100. From overbought levels, a sell signal might be given when the CCI moved back below +100. ![](/files/-Lvqvo4DUSWNkZ7wFyob) * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high/low of CCI. Such price and indicator’s behavior can be interpreted as the weakness of current existing trend. ![](/files/-Lvqvo4F1FgyQm1Q1ovC) # Moving averages # Exponential Moving Average # Simple moving average ## Description A Simple moving average is a trend following indicator that calculates as a mathematical mean of price smoothed on selected period of time. In trading practice commonly uses a combination of moving averages, combined together to the one group. This group then uses to determine a trend. ![](/files/-Lvqvo3Wxqbfhdck3bO4) ## Formula ![](/files/-Lvqvo3YVla1nO8YKTGa) ## Most useful cases * **Trend following** - group of SMA allows you to determing a new wave of trend or correction. Also it gives you information about the strenght of current trend wave, to do it trader needs to look at the distance between every SMA *\*\** ![](/files/-Lvqvo3_XP24x3Mb0QP7) # Volatility # Average True Range ## Description Average True Range is a volatility based indicator which describes the range of bars averaged for some period of time. Most common smoothing period is 14. ATR does not show any trend moving or reversing, it only measures volatility and it structure. ![](/files/-Lvqvnzkt14jhwK8AVHl) ## Formula ![](/files/-Lvqvnzm6eWKNkz52RQK) ![](/files/-LvqvnzooRBXd77MNCke) The first ATR value is calculated using the arithmetic mean formula: ![](/files/-LvqvnzqjDmVjxTGBc-Q) ## Most useful cases * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high of ATR. This is a very good approach to find a weakness of existing trend ![](/files/-Lvqvnzs6eZsX3UgvMQM) * **Confirmation of existing tendency -** if price and ATR rise together it can be interpreted as a confirmation of a strength of the trend ![](/files/-Lvqvnzu1ocomPbM2dvA) # Standard deviation ## Description Standart deviation indicator statisticy measures the dispersion of a price relative to its mean(mathemetical expectation) and is calculated as the square root of the variance. It is widely used in finance and trading regardless of asset class or market. For example, if trader calculates a standard deviation of his performance report as the result he will receive the measurement of volatility of his balance and equity, the higher STD means the he can expect bigger drawdown. In case of price movement, higher STD means higher volatility of an instrument, for example if we compare two assets, the asset with higher standard deviation will be more risky for an investment. ![](/files/-LvqvpsAJEdENUY1CFe8) ## Formula ![](/files/-LvqvpsEH6OOhd0fe53H) Where:\ **N** - period of calculation(number of observations)\ **x** - price value ## Most useful cases * **Volatility measurement** - the most usefull case of STD usage is to determing a statistical volatility, understanding of this value is very usefull to find best positions of potential stop loss and take profit levels. It protects existing positions of small price fluctuations and random breakout of levels. * **Divergence/Convergence** - Divergence/Convergence pattern is a form of price action when new high(low) of the price not confirmed with a new high of STD. This is a very good approach to find a weakness of existing trend. ![](/files/-LvqvpsIlNl5eH0BHGpS) # Trend # ZigZag ## Description ZigZag is a trend following indicator which allows to determing trend swings. A combination of ZigZag highs and lows can be used as a support or resistance level. Also it helps to identify significant changes in price and filter out short-term fluctuations. ![](/files/-LvqvnnfRTVLzSglnp9M) ## Formula ZigZag finds extremums in price movement. These extremums reflect the diviations of price that are more than setted value. By default value for a ZigZag is 5%, it will ensure that only price fluctuations of 5% or more will be shown in the chart. ## Most useful cases * **Determing swings** - the most common case of ZigZag usage is an eliminating a small price fluctuations and paying attention on huge price swings. * **Support/Resistant levels** - ZigZag also is very helpfull in finding levels of support and resistance, to do it traders generally analyse a price of ZigZag swing and combine closest swings together in one price level ![](/files/-LvqvnnlHZS_Ui_bardh) # Volume Here are the articles in this section: # Delta Flow Delta Flow indicator describes the impact of the aggressive orders on the market price through Delta value. ### Overview of Delta Flow indicator **Delta Flow** calculates as Delta \* (High - Low) and describes the impact of the aggressive orders on the market price through Delta value.

Delta Flow indicator

In this example, the ESZ20 was ranging in a braket while showing clear activity around the Mid Swing. As price approached the “Bracket High” area the market activity dropped showing a lack of follow through and went into a narrow ranging activity. Neither buyers nor seller in sight…
At some point Delta flow started to spot activity to the downside indicating a potential down-move ahead. This is our opportunity to go for a short. SL above the Bracket High, TP1 at Mid Swing, TP2 at Bracket Low. On the down-move selling aggression steps further in allowing the price to reach TP1. On the last swing below the “Mid Swing”, the aggression vanished. At this stage, caution is advised. As prices moves back above the “Mid Swing” significant aggression steps in giving us the signal to close the rest of our order to flat. At this stage, we can either step aside or reverse our trade into a long position. In the scenario of a long trade: SL below the last Swing low below the “Mid Swing”, TP1 Bracket High, TP2 above the Bracket as a runner. As the TP1 gets hit, the narrative differs from the previous trade. Buying aggression is still present, allowing us to let the rest of the position to run further. At some stage, aggression steps in, giving us the signal to step out of the trade. ### Delta Flow Settings Coloring Scheme:\ **By delta** — bar color on the indicator corresponds to the color for positive or negative delta;\ **By bar** — bar color on the indicator corresponds to the bar color on the chart (up or down).
# Drawing tools {% embed url="" %} How to Add Indicators, Overlays, and Drawing Tools to Your Charts. {% endembed %} # Volume Analysis Tools | Volume Profiles | Footprint chart | VWAP Volume analysis is a powerful trading technique that allows analyzing the distribution of the trading volume at each price level at a certain period of time. OptimusFLOW trading platform provides [**Volume analysis tools**](https://www.OptimusFLOW.com/volumeanalysistools), an advanced analytical functionality, which allows you to see the traded volume at each price level, assess the balance between buyers and sellers and understand the intentions of traders regarding the future price. {% embed url="" %} Volume Analysis Tools {% endembed %} Volume analysis tools include proprietary and well-known analytics, which we’ll explore in the further articles: * [**Cluster Chart**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/cluster-chart) (a.k.a. Footprint chart or OrderFlow chart) * [**Volume Profiles**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles) — Step, Right, Left and Custom volume profiles * [**Time Statistics**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/time-statistics) (known as Bar Statistics) — in table form * [**Time Histogram**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/time-histogram) — in form of vertical histogram * **Custom VWAP (Anchored VWAP)** — can be attached to the any selected bar as a starting calculation point * [**VWAP**](/analytics-panels/chart/vwap) — multiple VWAP lines for single chart * [**Historical Time & Sales**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/historical-time-and-sales) — the table of all trades for the any selected bar The GIF below shows how you can activate the toolbar of volume analysis tools: ![Enable the toolbar of Volume Analysis Tools ](/files/-Lvqvnx043LExj3mC9XT) {% hint style="info" %} **Green color** indicates that seleced volume analysis tool has entirely downloaded the data.\ **Yellow color** indicates that selected tool is dowloading the data. {% endhint %} ## Data types of Volume Analysis Tools All volume analysis tools have the same **Data Types**, which can be specified in the settings: * **Trades** — it's the number of contracts (trades) that executed at each price level. * **Buy (or Sell) trades** — it's the number of Buy (or Sell) trades that executed at each price level. * **Volume** — the total size of all positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume** — the total size of all Buy (or sell) positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume, %** — shows how many percent of the total volume relates to Buy (or Sell) trades * **Buy / Sell Volume** — simultaneous display of buy and sell volume on one histogram * **Delta and Delta %** — shows the difference in traded Volume between Buyers and Sellers. It allows evaluating who controls the price on the market at a given time. Delta % = Delta / Volume \* 100 * **Cumulative Delta** — the data is built by adding the current delta value with each subsequent delta value for the certain period of time (or number of bars). ![Use various data types for all volume analysis tools](/files/-Lvqvnx3LOFfeKg7mqrT) * **Average size** — the average volume of the position that was executed at a certain price or price range. * **Average Buy size** — the average volume of a Buy position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Average Sell size** — the average volume of a Sell position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Max one trade volume (value and %)** — shows the maximum volume of a single trade that has executed at a certain price or price range (depending on the Custom Step (ticks) setting). * **Filtered volume (value and %)** — this parameter displays volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. If the volume size is smaller than the one specified in the filter, then the values will be zero. * **Buy (or Sell) filtered volume** — the parameter displays Buy (or Sell) volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. # Cluster chart Cluster or Footprint chart is a professional analytical tool that shows OHLC prices and trading volume on a single chart. ## What is Cluster chart? **Cluster chart**, known as Footprint chart in other trading platforms, is an advanced chart type that shows a comprehensive view of the candle chart. It allows to look inside the price and see all market actions. Cluster chart combines several important characteristics like time, OHLC prices, trading volume, number of buy and sell trades. Using this information, a trader can evaluate: * trading volume, which executed for each price * zones of maximum volume accumulation * zones of high trading interest (the maximum number of trades) * the number of buyers and sellers at each price level ![General view of Cluster chart which shows Trades and Delta at once](/files/-Lvqvnrxx6nHPc_79zmM) ## How to enable cluster chart? Before activating a cluster chart, you need to enable the Volume Analysis Toolbar. To do this, in the upper right corner of the chart panel, click on the "***Magnifier***" icon. A toolbar with Volume Analysis tools will appear at the bottom of the chart — *Cluster,* [*Step Profile, Left Profile, Right Profile*](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles)*,* [*Time Statistics*](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/time-statistics)*,* [*Time Histogram*](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/time-histogram)*,* [*Historical Time & Sales*](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/historical-time-and-sales)*,* [*Custom Volume Profile*](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles#custom-volume-profile). 1. Click on the **Cluster** and Enable it 2. Select the Data type (you can select one or two different data types at once) 3. Customize data visualization 4. Use advanced settings (gear icon) for more detailed chart customization. ![Here is how you can activate Cluster chart in OptimusFLOW platform](/files/-Lvqvns2rGDhEV5rMgb4) {% hint style="info" %} For more efficient analysis with cluster chart, you can display two different data types on one bar at once. {% endhint %} ## General settings of cluster chart Cluster chart has various settings allowing to display volume data from different sides. For example, you can choose different types of data for each bar, as well as configure colors, which will simplify the perception and analysis of volumes, trades, etc. ![Select different data types for Cluster chart](/files/-Lvqvns4xUDtAHRSnbhI) The main Data Types for cluster chart: * **Trades** — it's the number of contracts (trades) that executed at each price level. * **Buy (or Sell) trades** — it's the number of Buy (or Sell) trades that executed at each price level. * **Volume** — the total size of all positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume** — the total size of all Buy (or sell) positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume, %** — shows how many percent of the total volume relates to Buy (or Sell) trades * **Delta and Delta %** — shows the difference in traded Volume between Buyers and Sellers. It allows evaluating who controls the price on the market at a given time. Delta % = Delta / Volume \* 100 * **Average size** — the average volume of the position that was executed at a certain price or price range. * **Average Buy size** — the average volume of a Buy position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Average Sell size** — the average volume of a Sell position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Max one trade volume (value and %)** — shows the maximum volume of a single trade that has executed at a certain price or price range (depending on the Custom Step (ticks) setting). * **Filtered volume (value and %)** — this parameter displays volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. If the volume size is smaller than the one specified in the filter, then the values will be zero. * **Buy (or Sell) filtered volume** — the parameter displays Buy (or Sell) volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. ## How to set the filtered volume? For all volume analysis tools, there are general settings that allow you to set Filtered volume, and configure the step for aggregating volume data. On highly liquidity assets like Bitcoin or futures on the S\&P500, the trading volume for a trading session is large. Set the minimum volume values that will be displayed on the chart. This will allow you to focus on significant price levels and more clearly see zones of support/resistance. {% hint style="info" %} Each instrument has individual settings for the filtered volume depending on liquidity. {% endhint %} ![Filtered volume in general settings of Volume Analysis](/files/-Lvqvns8QxAod9zFEk1e) Select **Filtered Volume** as the data type in clusters to display them on the chart. All values that are less than the filtered volume are presented as zeros. ## What is Custom step and how to set it properly? Cluster chart shows volume data at each price level for a specified period. But with a large number of levels, the cluster chart becomes difficult to read. **Custom step** summarizes the volume data of as many price levels as specified in the setting. By default, the value of the custom step is set to 1 tick, which means the volume data are shown at each price level. # Volume profiles Volume Profile displays the trading activity over a specific time period at certain price levels. **Volume Profile** displays the trading activity over a specific time period at certain price levels. Meaning, it shows what was bought and sold at those current levels, and displays them in a histogram on the side of your chart. Volume Profile allows you to see the zones of maximum trading interest, and as a consequence, the "true" support/resistance levels. OptimusFLOW platform offers four types of Volume profiles: * [**Step Volume Profile**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles#step-volume-profile) * [**Left Volume Profile**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles#left-and-right-volume-profiles) * [**Right Volume Profile**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles#left-and-right-volume-profiles) * [**Custom Volume Profile**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles#custom-volume-profile) ## Step Volume Profile Step profile displays volume profiles with a certain time step. For example, set the step period to 1 hour, and you will see profiles with uniform hourly steps on the graph. By changing the [**data types**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools#data-types-of-volume-analysis-tools), you will see the distribution of the trading volume, the executed trades, as well as the delta for each hour of the trading session. You can enable Step Profile through the volume analysis toolbar or their settings. ![Here is how you can activate Step Profile in OptimusFLOW platform](/files/-LvqvoqO1_JUmo742Nbd) ### **General settings of step profile** ![Main settings of Step Volume Profile tool](/files/-LvqvoqQjIOJXF6L5rle) * **Step period & Step coefficient** – determines the step to build the profile. Step period has four types –*Minute, Hour, Day, Week*. * **Data type** – choose any of the [**20+ data types**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools#data-types-of-volume-analysis-tools) to build a step profile * **Histogram position** – places the profile on the left or right side relative to the starting point. * **Histogram label position** – determines the position of the data value: *left, right or none* * **Show Value Area** – shows the price area with 70% of trading activity for the specified time range. The value of 70% is set by default, but the user can change it at his discretion. * **Show Value Area borders** – shows the outer limits of the Value Area as dotted lines * **Highlight maximum value** – levels with the maximum value are highlighted with the specified color * **Show totals** – this option summarizes the data based on which the profile is built. ![Step profile with various data types](/files/-LvqvoqSiiEDCsYS8fKu) ## Left & Right Volume Profiles **Left** and **Right volume profile** can be placed on the left and right side of the chart respectively. For example, you can set the delta data on one profile, and on the other the total volume for the same period of time. You can **combine several profiles** that are built on different time periods into one combo profile and put it on left or right chart position. ![OptimusFLOW allows to place multiple volume profiles with different data types](/files/-LvqvoqUnwO0yxjUvdrw) ## Custom Volume Profile Custom profile allows you to create a profile for any time range. For instance, you want to see the distribution of the delta on the flat chart or for the impulse bar. As with other volume analysis tools, you can choose any available data types for display. ![Custom volume profile can be applied to any range](/files/-LvqvoqWrcfgMN5F3Iwd) After you have placed a custom profile on the chart, a control panel with five options will appear next to it. ![Control panel for custom volume profile](/files/-LvqvoqYKjYOM2mPkK-k) * Duplicate profile with the same range and settings * Move profile to the background or foreground * Lock current position of the profile. Prohibits the profile movement. * **Additional settings** for selected profile * Delete selected profile ## Additional settings for custom profile In addition to the settings for quick management of custom profile, there are additional settings. Let's take a closer look at what you can customize. ![Additional settings for custom volume profile](/files/-Lvqvoq_r78wFrj-SIJt) There are a lot of various settings, but the most interesting are: * **Value Area** — shows the price area with 70% of trading activity for the specified time range. The value of 70% is set by default, but the user can change it at his discretion. * **POC Ray** — extends the level of maximum volume (Point of Control) to the price scale * **Show Total** — shows/hides the total number under certain profile * **Custom step (ticks)** summarizes the volume data of as many price levels as specified in the setting. By default, the value of the custom step is set to 1 tick, which means the volume data are shown at each price level. # Time statistics Time Statistics as a part of Volume analysis tools provides volume data in a table form for every single bar on the chart. **Time Statistics** tool (sometimes called as ***Bar Statistics***) shows important volumetric values for each bar in a static grid-like fashion. Click on the **Time Statistics** button to activate it and to add the necessary data type. Also, via a right click in the side scale section the individual statistic values could be enabled / disabled '*on the fly*'. ![Time Statistics (or Bar Statistics) shows extended volume data for each bar](/files/-LvqvohB_z1lgPJfm-qQ) The main Data Types for Time Statistics: * **Trades** — it's the number of contracts (trades) that executed at each price level. * **Buy (or Sell) trades** — it's the number of Buy (or Sell) trades that executed at each price level. * **Volume** — the total size of all positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume** — the total size of all Buy (or sell) positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume, %** — shows how many percent of the total volume relates to Buy (or Sell) trades * **Delta and Delta %** — shows the difference in traded Volume between Buyers and Sellers. It allows evaluating who controls the price on the market at a given time. Delta % = Delta / Volume \* 100 * **Cumulative Delta** — the data is built by adding the current delta value with each subsequent delta value for the certain period of time (or number of bars). * **Average size** — the average volume of the position that was executed at a certain price or price range. * **Average Buy size** — the average volume of a Buy position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Average Sell size** — the average volume of a Sell position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Max one trade volume (value and %)** — shows the maximum volume of a single trade that has executed at a certain price or price range (depending on the Custom Step (ticks) setting). * **Filtered volume (value and %)** — this parameter displays volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. If the volume size is smaller than the one specified in the filter, then the values will be zero. * **Buy (or Sell) filtered volume** — the parameter displays Buy (or Sell) volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. # Time histogram Time Histogram tool shows the volume data as a vertical histogram for each bar. Thanks to this, you can visually compare the size of volume bars relative to each other. **Time Histogram** is similar to [Time Statistics](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/time-statistics) tool that shows volume data as a vertical histogram for each bar. But unlike Time statistics, it allows you to visually evaluate the data for each bar, not only by colors but also by the shape of the histogram. ![Time histogram on the chart — general view](/files/-LvqvnthyE11u1ii6Iqm) Click on the **Time Histogram** and switch the button **"Enable"** to activate the functionality on the chart. Time Histogram supports an extensive list of Data types that you can change either in the settings or directly in the activation mode. ![Main settings of Time Histogram tool](/files/-LvqvntjZYDS5ZRQ5VAD) * **Enable Time Histogram** — activates the functionality to display on the chart. After you activate it, the loading process of tick and volume data will begin. The yellow color will indicate that data is loading. Green color means that the data for the selected history depth is fully downloaded. ![Loaded data (green color); data is loading (yellow color)](/files/-LvqvntlxlgQbDE3JK1E) * **Height of Histogram, %** — determines what part of the chart area will be occupied for displaying volume data. If you set the value to 50%, then half of the chart area will be filled by Time Histogram data. ![Set the height of time histogram (%) that will fill the chart area](/files/-LvqvntnURZJjSmioq_T) * **Data types** — various types of volume data that can be displayed on a chart. There are trades, volume, bid & ask trades and volume, filtered data, etc. The full list with descriptions of these data types you can find in our Help documentation that describes general information about [**Volume Analysis Tools**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools). * **Value label and Data type color** — here you set the color settings for the font and the histogram, respectively. ## The main Data Types for Time Histogram: * **Trades** — it's the number of contracts (trades) that executed at each price level. * **Buy (or Sell) trades** — it's the number of Buy (or Sell) trades that executed at each price level. * **Volume** — the total size of all positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume** — the total size of all Buy (or sell) positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume, %** — shows how many percent of the total volume relates to Buy (or Sell) trades * **Delta and Delta %** — shows the difference in traded Volume between Buyers and Sellers. It allows evaluating who controls the price on the market at a given time. Delta % = Delta / Volume \* 100 * **Cumulative Delta** — the data is built by adding the current delta value with each subsequent delta value for the certain period of time (or number of bars). * **Average size** — the average volume of the position that was executed at a certain price or price range. * **Average Buy size** — the average volume of a Buy position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Average Sell size** — the average volume of a Sell position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Max one trade volume (value and %)** — shows the maximum volume of a single trade that has executed at a certain price or price range (depending on the Custom Step (ticks) setting). * **Filtered volume (value and %)** — this parameter displays volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. If the volume size is smaller than the one specified in the filter, then the values will be zero. * **Buy (or Sell) filtered volume** — the parameter displays Buy (or Sell) volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. # Historical Time & Sales Historical Time & Sales tool shows all trades for the selected bar in the form of Time & Sales. Once you have activated the Historical T & S and chose the desired historical bar on the chart, all its trades will be shown in the table in the order of their execution. ![Historical Time & Sales](/files/-Lvqvnx-9_M04Nc01USH) Turn on "**Bar Select"** button and select the bar (candle) for which you want to download data. When this mode is turned off, you can continue to work with the chart, while the downloaded data will remain in the table. ## Table actions By default, the table displays five columns — *Time, Last price, Trade Size, Aggressor flag, Tick direction*. You can move any column of the table left or right, as well as sort or filter data. ![Context menu of the table of Historical Time & Sales ](/files/-Lvqvnx1aDNIkUa8_LHM) By right-clicking on the table, a context menu will appear with several options: * **Clear table**. Delete all data from the table * **Export data** to external .csv or .html file * **Column visibility.** Enable or disable columns in the table # Power Trades [**Volume analysis tools**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools) allow you to understand the causes of price movement, clarify and confirm support and resistance levels, as well as assess the imbalance between buyers and sellers. But volume tools are link to a specific time (time frame), not allowing to see an execution of large orders at the moment. Using **Power Trades** you can see the execution of a large number of orders in a very short time, which will affect the price change with a high probability. ## What does **Power Trades** show? **Power Trades** shows the zones with the execution of a large number of orders in a very short time, which will affect the price change with a high probability. Let's take a look at a few examples. ![Power Trades tool shows huge executed trades for the short time](/files/-LvqvoLriGNzBg9fsKTF) ![Power Trades tool](/files/-LvqvoLtWX5j8vMAmQJQ) ![Power Trades on Euro Futures](/files/-LvqvoLvRfuLB6f78FW6) ## How does Power Trades find the zones? There is a continuous process of placing, changing and executing orders in the market. All this affects the price change and the expectations of traders regarding the future price. When a large order appears at a certain level, the price is more likely to come to this order and it will be executed because the market is always looking for levels with liquidity. This already applies to the order flow and the mechanics of orders matching, so we will omit the principles on which the orders are matched. It is only important to understand that "**abnormal events**" occur in the market at certain times. *Execution of a significant volume of orders in a very short time is one of such events.* For example, let's set the *Total Volume of 2'000 contracts and Time Interval in 3 seconds* on the E-mini SP500 futures. This means that the scan will be based on the available history and will show on the chart only those zones that have such a volume for the specified time. ![](/files/-LvqvoLx3tIWMlu63xgL) Additionally, it is worth to set a delta value to filter out the zones with one-side trades. The more delta value, the high probability that the price will reverse. ![](/files/-LvqvoLzhcC242mPN8Y_) ## Main settings of Power Trades The following settings are involved in the calculation of the indicator, and directly affect the results. ![](/files/-LvqvoM0tvRXSFR_HLkk) * **Total Volume** — the minimum value of the volume that should be traded during the specified time interval * **Time Interval, sec** — the time over which the Total Volume should be traded * **Basis Volume Interval, sec** — this parameter shows how much % took the traded volume in the total volume for the specified time. * **Min Trade Volume** — the indicator calculation takes into account the executed trades, each with the size equal to or greater than the set value. For example, we can set 100 contracts, and all trades with the volume not less than the specified one will be taken into account in the calculation of the zone. * **Max Trade Volume** — the indicator calculation takes into account the executed trades, each with the size not exceeding the set value. * **Zone Height, ticks** — this parameter will show only those zones where the height is less than or equal to the specified value (in ticks). * **Level 2 level count** — the number of levels that are involved in the calculation of **Imbalance** and the *Level 2 Ratio* column in the table of results. * **Filter by Delta,%** — the parameter will show zones that have a delta value greater than or equal to that specified in the setting. The value must be specified by module, so the table will show both positive and negative delta values. *We recommend to **pay attention to the zones with the delta above/below 50%*** (taking into account the specifics of each trading instrument). * **Filter by Basis Ratio, %** — the parameter will show zones that have a **Basis Volume (%)** value greater than or equal to that specified in the setting. Settings that do not affect the indicator calculation. These are mostly visual and sound settings * **Play alert sound** — the option turns on / off the sound signal when a new zone appears. * **Area color** — set color for all found areas on the chart * **Highlight area color** — set color for the selected area on the chart * **Show Market Depth** — the option shows / hides the Market Depth at the bottom of the table. ## Power Trades and DOM tables When the Power Trades is enabled, it immediately starts searching for zones according to the settings. The search for zones takes place throughout the entire history available on the chart, so at a significant depth of history its calculation can take a long time. # VWAP | Volume Weighted Average Price Volume Weighted Average Price shows a fair price of an asset and based on a trading volume. OptimusFLOW trading platform provides [**Volume analysis tools**](https://www.OptimusFLOW.com/volumeanalysistools), an advanced analytical functionality, which allows you to see the traded volume at each price level, assess the balance between buyers and sellers and understand the intentions of traders regarding the future price. {% embed url="" %} Volume Analysis Tools {% endembed %} Volume analysis tools include proprietary and well-known analytics, which we’ll explore in the further articles: * [**Cluster Chart**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/cluster-chart) (a.k.a. Footprint chart or OrderFlow chart) * [**Volume Profiles**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles) — Step, Right, Left and Custom volume profiles * [**Time Statistics**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/time-statistics) (known as Bar Statistics) — in table form * [**Time Histogram**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/time-histogram) — in form of vertical histogram * **Custom VWAP (Anchored VWAP)** — can be attached to the any selected bar as a starting calculation point * [**VWAP**](/analytics-panels/chart/vwap) — multiple VWAP lines for single chart * [**Historical Time & Sales**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/historical-time-and-sales) — the table of all trades for the any selected bar The GIF below shows how you can activate the toolbar of volume analysis tools: ![Enable the toolbar of Volume Analysis Tools ](/files/-Lvqvnx043LExj3mC9XT) {% hint style="info" %} **Green color** indicates that seleced volume analysis tool has entirely downloaded the data.\ **Yellow color** indicates that selected tool is dowloading the data. {% endhint %} ## Data types of Volume Analysis Tools All volume analysis tools have the same **Data Types**, which can be specified in the settings: * **Trades** — it's the number of contracts (trades) that executed at each price level. * **Buy (or Sell) trades** — it's the number of Buy (or Sell) trades that executed at each price level. * **Volume** — the total size of all positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume** — the total size of all Buy (or sell) positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume, %** — shows how many percent of the total volume relates to Buy (or Sell) trades * **Buy / Sell Volume** — simultaneous display of buy and sell volume on one histogram * **Delta and Delta %** — shows the difference in traded Volume between Buyers and Sellers. It allows evaluating who controls the price on the market at a given time. Delta % = Delta / Volume \* 100 * **Cumulative Delta** — the data is built by adding the current delta value with each subsequent delta value for the certain period of time (or number of bars). ![Use various data types for all volume analysis tools](/files/-Lvqvnx3LOFfeKg7mqrT) * **Average size** — the average volume of the position that was executed at a certain price or price range. * **Average Buy size** — the average volume of a Buy position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Average Sell size** — the average volume of a Sell position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Max one trade volume (value and %)** — shows the maximum volume of a single trade that has executed at a certain price or price range (depending on the Custom Step (ticks) setting). * **Filtered volume (value and %)** — this parameter displays volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. If the volume size is smaller than the one specified in the filter, then the values will be zero. * **Buy (or Sell) filtered volume** — the parameter displays Buy (or Sell) volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. # Watchlist Watchlist panel shows brief pricing information on selected instruments, which you can group into lists The Watchlist panel is the standard table-based panel, representing a various trading info for the specified list of symbols. The list of symbols can be customized using the symbol lookup screen, available by pressing **\[ + ]** button on the toolbar, or from table context menu — “***Add symbols***“ option. ![Watch the required symbol info using Watchlist panel](/files/-Lvqvou4PGFlfYj5sc_g) Each symbol added to watchlist can be removed via the context menu on the symbol’s row. You can also clear all list via the context menu. {% hint style="warning" %} When you add a symbol, that is already presented in current list, it will be added to the end of the list thus making a duplicates. {% endhint %} ## Columns management ## Favorite lists You may want to have a possibility to save several lists for Watchlist panel. To save some list as Favorite, you can use the **\[ Saved lists ]** button on the toolbar. If you have no saved lists yet, it will open a **“Save current list”** popup, where you can set the name for the list, that you are saving. ![Set the name for the Favorite list](/files/-Lvqvou6-aMlIbIMYUAv) Once you press the **\[ SAVE ]** button, the new list will be added to the Favorites and became available from the ***“Saved lists”*** drop-down on the toolbar. ![Favorite lists drop-down](/files/-Lvqvou8HCVwL1n9ciwh) Using the ***“Favorite lists”*** drop-down, you can manage the current saved lists (edit name, remove) and initiate the current list save. {% hint style="info" %} Please notice. When you click on any of favorite lists it will be added below the current list. If you want to see the selected list only, you should clear the Watchlist first. {% endhint %} ## Indicators The Watchlist panel supports the indicators value display in separate columns. In order to add some indicator, thare are two ways to to it: * right-click on watchlist table and proceed to ***"Indicators" -> "Add indicator"*** option. This opens an indicators lookup screen, where you should select the required one. ![Indicators in watchlist are very useful](/files/-LvqvouA4G8LkedqqfwQ) * through the icon ***"Add indicator"*** in the upper right corner of the Watchlist panel ![There are two ways to add indicators in the panel](/files/-LvqvouC6C9YiWHTnBZm) When you select an indicator, you will see the new column (with the selected indicator name) added to the right side of watchlist table. To remove indicator, go to the Indicators category in the context menu and click the ***“Remove Indicator Name”*** option. {% hint style="info" %} Some indicators need time to calculate their values. You will see the “Initializing...” text in such cells. {% endhint %} If you have created (or added) a custom indicator in the platform and want to add it to the Watchlist panel, you need to add an additional parameter to the code. More information about how to do this is given in our guide "[**Adding a custom indicator to Watchlist**](/quantower-algo/custom-indicator-to-watchlist)". # Time & Sales Time and sales panel shows all executed trades for selected trading instrument in table form and provides details for each trade including date, time, price, quantity, and trade direction. ## What is Time and Sales **Time & Sales** panel displays all trades that occur for selected instrument and provides details for each trade including date, time, price, and quantity. Each line is color-coded to indicate whether the trade was a result of an aggressive buyer or seller. Time & Sales panel keeps a running record of trades for selected instruments displayed in chronological order. Each new entry is added to the top of the list, causing the panel screen to auto-scroll downward. ![Time & Sales panel in OptimusFLOW shows all executed trades](/files/-LvqvoTSfvfNyivwLF1b) ## Real-time and Historical modes Real-time mode shows all the trades that are currently executed. The historical mode allows you to get all past trades for a specified period of time directly in the panel. ![Get all past trades in Time & Sales for a specified period](/files/-LvqvoTUGG9hWd5md1bV) ## General settings The basic settings in Time & Sales are similar to the parameters of most panels in OptimusFLOW — full flexibility in color settings, fonts, columns visibility, data position relative to the column, etc. ![General settings of Time & Sales panel](/files/-LvqvoTXpLw55cJ6GSqq) But some settings are unique for this panel: * **Rows limit** — this is the number of lines that will be displayed in the table, to save the memory of your computer. When the number of lines exceeds the specified value, the old values will be deleted as new ones appear * **Time format** — allows setting the time accuracy for executed trades. * **Coloring scheme** — this option sets the color scheme for all rows of the table, depending on the selected condition:\ If you chose **“By Aggressor Flag”**, then for the trades with the Buy direction the line will be blue, and for the Sell trades, the line will be red. If the Aggressor flag is not defined (None) then the color lime will be white. If you selected **“By Tick Direction”**, then the lines will be colored according to the change in the last price. ## Export Data Time & Sales panel allows exporting executed trades to *CSV* or *HTML* files for further analysis. Soon we will add the ability to auto-update the data directly in the external file via DDE and RTD functions. ![T & S panel allows exporting data into external files](/files/-LvqvoTZmcbpPnjEZ8Lg) * Select the "**Export Data**" in the panel's menu * Select the necessary data that you want to export and click on the **\[Export File]** button * Specify the type of files and the path to save it ## Setup Actions - Filters & Actions We wrote about this functionality in the [**Advanced table filters and actions**](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/getting-started/table-management#advanced-table-filter) section, which explains in details the process of adding filters and creating different notifications. Here we briefly describe the filtering process in the table and the settings of various actions. ### Filtering in the Time & Sales table Rows in the table can be filtered by some data value in their column. There are two ways to apply the filtering: * **Quick filtering** can be accessed by clicking the “***Filter***” icon in any table column’s header. ![Quick filtering per column](/files/-LvqvoTaJfMzPFw5VXH5) Once you select some option — the table rows will be filtered to that ones, containing the selected value. Quick filter can be cancelled by pressing “***Cancel filtering***” option. {% hint style="info" %} Quick filtering can be applied only to one column of the table. For filtering multiple columns, we recommend to use “***Setup actions***”. {% endhint %} * **Advanced filtering,** for applying more complex filtering (multi-filtering). Select in the panel's context menu option “***Setup actions***”. ![](/files/-LvqvoTchQIe7Yc_k7II) This screen has two tabs on the left side, where the first one is an Advanced filter. ![Advanced filtering in Time\&Sales table](/files/-LvqvoTecOlPagHzrOb_) This screen allows you to Enable/Disable filtering as well as set up filtering Conditions. These conditions are set up as: ``` _IF \(condition1 AND condition2 ...\) OR \(conditionN...\) …_ ``` You can setup as many conditions as you like. Due to the possible complex logic of filtering, you are required to apply the changes once you finished the filter set up. If you have additional questions or proposals about this functional, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you! # Price Statistic The panel aggregates the volume data for each price for a selected period of time. **Price Statistic** is essentially a [**volume profile**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools/volume-profiles) that is presented in tabular form. The panel aggregates the volume data for each price for a selected period of time. By activating the required columns, you will immediately see Trades, Volume, Delta, Average and Maximum Volumes. Filtering and notification system will show the data significant for the trader. ![General view of Price Statistic panel](/files/-LvqvnYSm5foy33cyFnu) ## Price Statistic & Volume Profile. What's the difference? As we have already said, the Price Statistic panel contains data in the form of a table that shows the volume profile. Below is an image showing how the panel is linked to the volumetric profile. The main difference and advantage of the Price Statistic is that the table presents all available volume data for a particular price, which can be sorted or uploaded to an external csv file for further analysis. ![Price Statistic and Volume Profile](/files/-LvqvnYUJcHn6qBlt1GD) Volume profile and data in the Price Statistic table are built for the current day. If you sort the volume column in descending order, the price in the table ($2,766) will correspond to the POC line on the volume profile. ## How to enable it? In the main menu of the platform in the ***Analytics category***, find the Price Statistic panel and click on it to launch it. ![Launch the Price Statistic panel](/files/-LvqvnYWgJITK8uVSSzq) ## Availalbe Data types in Price Statistic Each column in the table corresponds to a specific data type that you can show / hide through the panel settings or by right-clicking on the table. ![Adding columns to the Price Statistic table ](/files/-LvqvnYYIrS56ubVTveh) * **Trades** — it's the number of contracts (trades) that executed at each price level. * **Buy (or Sell) trades** — it's the number of Buy (or Sell) trades that executed at each price level. * **Volume** — the total size of all positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume** — the total size of all Buy (or sell) positions that executed at each price level or price range. * **Buy (or Sell) Volume, %** — shows how many percent of the total volume relates to Buy (or Sell) trades * **Delta and Delta %** — shows the difference in traded Volume between Buyers and Sellers. It allows evaluating who controls the price on the market at a given time. Delta % = Delta / Volume \* 100 * **Average size** — the average volume of the position that was executed at a certain price or price range. * **Average Buy size** — the average volume of a Buy position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Average Sell size** — the average volume of a Sell position that was executed at a specific price or price range. * **Max one trade volume (value and %)** — shows the maximum volume of a single trade that has executed at a certain price or price range (depending on the Custom Step (ticks) setting). * **Filtered volume (value and %)** — this parameter displays volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. If the volume size is smaller than the one specified in the filter, then the values will be zero. * **Buy (or Sell) filtered volume** — the parameter displays Buy (or Sell) volumes that exceed the size specified in the filter. # DOM Surface It's an advanced Order Flow Surface panel that shows past and current liquidity in a Heatmap view. Actual trades are represented as Volume Circles with corresponded sizes. DOM Surface panel shows all past and current changes in the order book — placing, modifying orders, and executing trades. ## Additional DOM Surface columns On the right side of the panel, there are three histograms — **Size, Cumulative Size, Order Book Imbalance**. ![Additional DOM Surface columns with Order Book Size, Cumulative size and Order Book Imbalance](/files/-Lvqvoonnb90wTUMZgZB) * **Size (Current Order Book)** This histogram shows the volume of limit orders at each price level. User can visually compare the size of each bar for determining the most strong level. * **Cumulative Size** This histogram displays the sum of sizes of limit orders for each subsequent level. This histogram allows estimating the dominating side of the market. * **Imbalance (Order Book Imbalance)** This histogram shows the percentage of how much the volume of buy orders exceeds the amount of sell orders (and vice versa) for each price level. It measures whether the limit order book is buy or sell heavy. The more the imbalance exceeds one side, the higher the probability of price movement towards the imbalance. In fact, it is a good predictor of price direction. # Option Analytics Option Analytics panel allows options traders to see prices, Greeks, build and analyze risk profiles Option Analytics is a professional panel for options traders that allows making strong options analysis and send orders in one click. ![General view of the Option Analytics panel](/files/-LvqvoHSOCRY2_EQgolh) There are 3 main controls on the main toolbar ![Main toolbar](/files/-LvqvoHUzQMuhmOoDn8s) * **Symbol Lookup** for selecting a trading instrument that has an option series * **Level 1 bar** provides information about current Ask/Bid/Last prices, spread and day range of selected symbol * **Panel Appearance** allows trader to go throungt three different views of panel: ***Option desk, Analyzer*** and combination of ***Desk & Analyzer*** simultaneously. ## **Options desk** ![](/files/-LvqvoHWN2sg3vnR870n) (1) - This control allows to manage simultaneously visible options series and strikes.\ (2) - Right click on table's header will show a context menu where trader can select visible columns.\ (3) - Paper column is an interactive column that used to add a paper position to porfolio, to do it - click on column's cell and set value.\ (4) - Right click on a row will show a strike's context menu ![](/files/-LvqvoHY7bQmVcru9mce) (5) - Double click on Ask/Bid cells will open an Order Entry panel ## **Joint mode of Option Desk & Analyzer** Add Paper positions in the options desk and the strategy analyzer will immediately show the option profile. This mode will allow you to see all changes in options desk — prices, volatility, options Greek values — and option profiles on one screen. ![Option Analytics panel offers the joint mode of Options Desk and Analyzer](/files/-LvqvoH_ado9ErFbtV-T) ## **Analyzer** Analyzer allows users to see the profile of existing portfolio. The profile illustrates a behavior of portfolio in cases of underlying instrument price change, volatility change or time decay. Also Analyzer provides a possibility to add an overlay to main chart. It can be one of Greeks: Delta, Gamma, Vega, Theta or Rho ![](/files/-LvqvoHbbSHxnzeYiuZ5) (1) - This controll allows to select a chart's data type. Possible options are: P/L, Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega, Rho\ (2) - This controll allows to add an overlay to main chart ![Add overlays on options profile chart](/files/-LvqvoHd8NbdSTWF4Hbs) (3) - By clicking on this button user can apply "What if" scenarios. ![Use What-If scenario analysis to assess the impact of volatility or time decay on the position](/files/-LvqvoHfhsno4fBIj3-N) Trader is able to simulate the time decay and volatility impact scenarios simultaneously or separately by setting corresponding values. Up to 5 lines can be drawn at the same moment of time. All "What if" lines are drawn in dashed style. ## **Papers, Positions, Working orders** The bottom part of the panel contains combined table with paper positions, real positions and working orders ![](/files/-LvqvoHh5EIcxZIFAv2X) (1) - Add underlier button allows to add a paper position of underlying symbol to the list of existing positions.\ (2) - Hot buttons provide a possibility to make group actions with portfolio suh as: place papers, cancel papers or close real existing positions.\ (3) - Right click on table's header will show a context menu where trader can select visible columns.\ (4) - By clicking on Anayse checkboxes user can include or exclude certain positions from portfolio.\ (5) - Place button allows to place a paper position\ (6) - Remove icon allows to remove a paper position # TPO Profile Chart See the price distribution during the specified time via the TPO Profile (known as Market Profile®) & understand at which levels the price has spent the most time {% embed url="" %} **Time Price Opportunity** or **TPO Chart**, shows the price distribution during the specified time, thus forming a profile. This allows you to understand at which levels or ranges the price has spent the most time, as well as to determine the main support and resistance levels. ![TPO Profile Chart (Market Profile) general view in OptimusFLOW platform](/files/-LvqvohixplFSiJ8EJlq) To open new TPO panel, go to ***Main menu*** (Logo icon) and select ***TPO Chart*** in the Analytics section. ![Open TPO Chart panel via Main menu](/files/-LvqvohkMrCs684zNRFT) ### Key Elements of TPO Profile Chart ![Main Elements of TPO Profile Chart (a.k.a. Market Profile) in OptimusFLOW](/files/-LvqvohmLh_Ta6hoUTdU) **Point of Control (POC)** — price level of the greatest market activity or trading volume. At this level, the price spent most time over the profile range. **Value Area** — price range in which approximately 68% - 70% of the market activity or trading volume took place. **Singles** or **single prints** of the profile are placed in the middle of a profile structure, not at the upper or lower edge. They occur on impulse movements and are used as support/resistance zones, which the price can test in the near future. The singles line indicates where the singles begin to form (in cases when there are several single prints). **TPO letters** — basic element of the TPO chart, where each letter corresponds to a specific time ("**Build From**"). ## Main Controls of TPO Chart There are three main controls on the top toolbar of TPO chart panel: * [**Aggregation**](/analytics-panels/tpo-chart#aggregation-of-tpo-profile-chart) * [**Style**](/analytics-panels/tpo-chart#style-settings-of-tpo-profile-chart) * [**Volume Analysis**](/analytics-panels/tpo-chart#volume-analysis) ### Aggregation of TPO Profile Chart The base element of the TPO chart is letters that are used to build the market profile structure. Each letter initially represents a half-hour period. OptimusFLOW offers to specify in the aggregation settings any values on the basis of which the profile will be built. For example, a daily profile of 30-minute bars is considered as a “standard”. But you can set a lower value of “**Build From**” and the profile will be more granular. Conversely, set the value higher and the shape of the profile will be smoother. ![](/files/-LvqvohoWeqmdjEI_h08) ![TPO Profile can be build with any custom period and base](/files/-LvqvohqIuIW14WMuQ8K) * **Build From (Minute, Hour, Day)** — this parameter determines the length of time for building each letter (for A, B, C etc.). * **Profile Aggregation** — defines the range for each TPO profile. The standard range is 1 day, but there are several base ranges for building each profile — **Minute, Hour, Day**. For example, a 1 day range will start at the beginning of the trading day and finish at the end of the current trading day (defined in the trading hours or by custom session). * **History Range** — determines the depth of history for building TPO profiles. At a high depth of history, volume profiles can be built for a long time, because they use tick data. * **Custom Step (Ticks)** — this parameter defines the height and number of letters in the profile. *If enabled*, the letter height will correspond to the number of ticks which is set in the parameter. *If disabled*, the height and number of letters will be selected automatically using a smart algorithm. As a result, the chart will look the most optimal for analysis. ### Style settings of TPO Profile Chart Choose any color scheme for better representation and analysis of the TPO profile as well as enable POC, Value Area, Singles, Standard Chart etc. * **Display** — mode for dispalying letters of TPO profile — **Boxes** or **Letters**. ![Display TPO Profile as Filled Boxes or Letters](/files/-LvqvohsIOHmerfVoisv) * **Coloring Mode —** choose any color scheme for better representation and analysis of the TPO profile. Currently, there are 10 different coloring modes available — **Single Color, Up/Down Profile, Up/Down Bars, Heatmap, Delta Profile, Delta Price, Delta Bars, Volume Profile, Volume Price, Volume Bars**. * **Plot Symbol** — show/ hide the standard chart on the TPO Profile chart. Select a **\*\*\[**chart style**]\(chart/chart-types/#chart-types-and-styles)**: **\_**Bar, Candle, Line, Area, Dotted Line, OptimusFLOW style\*\*\_. ![](/files/-Lvqvohuhxo8r1gF0hyW) * **Show Point of Control (POC)** — enable a price level of the greatest market activity or trading volume on the chart. At this level, the price spent most time over the profile range. * **Show Value Area** — enable price range in which approximately 68% - 70% of the market activity or trading volume took place. * **Show Singles** or **single prints** of the profile are placed in the middle of a profile structure, not at the upper or lower edge. They occur on impulse movements and are used as support/resistance zones, which the price can test in the near future. The singles line indicates where the singles begin to form (in cases when there are several single prints). ![Enable POC, Value Area and Singles on TPO Profile](/files/-LvqvohwTfbQO3ngOMS9) ### Volume Analysis TPO profiles are used on their own to find areas of support and resistance, and can also be used in conjunction with volume profiles. For this, we have added **Volume Analysis** control to the top toolbar of the panel. Here you can select the data type and show/hide the POC & Value Area. ![Add Volume Profiles on TPO Profile Chart](/files/-LvqvohyiDsZz_R_I-k2) Switch Volume Profile between [**different data types**](/analytics-panels/chart/volume-analysis-tools#data-types-of-volume-analysis-tools), such as delta, buy\&sell, trades, volume, etc. ## Splitting & Merging of TPO Profile Chart Use TPO splitting for a detailed analysis of profile formation. There are two splitting modes available in the platform: * **Split full profile**, that separates the TPO profile into each bar or letter. To separate profile into columns, click on the profile and press ***"Split"*** button that is placed on the lower border of a selected profile. ![Split TPO profile into each bar for a detailed analysis](/files/-Lvqvoi-L0viXX1QzV9Y) * **Divide by bar**, that option splits the profile in half on the selected bar. To separate TPO profile in half, select a necessary profile and right-click to open the context menu and click on ***"Divide by bar"*** button. ![Separate TPO Profile at selected bar](/files/-Lvqvoi1lWofO2VZIN1C) ![](/files/-Lvqvoi3vpV182ppwCvG) ### Merging of TPO Profile **Merge** is a feature that combines several profiles into one. Right-click on the selected profile to open the context menu and select **Merge Left** or **Merge Right**. To return profiles to their original positions, press the Reset button. ![](/files/-Lvqvoi5xmnUrfa_nSB_) ## Session Time Set the custom time range for the necessary trading session and the profile will be built within this range. The rest of the time the profile will not take into account. To set the time of the necessary session, go to the **TPO Chart settings -> View -> Custom session.** Set the time according the time zone. ![Set custom sessions for TPO Profile](/files/-Lvqvoi7cBe_QG2mWWzC) ## Additional settings of TPO Profile Right-click on the chart area -> **Settings** to open the general settings of the TPO Chart panel. ![General settings of TPO Profile Chart in OptimusFLOW platform](/files/-Lvqvoi94wrkbh72BfFg) # Trading panels # Order Entry Order Entry allows to create trading orders with different conditions, such as order quantity, price, side, order type and submit them on the market. ## General info Order Entry panel allows to create trading orders with different conditions, such as order quantity, price, side, order type and submit them on the market. From the Order Entry panel, you can supply all of the necessary information for an order and easily submit it by clicking the appropriate action button. ![General view of Order Entry panel](/files/-Lvqvn_aPiYbFl6rmn8k) The entire panel is conventionally divided into several zones: * choice of trading instrument and trading account; * setting the required order quantity and the order side (Buy or Sell); * choice of order type, its price and TIF condition; * setting of stop loss and take profit prices; * information on current Ask and Bid prices, spread size, VWAP prices, as well as an order placement button. ## Symbol and account selection The selection of a trading instrument can be performed manually through the [Symbol Lookup](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/getting-started/instruments-lookup) or via linking the panel to other panels, for example, to the chart. Just select one link color in two panels and they will have a synchronized symbol parameter. If there are several trading accounts available within your connection, you can select the required account by clicking the **Select Account** button. ![Select the required trading account ](/files/-Lvqvn_dkQJaW9wHEs6N) ## **Order types and restrictions** Order Entry automatically lists all exchange-supported order types available for the associated instrument under the selected connection. Within our existed connections we support: * **Market order** is an order placed without a price with the intention of hitting the best Bid or taking the best Offer currently available in the market. The order fills at the current best price. * **Limit order** allows submitting an order at a specific limit price or better. * **Stop order** allows submitting a buy or sell market order if and when the stop trigger price is touched. ![Order types](/files/-Lvqvn_fcC7UdCrE-M_8) **Time-in-force** (TIF) instructions define the length of time over which an order will continue working before it is canceled. Within our existed connections we support many TIFs: * **DAY** is an order will be canceled if it is not executed within the current trading day; * **FOK** (or Fill or Kill) - an order will be canceled if it is not executed in the entire volume as soon as it becomes available; * **GTC** (Good till canceled) orders will remain working until they are canceled by trader or the contract expires; * **IOC** (Immediate or cancel) requires that any portion of an order that is not filled as soon as it becomes available in the market is canceled; * **GTD** (Good till date) order will remain working within the system and in the marketplace, until it executes or until the close of the market on the date specified. ![The list of TIF conditions](/files/-Lvqvn_hU-pBcxHseC_d) {% hint style="info" %} The TIF list can be different depends on connection, order type or instrument type! {% endhint %} ## Order Protection To protect the position from a significant loss, you can use the **Stop Loss** orders. To do this, activate the "***Stop Loss***" checkbox and specify the price at which the order will be closed. Once the position becomes profitable, you can change the Stop Loss price to a break-even level. To automate this process, **Trailing Stop** was created. This tool is especially useful when price changes strongly in the same direction or when it is impossible to watch the market continuously for some reason. ![Activation of Trailing stop](/files/-Lvqvn_jUTRJlaBbBTai) To gain profit, you can use the **Take Profit** order, which will automatically close the position at the specified price. To do this, activate the "***Take Profit***" checkbox and specify the price at which the order will be closed. {% hint style="info" %} Stop Loss order can be set: * for Long positions below the current price * for Short positions above the current price Take Profit order can be set: * for Long positions above the current price * for Short positions below the current price {% endhint %} ## Order Confirmation Once you have set all the necessary parameters of the order and clicked the **PLACE ORDER** button, the order confirmation screen will appear. This window contains summary information about your order, which will allow you to verify the correctness of the entered data - order type, trade instrument, price, quantity, prices of take profit and stop loss. ![Confirmation of the order placement](/files/-Lvqvn_l5xTuRqrd4GMr) ![Confirmation of the order cancellation](/files/-Lvqvn_nOsUsZzCapmub) {% hint style="info" %} If you activate the "***Do not show again***" checkbox, the confirmation will not be displayed and the order will be immediately sent to the order book. In order to return these notifications, it is necessary to activate the "***Confirm order placement***" checkbox in the [General settings](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/getting-started/general-settings#confirmations) of the application {% endhint %} # Order Types Order Types allow you to specify how an order behaves when it enters the market. For example, you may want an order to immediately fill at the current best price (market order) or to fill only at a particular price (limit order). Order Types differ from order restrictions which set how the order behaves during the session. For example, an order may delete if not filled by the end of the session (Day) or may exist until filled or canceled (GTC). Orders can be divided into 2 groups by side: * **Buy** order which opens a long position is sent if the trader believes in the further growth of the asset; * **Sell** order which opens a short position is sent if the trader believes in the further decrease of the asset. ![Order's side - Buy and Sell](/files/-LvqvpeXZfZZH76MevzC) OptimusFLOW supports the following order types: * Market * Limit * Stop order # DOM Trader DOM panel shows the number of buy and sell orders placed at various price levels around the current price for a particular instrument ## General info The Depth of Market or DOM panel shows the number of buy and sell orders placed at various price levels around the current price for a particular instrument (most often for futures). The more the number of orders is at a certain price level, the higher the interest in this level. The trading functionality of the panel allows you to quickly and efficiently place the required number of orders at the selected price, and also drag-and-drop, change or cancel them. ![General view of DOM Trader panel](/files/-LvqvoM-_kxBTF944atM) ## Trading with DOM Trader DOM Trader allows to send trading orders in two ways — **Mouse Trading mode** and **Order Entry** To place an order via Mouse Trading mode: * Select an account and order restriction (TIF) in the order entry; * Enter an order quantity; * Left-click at a specific prices in the left column will place a Buy Limit order (below the current market price); * Left-click at a specific prices in the right column will place a Sell Limit order (above the current market price). If you place the order below the current price it will be executed by market price; * To place a Stop order is necessary to press and hold down the ***Shift*** key and click at a required price. ![Mouse trading mode in DOM Trading](/files/-LvqvoM17QAKM7nMY0WC) To place an order via Order Entry: * Select an account and order restriction (TIF) in the order entry; * Enter an order quantity; * Click on the Bid, Ask or Market button to place your order; * Confirm your placement by first checking all the parameters. ![Creating a new position via Order entry mode in DOM Trading](/files/-LvqvoM3EkLIxB_C3pC4) ## DOM Trader settings Additional settings of the DOM Trader allow you to customize general view for convenient display of data and the panel in general. ### View settings ![General settings of DOM Trader](/files/-LvqvoM5_zEjjXcjGSYh) * **Show high/low.** Display High / Low data on the price ladder; * **Show last trade indicator.** Graphic element in the form of a triangle on the price ladder, which shows at what price was the last trade; * **Antagonistic size bars.** A mode that allows you to place Ask and Bid volume on one or different sides of the Size column; * **Full-size cells.** Color scheme for Size column; * **Show order entry.** This option shows/hides an Order Entry on the panel for quick order placement; * **Collapse spread.** Hide or show the spread between the current Bid / Ask prices on the price ladder; * **Show day map.** Display the upper horizontal scale, which shows the current price position relative to the High and Low of the day; * **Show toolbar.** This option shows/hides the top toolbar with the trading symbol and expands the "useful" area of the panel. It is recommended to use this option with the symbol link. * **Show Level 1 bar.** Shows/hides the header pane, which contains Level 1 market data for the selected instrument. ### Position Bar settings At the bottom of the DOM Trader is the Position Bar, which displays a brief info about an open position on the current trading instrument — the number of contracts, the average open price, current profit and loss. ![Position Bar in DOM trading](/files/-LvqvoM7efD3UzKqygcV) ![Settings of position bar in DOM Trader panel](/files/-LvqvoM9I4P6kGkTtojo) # Market depth Market Depth is a professional trading panel that provides single-click order entry for an instrument while displaying market liquidity. ## General info The Market Depth panel allows view the number of opening buy and sell orders at different price levels for a selected trading instrument. Thanks to this panel you can better understand the current market liquidity and determine where the supply and demand levels are. ![General view of Market Depth](/files/-LvqvoEbqzJhzTl-bwAw) ## Main parts of MD panel Market Depth panel consists of the following parts: ![](/files/-LvqvoEda9jwV-Bp1hkE) 1. **Order Entry** where you can set the order quantity and other parameters before placing it. 2. **Level 1 bar** shows market data for the selected instrument for the current trading session. 3. **Position bar** displays a brief information about opened positions (average open price, quantity and current P/L) 4. **Additional columns** that can be activated to display the extended market data. ## Trading with Market Depth Market depth panel gives you the ability to quickly and safely enter orders for an instrument with a single click. Using the order entry to configure an order in MD, you can select an account, order quantity, TIF and place an order by market or by Ask/Bid quote. To enter an order in MD: * Select an account and order restriction (TIF) in the order entry; * Enter an order quantity; * Click on the Bid, Ask or Market button to place your order; * Confirm your placement by first checking all the parameters. ## Market Depth settings Additional settings of the market depth allow you to customize the appearance of the panel, set the custom name of the panel, and also set the color schemes of the table. ### View settings ![View settings in market depth panel](/files/-LvqvoEfAmvIxNdYq3PP) * **Aggregate size by price.** Allows to merge Bid size and Ask size by the same price that came from different ECNs (BATS, ARCA, IEX etc.); * **Show order entry.** This option shows/hides an Order Entry on the panel for quick order placement; * **Show toolbar.** This option shows/hides the top toolbar with the trading symbol and expands the "useful" area of the panel. It is recommended to use this option with the symbol link; * **Show Level 1.** Shows/hides the header pane, which contains Level 1 market data for the selected instrument. ### Coloring settings The Market depth panel has different coloring methods for Level 2 quotes which allow you to adjust the colors according to the specified conditions. ![Coloring methods in market depth](/files/-LvqvoEhidEs7JcESHWg) * **By price level.** Coloring system by color levels depending on price tier; * **Relative to volume.** Level 2 quotes are colored on the assumption that the max volume has the most saturated color; * **Step to max volume.** Level 2 quotes are colored on the assumption that the max volume value which is set in the settings has the most saturated color. Here you can set Max volume value and pick the most saturated Ask and Bid colors. ### Position bar settings At the bottom of the Market Depth is the Position Bar, which displays a brief info about an open position on the current trading instrument — the number of contracts, the average open price, current profit and loss. ![Position bar settings in market depth panel](/files/-LvqvoEj5FkGwIzZemWH) # Trading simulator OptimusFLOW provides a Trading simulator, the excellent trading tool that allows emulating the execution of orders under any connection, including those that do not allow trading. ## What is Trading Simulator? Trading Simulator is a specially designed trading tool that allows emulating the execution of orders for any connection, including those that do not allow trading. For whom it will be useful? For any trader - from beginner to pros, trading in with any type of instrument. For example, crypto traders who do not have real accounts on a crypto exchange can trade in the demo mode on the selected crypto exchange. ![General view of Trading Simulator panel](/files/-Lvqvois9c1yK3GZiGXF) ## How to start trading simulation? * Launch the **Trading Simulator** from the Control Center. The panel is located in the *Trading* category. * Add desired symbols on which the trading simulation will take place. * Set the initial balance for trading accounts, execution delay, type of netting for selected symbols, and commission size. * Run the simulation by clicking the "**Start**" button. The status of the panel changes to ***Simulation is active.*** * Open required panels for analysis and trading. On the header of each panel which participates in the trading simulation, shows the corresponding inscription — **Simulator**. ![You can open panels that linked to the simulation process ](/files/-LvqvoiuqNYPn2obqfj0) {% hint style="warning" %} "**Stop**" button will abort the simulation process as well as cancel all positions and orders. {% endhint %} ## General settings In the general settings, you can set the initial balance for the test account, set the delay in execution, and configure the settings of netting for each instrument. ![General settings for accounts and symbols](/files/-Lvqvoiwj2wIBUE_D6Xg) * **Initial balance** — the amount of money for the test account. {% hint style="info" %} Trading Simulator creates separate trading accounts for each base currency of the instrument. For example, if you chose EUR / USD currency pair, then the account name will be **Account (USD)**, if you select EUR / JPY, then the name will be **Account (JPY)** respectively. {% endhint %} * **Execution Delay** — the length of time between the acceptance of an order and its execution. In the real market, this parameter affects on the slippage. There are 3 options for the delay: *Range*, *Fix* and *None* (instant execution). ![General settings for symbols in Trading Simulator](/files/-LvqvoiyjRuxIFPTYSzX) * **Netting type** — methods by which to summarize existing and new positions. There are 3 types of nettings: **One Position**, **Multiple Per Side**, **Multiple Positions**. Examples of using each method you can find in the description of the [History Player panel settings](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/trading-panels/history-player#general-and-instruments-settings). # Market Replay (History Player) Market Replay is a “history player” that lets you to test nearly any trading strategy with the ability to study your errors and seek out adjustments. ## What is Market Replay (History Player) Testing of trading strategies is one of the most important and necessary steps for successful trading. If you are an experienced algotrader, then the automatic testing method is ideal and you can use our Extension for Visual Studio. But unfortunately, many traders don't know the programming language, which makes testing their strategies difficult. ![How to launch Market Replay](/files/-MBAO6V-2jZt7V2T6ZsG) Therefore OptimusFLOW provides the **History Player panel** for simple manual backtesting of any trading strategy. ![General view of the Market Replay panel ](/files/-MBAODrqDcbwsEy8VxyI) History Player allows you to test on any trading instruments with any vendor or broker. This is especially useful when you have access to the data feed that does not allow execution of orders. ## First launch of the History Player * Start the panel from the main application menu * Add a trading instrument for testing * Set the data type — Tick, 1 minute, 1 day * Set the execution type — Last or Bid/Ask/Last * Click on the "Start" button to start testing {% hint style="warning" %} If you click on the "**Stop"** button, all test progress will be canceled. {% endhint %} When the testing is started you can open all the necessary panels for testing by clicking on the “Open panel” button. ![](/files/-MBAOKp6TG9LgXIdBFqA) In our blog, we showed in detail the process of [manual backtesting of trading strategies using the History Player](https://www.OptimusFLOW.com/blog/software-for-manual-backtesting-a-brief-review-of-history-player-plugin). ## General and instruments settings Before you start testing the strategy, you need to set up an initial trading balance, a simulation (or modeling) scheme for downloaded data, a commission size for a trading instrument, and the netting type. ![Set up the initial trading balance and modeling scheme](/files/-MBAOQ8ZG_vRxZyEgY74) Strategy testing can be performed by one of three schemes to choose from: * **OHLC** - in this mode the sequence is constructed only by the OHLC prices of the minute bars, the number of the generated control points is significantly reduced - hence, so is the testing time. * **Open** - in this mode, all trades are opened at the opening price of the next bar. This mode is well suited for testing strategies, which process deals only at the opening of the bar and do not use pending orders, as well as StopLoss and TakeProfit orders. * **Close** - in this mode, all trades are opened at the closing price of the current bar. {% hint style="info" %} "Open" and “Close” modes have the fastest testing time, but they are not suitable for all of the trading strategies. Select the desired test mode based on the characteristics of the trading system. {% endhint %} Now let's look at the main settings of the selected trading instrument ![Basic settings for trading instrument - Netting type and additional fees](/files/-MBAO_AtmoeOHPP9dpWj) In the **Netting type** section, you can choose the method by which to summarize existing and new positions: * **One position** - it is possible to open one position for one instrument in one direction in this mode. If you previously opened a position to buy 1 lot, adding a position to sell 1 lot will close the previous position. New trades for buy will be summed by volume, and the entry price will be averaged. ![Positions are overlapped by the netting type called "One Position"](/files/-Lvqvnqxxc29HjKEri3Y) * **Multiple per Side** - this mode allows you to open many different positions in one direction. For example, opening several positions in the sequence, they will be opened separately. Opposite trades (for sale) will close them. ![Positions are overlapped by the netting type called "Multiple Per Side"](/files/-LvqvnqzpfhwAlt7JGhs) * **Multiple Positions** - each new trade will be opened as a separate item, including the opposite trades. ![Positions are overlapped by the netting type called "Multiple Position"](/files/-Lvqvnr02kbS8RjABPMM) # FX Cell The panel shows the best bid/ask price for a certain instrument and allows to place a market order at these prices ## What is FX Cell FX cell panel provides the combination of two important features - quote data and trading controls for order placement. It was designed with FX traders in mind but it can be used with any symbols for any market. ![ ](/files/-LvqvoaZL4LqyqLIVLqC) The FX Cell panel menu contains: * **Edit** — allows you to change the account or trading symbol; * **Link** — allows linking several panels by common symbol using the Color definition. Just select one link color in FX Cell and other panel and they will have a synchronized symbol parameter. Once linkage is applied, the panel’s title will be colored to the respective color. * **Duplicate panel** — allows you to create a copy of the panel with the same settings. ## Trading with FX Cell * **Select a trading instrument and an account.** You can select a trading symbol manually or through linking to a [Watchlist](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/analytics-panels/watchlist) or to other panels. ![](/files/-LvqvoaaF0gWXm-g-ubK) * **Set the order size.** Click the size field and either type a new value or use the mouse wheel to move to a new value. * **Set the order duration (TIF).** Depending on the selected connection, the TIF types may vary. * **Place the order**. Orders are placed by clicking the buy or sell buttons. You must confirm the order before it is placed. You can manage your open positions with the [Position panel](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/portfolio-panels/positions). # Portfolio panels # Positions Positions panel displays an extended information about all currently opened positions, their P/L and prices Positions panel displays all currently opened positions. Once you open a new position, it appears in this panel and becomes available to be managed. Positions panel is related to Portfolio group of Control Center sidebar. ![The common look of Positions panel](/files/-LvqvntgI_2jygpJSubO) ## Available columns | **Account** | login name of an account that opened a position | | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Symbol** | a traded symbol | | **Description** | comments for symbol | | **Symbol type** | a symbol's market category (CFD, spot, stocks, etc.) | | **Expiration date** | date of contract expiration | | **Position ID** | a unique number that the trading system assigns to each position | | **Side** | type of trade (BUY or SELL) | | **Open price** | price at which a position was opened | | **Current price** | a market price obtainable from a broker | | **Quantity** | amount of a position, either in lots or in units, depending on what is selected in the Settings dialog box | | **Date/Time** | date and time when a position was opened | | **Gross P/L** | profit/loss in account currency, calculated on base of price difference | | **Gross P/L, ticks** | | | **Net P/L** | profit/loss for a position excluding fee | | **Position exposure** | exposure of a position, in the account currency. Calculated on base of an open price | | **Position value (open price)** | open value of a position. Calculated on base of an open market price | | **Position value (current price)** | current value of a position. Calculated on base of a current market price | | **Fee** | shows total commission amount taken for a position | | **Swaps** | amounts collected/paid out by a broker when a position is rolled over to a new value date | | **Expiration date** | date of contract expiration | | **Strike price** | price of option contract performance | | **Stop loss** | Stop loss price set for a position | | **Take profit** | Take profit price set for a position | ## Context menu actions By right-clicking on each row of Positions panel, you will get a context menu with the following functions: ![Context functions](/files/-LvqvntkVa1cNOB6jR0_) ### Selected position(s) actions | **Modify position** | Invokes the modification screen, allowing to add SL/TP orders to selected position manually | | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Modify SL to breakeven** | | | **Quick SL/TP** | allows quick adding SL/TP orders to selected position | | **Close position** | Options: close all selected positions, all positions by selected symbol, all positions for selected account, all positions | | **Reverse** | allows reversing all selected positions, all positions by selected symbol, all positions by selected account, all positions | ### Common actions | **Group by** | Groups all rows by the selected column | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | **Columns visibility** | Allows to toggle the columns visibility | ## Hot buttons toolbar In order to manage your position efficiently, there is a Hot buttons toolbar in Positions panel. It allows trader to perform the most crucial actions with each, several or all available opened positions in one click. {% hint style="danger" %} Depending on the panel settings, hot buttons can proceed without confirmation screen. Please be careful while using them. {% endhint %} ### Hot buttons list | **Breakeven** | | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Close all** | closes all opened positions | | **CLX all** | closes all opened positions and cancels all orders | | **Reverse all** | reverses all positions | | **Close negative** | closes the positions with negative P/L | | **Close positive** | closes the positions with positive P/L | | **Close long** | closes the positions with Side = Long | | **Close short** | closes the positions with Side = Short | | **Close** | closes all positions by selected symbol and account | | **Close selected** | closes all selected positions | | **Reverse** | reverses positions by selected symbol and account | | **Reverse selected** | reverses all selected positions | | **CLX** | closes opened positions and cancels orders by selected symbol and account | ### Hot buttons visibility By default, not all of the available Hot buttons are displayed on Positions panel's toolbar. You can manage visibility of that buttons using the context menu: right-click with your mouse and toggle the desired buttons. {% hint style="info" %} Hot buttons are situated on panel's toolbar, so become unavailable once you disable toolbar for specific panel in panel's settings. {% endhint %} # Working Orders Working orders panel displays all currently placed orders. Once you places a new order, it appears in this panel and becomes available to be managed. Working orders panel is related to Portfolio group of Control Center sidebar. ![The common look of Working Orders panel](/files/-LvqvpVjJbhtZQx69Klq) ## Available columns | **Account** | Login name of an account that placed order | | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Symbol** | A traded symbol | | **Description** | Comments for symbol | | **Symbol type** | A symbol's market category (CFD, spot, stocks, etc.) | | **Expiration date** | Date of contract expiration | | **Strike price** | Price of option contract performance | | **Side** | Type of trade (BUY or SELL) | | **Order type** | Type of order | | **Quantity** | Amount of a order, either in lots or in units, depending on what is selected in the Settings dialog box | | **Qty. filled** | Executed quantity of the order, in case of partial filling | | **Qty. remaining** | Difference between quantity and executed quantity, in case of partial filling | | **Price** | Price at which the order is to be executed. | | **Trigger price** | | | **TIF** | The order's time in force | | **Status** | Order status | | **Current price** | Current market price for order's symbol | | **Stop loss** | Stop loss price set for a order | | **Take profit** | Take profit price set for a order | | **Date/Time** | Date and time when a order was placed | | **Order ID** | A unique number that the trading system assigns to each order | | **Order group ID** | | | **Connection name** | | ## Context menu actions By right-clicking on each row of Working orders panel, you will get a context menu with the following functions: ![Context functions](/files/-LvqvpVlaGF1qLuwe2c-) ### Selected order(s) actions | **Modify order** | Invokes the modification screen, allowing to modify orders parameters | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Quick SL/TP** | Allows quick adding SL/TP orders to selected orders | | **Change to Market** | Change order type to Market for selected orders | | **Cancel order** | Allows canceling all selected orders, all orders by selected symbol, all orders by selected account, all orders | ### Common actions | **Group by** | Groups all rows by the selected column | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | **Columns visibility** | Allows to toggle the columns visibility | ## Hot buttons toolbar In order to manage your orders efficiently, there is a Hot buttons toolbar in Working orders panel. It allows trader to perform the most crucial actions with each, several or all available order in one click. {% hint style="danger" %} Depending on the panel settings, hot buttons can proceed without confirmation screen. Please be careful while using them. {% endhint %} ### Hot buttons list | **Cancel all** | Cancel all orders | | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | **Cancel buy** | Cancel all buy orders | | **Cancel sell** | Cancel all sell orders | | **Cancel limits** | Cancel all limit orders | | **Cancel stops** | Cancel all stop orders | | **Cancel days** | Cancel all orders with TIF Day | | **Cancel GTCs** | Cancel all orders with TIF GTC | | **Cancel selected** | Cancel all selected orders | | **Cancel \** | Cancel all orders by selected Symbol | | **Modify order** | Show Modify order screen for selected orders | | **Change to Market** | Change order type to Market for selected orders | ### Hot buttons visibility By default, not all of the available Hot buttons are displayed on Working orders panel's toolbar. You can manage visibility of that buttons using the context menu: right-click with your mouse and toggle the desired buttons. {% hint style="info" %} Hot buttons are situated on panel's toolbar, so become unavailable once you disable toolbar for specific panel in panel's settings. {% endhint %} # Trades Trades panel displays your trading history. Trades panel is related to Portfolio group of Control Center sidebar. ![The common look of Trades panel](/files/-LvqvoPblBPYQ5jminjU) ## Available columns | **Account** | login name of an account that made a trade | | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date/Time** | Date and time when a trade was made | | **Symbol** | A traded symbol | | **Description** | Comments for symbol | | **Symbol type** | A symbol's market category (CFD, spot, stocks, etc.) | | **Expiration date** | Date of contract expiration | | **Strike price** | Price of option contract performance | | **Side** | Type of trade (BUY or SELL) | | **Order type** | | | **Quantity** | Amount of a trade, either in lots or in units, depending on what is selected in the Settings dialog box | | **Price** | Price at which a trade was filled | | **Gross P/L** | Profit/loss in account currency, calculated on base of price difference | | **Fee** | Shows total commission amount taken for a trade | | **Net P/L** | Profit/loss for a trade excluding fee | | **Trade value** | | | **Trade ID** | A unique number that the trading system assigns to each trade | | **Order ID** | A unique number that the trading system assigns to each order | | **Connection name** | | ## Context menu actions By right-clicking on each row of Trades panel, you will get a context menu with the following functions: ![Context functions](/files/-LvqvoPdOv22jSXzchO-) ### Common actions | **Group by** | Groups all rows by the selected column | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | **Columns visibility** | Allows to toggle the columns visibility | # Orders History Order History panel shows you information about your opening and closing orders. Order History panel is related to Portfolio group of Control Center sidebar. ![The common look of Order History panel](/files/-Lvqvo9wIbQ49KElJU3z) ## Available columns | **Account** | login name of an account that made a trade | | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Symbol** | A traded symbol | | **Description** | Comments for symbol | | **Symbol type** | A symbol's market category (CFD, spot, stocks, etc.) | | **Expiration date** | Date of contract expiration | | **Strike price** | Price of option contract performance | | **Side** | Type of trade (BUY or SELL) | | **Order type** | | | **Quantity** | Amount of a order, either in lots or in units, depending on what is selected in the Settings dialog box | | **Price** | Price at which the order was executed. | | **Trigger Price** | | | **TIF** | The order's time in force | | **Status** | Order status | | **Date/Time** | Date and time when a order was placed | | **Order ID** | A unique number that the trading system assigns to each order | | **Order group ID** | | | **Connection name** | | ## Context menu actions By right-clicking on each row of Order History panel, you will get a context menu with the following functions: ![Context functions](/files/-Lvqvo9yCWvcrfUbOYbb) ### Common actions | **Group by** | Groups all rows by the selected column | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | **Columns visibility** | Allows to toggle the columns visibility | # Synthetic Symbols ## What is Synthetic Symbols **Synthetic Symbols** panel allows to create any non-standard instruments (symbols) or spreads that you can both trade and use as an indicator of the current market situation or market divergences. Spread trading is a strategy that simultaneously creates a long and short position for different assets, in order to reduce the risk of the entire portfolio. Each side of the spread is called a "Leg", which is necessary to set the weighting factor for, i.e. the number of contracts for buy or sell. A market-neutral position, which does not depend on whether the market will go up or down is obtained with a proper selection of these coefficients. ![General view of Synthetic Symbols in OptimusFLOW platform](/files/-Lvqvo8ggag-GXUBwiNf) ## How to Create a Custom Spread in OptimusFLOW? For example, let's build a spread between different brokers within the same asset and see if there is a difference in prices. This is a classic example of Broker arbitrage. * Open the Synthetic Symbols panel and click "**Create Synthetic**". * Set the name for your spread and select a trading instrument. * Click "**Add Leg**" to add another instrument. You can add an unlimited number of instruments by creating new "legs" * Set the coefficients for each leg. In our example, we buy 1 lot of AUD/USD from the LMAX broker and sell 1 lot of AUD/USD from the OANDA broker. * Click the "**Save**" button to calculate the received spread. * Open the Chart panel and select your spread from the list of instruments. ![Spread between different brokers within the same asset — AUD/USD](/files/-Lvqvo8ivgu1HTrRm4zB) ![Spread between WTI and Brent Crude Oil](/files/-Lvqvo8kLp16RLaXsoaY) # Historical Symbols Historical Symbols panel is designed to import historical data from third-party data providers to OptimusFLOW with performing a subsequent technical analysis or backtesting. If you need to import trading quotes to OptimusFLOW from a third-party data provider for performing a backtest or technical analysis, Historical Symbols will be indispensable in this case. For example, you can download any price data from Quandl, IQFeed, NASDAQ or Yahoo and test your trading idea on them. ![General view of Historical Symbols panel](/files/-LvqvoMmwQjKuhWnI4Wu) Let's take a brief look at how it works. ## How to add a new historical symbol? * First, you need to [configure parameters](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/portfolio-panels/historical-symbols#symbol-settings) of the symbol that you want to load. If you want to perform backtesting, it is important to correctly set all the parameters - asset class, tick size, etc. You can borrow parameters from an existing symbol. * Import historical quotes from a .csv file or from an existing symbol. For example, download the trading history of Crude Oil from Quandl. ![Import trading history from file](/files/-LvqvoMo_IzKhzwgu7Rw) * Press “Import History” button, select “Import from file” and specify the path to the required file. * After you have imported the file, you need to parse it. In the settings, carefully select the Separator, Date / Time format, specify all the necessary columns (OHLC, Volume). ![Main settings for parsing a file](/files/-LvqvoMqRe9MXE8cFU14) {% hint style="success" %} You can modify **Date/Time** format manually according to format in the file. {% endhint %} * Select the aggregation (Tick, Minute, Day) and the data type (Ask, Bid, Last) at the bottom of the table. * After the import is completed you can work with this history - performing a backtesting through History Player or make your technical analysis. To view the chart of the imported history right from the Historical Symbols panel, right-click on the data line and open the chart. ![Open a chart to check the uploaded history](/files/-LvqvoMs4rS5QNw1FOB3) {% hint style="warning" %} If the chart does not load, check the selected Data type on the chart. It must match to the loaded history. {% endhint %} ## **How to change or remove a historical symbol?** To change a trading symbol settings, you need to select the desired symbol and click on the gear icon. To delete a trading symbol, you need to select the required symbol and click on the trash bin icon. You can also delete only the imported history for the selected symbol. To do this, right-click on the imported data and select ***"Remove selected history"***. ## Symbol settings To correctly perform the backtesting, you need to configure parameters of the symbol that you want to load. If the requiring history refers to the existing trade symbol in OptimusFLOW, then the settings can be simply borrowed by pressing ***“Get from real symbol”*** button. ![Symbol settings](/files/-LvqvoMuvFCAe84IONGA) | **Name** | The name of the loading symbol. It can be a ticker or a name that you understand. | | ----------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Description** | Brief description of a symbol or its full name | | **Asset Class** | Available asset types - Forex, CFD, Equities, Futures, Crypto | | **Tick size** | It’s a minimum price fluctuation of the selected trading symbol | | **Base currency name** | The name of the base currency for the loaded symbol (USD, EUR, CHF) | | **Base currency minimum change** | It’s a minimum price fluctuation of the selected trading symbol in money value per tick. | | **Quoting currency name** | The name of the quoting currency for the loaded symbol (USD, EUR, CHF) | | **Quoting currency minimum change** | It’s a minimum price fluctuation of quoting currency for the selected trading symbol in money value per tick. | | **Quoting type** | Available quoting type - Lot size, Tick cost | | **Lot Size** | The minimum available trade size for placing an order. For example, for currencies the standard lot is equal to 100,000 units of the base currency. | | **Lot Step** | The minimal step of changing the trading lot. For FX market lot step = 0,01 or less. For futures lot step = 1 | | **Min Lot** | The minimum number of lots available for trading | | **Max Lot** | The maximum number of lots available for trading | # Information panels # Account info The purpose of this panel is to show all of the available account information to user. Account info panel is required to have at least one active connection with trading account to show data about. ![Typical information for OANDA demo account](/files/-LvqvnXXIgwKiEMTszR-) The set of parameters diversify depending on particular account (Connection) and represents the total list of all provided by the vendor data. {% hint style="success" %} You can hide the toolbar containing "Account lookup" field (via Settings) in case you have only one connection in order to save some space. {% endhint %} # Symbol Info This panel shows the detailed information about the selected Symbol. The list of parameters varies depending on Vendor and Symbol type. ![Info about AUD/CHF symbol](/files/-Lvqvok4dLHE-0gukpKq) You can link this panel with others to synchronize the Symbol select. It works well in bind with Watchlist, Chart, and other Symbol-related panels. {% hint style="success" %} A good practice is to link the Symbol info panel with watchlist and hide the toolbar containing Symbol lookup field. Thus you receive the watchlist with detailed info per each symbol. {% endhint %} ![Watchlist & Symbol info bind example](/files/-LvqvokC-xXtoS0Rss9n) # Event Log Event Log panel displays detail information about all events that occurred during working with the trading platform. Event Log panel is related to Informational group of Control Center sidebar. ![The common look of Event Log panel](/files/-Lvqvn_hyAjamlnYlwEK) ## Available columns | **Date/Time** | Date and time when a event was occured | | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | **Type** | Type of event. Can be: Trading, System or Exception | | **Event** | Short name of event | | **Message** | Full details of event | | **Connection name** | The name of connection, that event is related to | ## Context menu actions By right-clicking on each row of Event Log panel, you will get a context menu with the following functions: ![Context functions](/files/-Lvqvn_oqMU3Obm9mDJl) ### Common actions | **Clear table** | Remove all rows from Event Log panel. | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | **Columns visibility** | Allows to toggle the columns visibility | {% hint style="info" %} "Clear table" action removes only data from current table, but not files from your drive. All history logs are still available - you can refill table via "Range selector" on panel tool bar. {% endhint %} # RSS ## First start RSS panel was developed in order to allow traders watch the news feeds right inside the OptimusFLOW trading application. This panel can be easily bond with others and also can be modified and saved as Template for further usage. ![RSS first start screen](/files/-Lvqvo7CaOIOYYMt8n7d) When you open RSS panel for the first time, you won’t have any feeds available in settings, so you will see the welcome screen where you can decide: whether you wish to set up your feeds list by yourself (**\[FEEDS MANAGER]** button) or start usage by importing one of the proposed feeds. If you decide to import the proposed feeds, just check the ones, you would like to import and press the **\[LOAD]** button. After that, the selected feeds will be imported into your panel’s settings, and you will get to the news view. ## Feeds manager In case you want to set up your personally favored feeds — use the Feeds manager (it is situated on the corresponding tab of RSS panel settings). ![](/files/-Lvqvo7EcZn16WG2GOgM) Here you can see the list of currently available feeds. You can change the name or URL per each feed item. In case you would like to add a new feed, just press the **\[ + ]** button on the right top corner of feeds manager. This will add a blank row to the feeds list, where you can set up the required feed access settings. {% hint style="warning" %} If you set up the incorrect feed URL, you will not see its news. Please be careful with providing the correct URL to RSS 2.0 feed. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} You can import Twitter feed in RSS format via various converters (for example ) {% endhint %} ## Manage news list Once you have at least one feed in your settings, you will be able to see its news right in RSS panel's table. The table management is as default. ![RSS feeds view](/files/-Lvqvo7Gan0LU5fP-bQL) You will find some useful hot buttons on the panel's toolbar. **\[ FEEDS MANAGER ]** button opens a corresponding screen. **\[ CURRENT FEEDS ]** button allows you to filter the viewable news by the feeds. To hide some items from particular RSS feed — just uncheck it in Current feeds list. The **\[ CLEAR HISTORY ]** button removes all of the previously imported news from the table. {% hint style="success" %} You may apply the Table actions to the RSS panel. It can be convenient to color some rows, containing the particular word or by the feed source. {% endhint %} # Reports The Reports panel was created to allow traders to get the various statistical information from their broker. The list of available reports vary depending on the broker. Some connections doesn’t provide reports at all. ![](/files/-LvqvnWkDs9mOQ8Wg98s) Reports panel consists of the settings sidebar and report result table. To get re required report, you need to select the Connection first, and then select from the list of provided reports. Depending on the report type, you may have some additional settings below, such as Account selection (in case you have several from one broker) or the range of data to show. {% hint style="info" %} You may have no data returned by the broker, so please check the settings or widen the range of report data. {% endhint %} # Miscellaneous # History Exporter # Market heat map A market heat map represents real-time data in the form of tiles that are automatically sorted by volume or price change What is a Market Heatmap panel in Optimus Flow? Market heatmap is a useful visual tool for viewing any watchlist of underlyings against each other. The different shades allow traders to see quickly and clearly each underlyings strength or weakness.

General view of Market Heatmap panel

## How to get started with the Market heat map panel? 1\. Launch the Market heat map panel from the Control Center. The panel is located in the *Misc* category.
2\. Add the necessary symbols by clicking on the icon "+".
## How to customize data types? ● The panel allows displaying data in two modes: ● *Treemap* mode in which the size of the tiles depends on the value of the price or volume change. ● *Cells* show tiles of symbols from largest to smallest value (price or volume change). ● You can also switch between two sorting modes — Change, % (daily price change), Volume ● You can save and switch between different lists of assets. For example, create a list of your favorite futures. After saving, you can select the desired actions: ● — Add to Watchlist allows you to add a previously saved list to the current ● — Replace Watchlist allows you to delete the current list and add all instruments from the previously saved one ● The panel allows you to compare volume and price changes over the past day. Select the required date in the past, and the panel will load data for the analysis. # Stat matrix # Exchange times ## General "Exchange times" panel was developed to help trader monitor the worldwide Exchanges activity periods. Many traders are watching several Exchanges in different time zones and need to convert their local time to Exchange time and back many times. ![Exchange times panel](/files/-Lvqvoz8AZPJxe_3tR2l) Currently, it allows to select any number of items from the list of 44 exchanges (from America, Europe, Asia & Oceania) and reorder them as you like. Each active item has “Name” & “Time last” values, while closed Exchanges has “Duration time” value together with “Name”. ***Time last*** — shows how much time left until the Exchange will be close for trading.\ ***Duration time*** — shows how much time this Exchange is usually opened for trading. ## Add/remove You can manage the list of exchanges as you like. Right-click on any visible exchange tile and select the required action to perform: * ***Move to the top***. Places this exchange on top of the list. * ***Hide this bar***. Hides exchange from list. ![Exchange times context menu](/files/-LvqvozAlX_EJxiJYlIo) You may also add another exchanges from the list of available. Right-click on any place within panel and find the group of geo-categories: America, Europe, Asia, Oceania. Each category contains the list of corresponding Exchanges, that can be switched on/off by clicking on them. The list of exchanges can be changed later. # Quote Board # Excel and RTD function Start from the version 1.39 OptimusFLOW supports RealTimeData (RTD) for sending data and other market information to Microsoft Excel®. This feature opens up many opportunities for creating custom displays and other ways to better manage your workflow. RTD is a newer protocol that offers several advantages over DDE, including more flexibility and better performance and reliability. We prepared the spreadsheet that outlines the basic syntax of RTD formulas with details more complex formulas. Included is a collection of popular RTD formulas, which you can simply copy and paste into your own spreadsheet. [**Download the sample file**](https://updates.OptimusFLOW.com/misc/RTD/rtd_samples.xlsx)**.** Here is the General Syntax for getting symbol info via RTD function: ![](/files/-LvqvoFXH4k8b5RZ4Bsk) ## **How to activate RTD function in OptimusFLOW platform** Go to the [**General Settings**](/getting-started/general-settings) of the platform, then to *section **Excel RTD*** and tick off ***"Enable Microsoft Excel RTD"*** ![Activation of RTD function in OptimusFLOW](/files/-LvqvoFaxfadTtQ8ECpP) Also in the settings there are two important settings: * **Custom RTD formula name** — depending on the language of your operating system, the name of the RTD function in Excel may be called differently. The original name of the function in the English version of Excel is RTD, but for Russuian version it's called as "ДРВ". * **Custom argument separator** — the separator that participates in the formula. It depends on the localization of your operating system. Get to know [how to check argument separator in your system](/miscellaneous-panels/excel-rtd-trading#how-to-check-argument-separator). ## How to retrieve the instrument data from OptimusFLOW? When retrieving instrument data using RTD, you need to specify the ID of the instrument and the properties you want to retrieve. RTD formula uses the following basic structure: ``` =RTD("TradingPlatform";"";"Param1";"Param2";"Param3";....") ``` {% hint style="info" %} The second parameter is the name of the external server running the RTD Server. As the OptimusFLOW RTD Server always runs locally, you must omit a value for the second parameter or supply an empty string (“”). However, you must account for the parameter in the formula. {% endhint %} ## **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **How to check argument separator?** For Windows 7: * go to **Start > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options** * Click on **Formats Tab** **> Additional Settings** * for **List Separator** check the argument. \_\*\*\_It must be the same as in RTD settings. For Windows 10: * go to **Start >type Control Panel and press enter > Region** * click **Additional Settings** * for **List Separator** check the argument. \_\*\*\_It must be the same as in RTD settings. ![](/files/-LvqvoFgjdlx757wJIpu) ![](/files/-LvqvoFiJrmMxxmQfY-t) # Algo Create different trading scripts such as indicators and strategies. No need to study a proprietary language or development environment — use well-known practices used by developers all over the world # Introduction Create indicators and strategies, as well as platform extensions: plugins, Custom columns, connectors with brokers etc ## General idea **OptimusFLOW** trading platform provides a wide set of professional features for manual trading, but you can use it for algorithmic trading also. With OptimusFLOW Algo solutions you can simply create standard trading scripts such as indicators and strategies, as well as additional platform extensions: own connectors with brokers, plugins, Custom columns, etc. What is differ OptimusFLOW, from others trading platforms - you don't need to study some proprietary language or development environment. You will use only standard, well known instruments, that used by developers all over the world. There are three main key points in our vision of algorithmic scripts development: * C# programming language * Integration with major Development Environments: Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, Atom, etc. * Open and transparent API ### C# programming language C# is simple, powerful, flexible and it is one the most popular programming languages in The World. It means large community and great support, many ready-to-use components and a lot of tutorials, video lessons in any languages and for any level of development skills - from starter to professional. In additional, most of modern trading platform support coding in C#. It became a kind of standard in trading industry, so you can be sure - you will always be able to use your knowledges later and not waste your time studying it. ### Integration with major Development Environments We are planning to provide our users the possibility to use all well known products via special extensions or plugins. At the moment we have an integration between OptimusFLOW trading terminal and Visual Studio - just in a few click you can create your indicator and see it directly on chart panel. All professional features from Visual Studio are available for you out of the box: a code editor with IntelliSense, advanced debugger, supporting for source control systems and many others. You can use special Community version of Visual Studio which is free for private usage. ### Open and transparent API We provide absolutely full access to all functionality of our trading core layer for developers. Moreover, we are developing OptimusFLOW using the same API, which means you always will have up-to-date and powerful set of features, which allows you to create script any level script, from trivial indicators to complex strategies or trading/analytics panels. {% hint style="info" %} OptimusFLOW API documentation is available on: {% endhint %} ## Before you start You just need to spend some time to read our articles about Algo Solutions in OptimusFLOW and you will be able to start writing you first indicators or strategies. In the next topic we will show you how to [install Visual Studio and OptimusFLOW Algo extension](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/OptimusFLOW-algo/installing-visual-studio). If you aware how to do it or if you already have Visual Studio installed on your computer you can skip it and start writing your [first simple indicator](https://help.optimusflow.qtower.app/OptimusFLOW-algo/simple-indicator). # Install for Visual Studio How to install Visual Studio and OptimusFLOW Algo extension, and create your own indicators and strategies **Visual Studio** - is an integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft, which includes a code editor with IntelliSense, debugger, supporting for source control systems and many other professional features. The currently supported Visual Studio version is 2017. {% hint style="success" %} We recommend you to use the most basic version of **Visual Studio — the Community edition**, which is available free of charge. {% endhint %} You can [download Visual Studio from official web site](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/thank-you-downloading-visual-studio/?sku=Community\&rel=15). It requires about 10 minutes to install and 2.5 Gb of free space on your hard drive. Download web installer and run it. After initialization, you will be prompted to select the required components. For using with OptimusFLOW Algo extension we need only "NET desktop development" workload. You can uncheck optional components also, to reduce installation size: ![Minimal required installation](/files/-LvqvpgBWllr81_NrJA4) Continue installation and in a few minutes, after downloading and applying required packages, Visual Studio will start automatically: ![Default view of Visual Studio 2017](/files/-LvqvpgEWkqnvtbb0glX) Now we need to install OptimusFLOW Algo extension from Visual Studio Marketplace. Use "***Tools -> Extension and Updates...***" main menu item to open Extensions Manager. Type "***OptimusFLOW***" into the search box of **Online tab** and you will find a required extension: ![Extensions and Updates window](/files/-LvqvpgHfglmNbfoAAT0) Click "**Download**". Visual Studio will ask you for restarting to finish the extension installation process. To check whether OptimusFLOW Algo is installed successfully click "***File -> New -> Project***" menu item, type "Indicator" and you will see special project type for blank indicator: ![](/files/-MI_l3dW3TQqmhbsnX_a) Now everything is ready to [create your first indicator](/quantower-algo/simple-indicator). # Simple Indicator In this topic we will show you how simple is writing indicators in OptimusFLOW {% hint style="info" %} We will use OptimusFLOW Algo extension for Visual Studio, but main principles are valid for all development environments. If you don't have Visual Studio or OptimusFLOW Algo extension installed you can read [How to install OptimusFLOW Algo](/quantower-algo/installing-visual-studio) manual. {% endhint %} ## So, what is indicator in general? An indicator is mathematical calculations based on a symbol's price or volume. The result is used for displaying on the chart and to help trader make a correct decision. From technical point view Indicator in OptimusFLOW is a set of lines with buffers. Each element of the buffer is assigned to a historical bar or tick on the chart. All you need is to make a required calculations and put the result into this buffer. Sounds not very difficult, doesn't it? Let's start! As for example we will write a code that will implement algorithm of Simple Moving Average indicator. Use "***File -> New project***" in the main menu of Visual Studio to open "**New project**" window. Type "Indicator" and you will see special project type for blank indicator: ![New project window](/files/-MI_ltHiaDvESGzB-rGv) At first, you need to create a new project for the indicator. OptimusFLOW Algo provides you predefined templates for an empty indicator as well as a few examples of real indicators with source code: A minimum required source code will be generated automatically and contains the main Indicator functions: ![Default source code for blank indicator](/files/-LvqvpQCmETHw8bTrDAl) ## Indicator code structure ### Common settings It is time to go deep into the code. In a **constructor** method, you can specify name of the indicator, short name for displaying on the charts and whether you indicator require a separate window on the chart. The most important here is specifying the amount of lines and their default style: Solid/Dot/Histogram, color, and width. In our example, we need only one line, but you can add any amount: ```csharp /// /// Indicator's constructor. Contains general information: name, description, LineSeries etc. /// public SimpleIndicator() : base() { // Defines indicator's name and description. Name = "SimpleIndicator"; Description = "My indicator's annotation"; // Defines line on demand with particular parameters. AddLineSeries("line1", Color.CadetBlue, 1, LineStyle.Solid); // By default indicator will be applied on main window of the chart SeparateWindow = false; } ``` ### Getting data The **"OnUpdate"** method will be called each time on history changing - here we need to add our calculations. Most of the indicators are using prices or volumes in their algorithms. OptimusFLOW API provides you a few ways to retrieve this data - you can access Open, High, Low, Close and others data from a current bar or from previous bars if it required. Common method [**GetPrice**](http://api.optimusflow.qtower.app/docs/TradingPlatform.BusinessLayer.Indicator.html#TradingPlatform_BusinessLayer_Indicator_GetPrice_TradingPlatform_BusinessLayer_PriceType_System_Int32_) allows to retrieve all type of the data: ```csharp // To get Low price of the current bar double low = GetPrice(PriceType.Low); // To get Volume price for the fifth bar before the current double volume = GetPrice(PriceType.Volume, 5); ``` And a few simplified ways to retrieve the data: ```csharp // To get Close price of the current bar double close = Close(); // To get High price of the current bar double high = High(); // To get Open price for the fifth bar before the current double open = Open(5); ``` You can find more information about "**Indicator"** class in our [API documentation](http://api.optimusflow.qtower.app). ### Setting data Now we know how to get prices, but as we told before, we need also to put results into indicator buffer. We can use "[**SetValue**](http://api.optimusflow.qtower.app/docs/TradingPlatform.BusinessLayer.Indicator.html#TradingPlatform_BusinessLayer_Indicator_SetValue_System_Double_System_Int32_System_Int32_)**"** method for this: ```csharp // Put value into current bar for first line of indicator SetValue(1.43); // Put value into current bar for second line of indicator SetValue(1.43, 1); // Put value into fifth bar before the current bar for second line of indicator SetValue(1.43, 1, 5); ``` All this is enough to finish our first indicator. Let's add calculations into "**OnUpdate"** method using standard C# possibilities. This is our total code: ```csharp /// /// Calculation entry point. This function is called when a price data updates. /// protected override void OnUpdate(UpdateArgs args) { int Period = 10; // Checking, if current amount of bars // more, than period of moving average. If it is true // then the calculation is possible if (Count <= Period) return; double sum = 0.0; // Sum of prices for (int i = 0; i < Period; i++) // Adding bar's price to the sum sum += GetPrice(PriceType.Close, i); // Set value to the "SMA" line buffer. SetValue(sum / Period); } ``` As you can see, we use only Close prices for calculations and hard code Period value. In the real case, you will allow a user to specify this values. In our next topic, we will show how to use the Input Parameter for your scripts. ### Build Indicator is ready to use in trading platform. We need to compile it - use "***Build -> Build Solution***" in the main menu or hot key **F6**. OptimusFLOW Algo extension will automatically copy your indicator to assigned OptimusFLOW trading platform and you will see it in the "Indicators" lookup on the chart: ![You can see your indicator in Indicator Lookup](/files/-LvqvpQHsrKGSXN0M2L1) If you decide to make some corrections in your calculations, you can rebuild your indicator and you even don't need to re-add it again on the chart - it will be updated automatically and you will see results immediately: ![You will see all your changes right after rebuild](/files/-LvqvpQJReQrg9XCybC-) As you can see it did not take a lot of time to get the first results. Using this basic example you can easily create your own indicator — all power of C# language is available for you. In the next topic we will show you how to add possibility of [customizing of your indicator via Input Parameters](/quantower-algo/input-parameters). # Input Parameters Modify your indicators or strategies behavior using a set of Input parameters ## General In the previous topic, we showed you [how to create a basic indicator](/quantower-algo/simple-indicator) using Visual Studio with OptimusFLOW Algo extension and use it on the chart in the trading platform. We created a Simple Moving Average indicator with hardcoded parameters. But what if we need to change these parameters? For example, we want to use Open prices instead of Close or use another Period. It is not very convenient to recompile your indicator each time and we provide you a possibility of easy tuning your scripts via so-called Input Parameters. ## **What is input parameter?** After adding an indicator on the chart you can find Setting menu item on it displaying "Settings" window. Indicators usually have some common settings, for customizing lines, and specific settings, that related to their algorithm or calculations. You can create any amount of input parameters, needed in your scripts. They can be used both for indicators and strategies. From a technical point of view, Input Parameter is a usual variable marked with a special attribute. At the moment we support main basic types: string, number, date time, account, symbol, a list of options and others. We will show in details how to declare each type of input parameters and how to customize them. ## **Types of Input Parameters** ### **Text** Sometimes you may need a user to provide some text information, for example for displaying on the chart. For this, you need to declare a string variable and mark it as **InputAttribute**. You need to specify the name of an input parameter, which will be displayed in Settings screen: ```csharp [InputParameter("Text")] public string text; ``` If you call settings screen you will see text box, which you can use to enter a value. That's all - your first input parameter is ready: ![An example of text input parameter in indicator "Settings" screen](/files/-Lvqvp2bUecpySvDhskF) If you have a few input parameters and want to arrange them in an appropriate order, you can apply SortIndex parameter for each InputParameter: ```csharp [InputParameter("First text", 1)] public string firstText; [InputParameter("Second text", 2)] public string secondText; [InputParameter("Third text", 3)] public string thirdText; ``` As you can see, parameters displayed in specified order: ![Sorted Input Parameters](/files/-Lvqvp2e88C2P0GOl8yM) ### **Boolean** In case you need a simple switcher, for example, to enable an option, you can use bool variable with an InputParameter attribute: ```csharp [InputParameter("Boolean")] public bool boolean; ``` ### **Number** One of the most important types of input parameters is numbers. Input parameters can be applied to **int**, **double**, **long** and **decimal** variables: ```csharp [InputParameter("Integer")] public int intNumber; ``` You can specify additional parameters - minimum/maximum value, increment, and decimal places. ```csharp [InputParameter("Double", 0, 0.00001, 10, 0.00001, 5)] public double doubleNumber; ``` ### **Symbol** Sometimes you may need possibility so select symbol, for example in case of calculation of correlation between symbol from the chart and another symbol. And again - all you need just declare variable and mark in with **InputParameter** attribute: ```csharp [InputParameter("Symbol")] public Symbol symbol; ``` ### **Account** If your script is executing some trading operation you need to provide an account setting. Use a variable of **Account** type for this: ```csharp [InputParameter("Account")] public Account account; ``` ### **DateTime** Usually, DateTime settings are using to specify some range of history, for example, left and right border of downloaded history: ```csharp [InputParameter("Date")] public DateTime dateTime; ``` ### **Color** Color Input Parameters store color value in an RGB format: ```csharp [InputParameter("Color")] public Color color; ``` ### **List with options** List with options Input parameter allows to select the value from the predefined list of possible states ```csharp [InputParameter("Simple price types list", 1, variants: new object[]{ "Close", PriceType.Close, "Open", PriceType.Open, "High", PriceType.High, "Low", PriceType.Low, "Typical", PriceType.Typical, "Median", PriceType.Median, "Weighted", PriceType.Weighted })] ``` ## Conclusion To summarize all said above, we gathered all types of Input Parameters to show you how they can look in settings screen: ![All type of Input Parameters](/files/-Lvqvp2gCeuxYrOJQllc) These basic types of Input parameters are enough to create complex indicators and strategies with a wide list of settings. Despite this, we are constantly adding new Input Parameter types. Feel free to contact us and propose your variants — we are open to our users' feedback. # Built-In indicators access Use the results of 50+ built-in indicators of OptimusFLOW in your strategies and indicators ## General During development of your own indicators or strategy, you may require using some standard indicators, for example Moving Averages. You don't need to write any code for this, as OptimusFLOW trading platform provides you a wide set of predefined indicators. At the moment there are about 50 built-in indicators, among them: * EMA * ADX * Keltner * ROC * RSI * KAMA * AROON * and many others ## Access built-in indicators You can access built-in indicators using **Core.Indicators.BuiltIn** class. A good place to initiate such indicators is in an **OnInit** method of your script: ```csharp Indicator AC; protected override void OnInit() { // An example of creation AC indicator AC = Core.Indicators.BuiltIn.AC(); } ``` An indicator can provide some parameters and you can specify them during creation: ```csharp Indicator EMA; protected override void OnInit() { // An example of creation EMA indicator with parameters: // Period = 10 // PriceType = Open EMA = Core.Indicators.BuiltIn.EMA(10, PriceType.Open); } ``` You can create a few copies of one indicator or a few different indicators if needed: ```csharp Indicator fastEMA; Indicator slowEMA; protected override void OnInit() { // An example of creation a few EMA indicators with different parameters fastEMA = Core.Indicators.BuiltIn.EMA(12, PriceType.Open); slowEMA = Core.Indicators.BuiltIn.EMA(26, PriceType.Open); } ``` Now we need to assign the created indicator to our current script — which means it will use symbol and quotes from its parent. You can do this via **AddIndicator** method: ```csharp Indicator EMA; protected override void OnInit() { // Create EMA indicator EMA = Core.Indicators.BuiltIn.EMA(10, PriceType.Open); // Add created EMA indicator as a child to our script AddIndicator(EMA); } ``` Everything is ready to use this indicator in our calculations. After receiving new quotes it will be calculated automatically. You can access its values via [**GetValue** ](http://api.optimusflow.qtower.app/docs/TradingPlatform.BusinessLayer.Indicator.html#TradingPlatform_BusinessLayer_Indicator_GetValue_System_Int32_System_Int32_TradingPlatform_BusinessLayer_SeekOriginHistory_)method: ```csharp /// /// Calculation entry point. This function is called when a price data updates. /// protected override void OnUpdate(UpdateArgs args) { // Get EMA value for current bar from first line double valueFromEMA = EMA.GetValue(); // Using EMA value in parent indicator SetValue(valueFromEMA); } ``` In case you need to access value for previous bars or value from other indicators line you can use the offset and a **lineIndex** parameter of a [**GetValue**](http://api.optimusflow.qtower.app/docs/TradingPlatform.BusinessLayer.Indicator.html#TradingPlatform_BusinessLayer_Indicator_GetValue_System_Int32_System_Int32_TradingPlatform_BusinessLayer_SeekOriginHistory_) \_\*\*\_method: ```csharp /// /// Calculation entry point. This function is called when a price data updates. /// protected override void OnUpdate(UpdateArgs args) { // Get EMA value for current bar from second line double valueFromEMA = EMA.GetValue(5, 1); // Using EMA value in parent indicator SetValue(valueFromEMA); } ``` This is a total source code of our example. We use two EMA indicators with different period and display their difference on the chart: ```csharp using System.Drawing; using TradingPlatform.BusinessLayer; namespace IndicatorWithBuiltIn { public class IndicatorWithBuiltIn : Indicator { /// /// Built in indicators /// Indicator fastEMA; Indicator slowEMA; /// /// Indicator's constructor. Contains general information: name, description, LineSeries etc. /// public IndicatorWithBuiltIn() : base() { // Defines indicator's name and description. Name = "IndicatorWithBuiltIn"; // Defines line on demand with particular parameters. AddLineSeries("line1", Color.CadetBlue, 1, LineStyle.Solid); // By default indicator will be applied on main window of the chart SeparateWindow = true; } /// /// This function will be called after creating an indicator as well as after its input params reset or chart (symbol or timeframe) updates. /// protected override void OnInit() { // Create first instance of EMA indicator with Period 12 fastEMA = Core.Indicators.BuiltIn.EMA(12, PriceType.Open); AddIndicator(fastEMA); // Create second instance of EMA indicator with period 26 slowEMA = Core.Indicators.BuiltIn.EMA(26, PriceType.Open); AddIndicator(slowEMA); } /// /// Calculation entry point. This function is called when a price data updates. /// protected override void OnUpdate(UpdateArgs args) { // Calculate difference double difference = fastEMA.GetValue() - slowEMA.GetValue(); // Use difference as a value for parent indicator SetValue(difference); } } } ``` And a result of this indicator on the chart: ![In the additional window of the chart we can see result of our calculations](/files/-Lvqvo5S_97fIN9uXZGl) As you can see it was not really difficult to create this indicator. Before starting writing your own code, check first, maybe the required calculations are already available in a built-in set. OptimusFLOW team is constantly working on adding new built-in indicators. If you have any ideas and proposals, what we should add — feel free to [contact us](https://www.OptimusFLOW.com/contact-us). --- [Next Page](/llms-full.txt/1)