Chart Layouts
Overview
Chart Layouts are (in a way) the next evolution of Templates, allowing for greater flexibility and faster access to your existing analysis. They are particularly useful when using Watchlists for analysis.
Chart Layouts are not bound by the same limitations of a Template, allowing you to mix global dynamic indicators (such as Moving Averages, RSI, MACD, etc - basically those which are calculated based on the price action) with static tools (like Trend Lines, retracements, etc - those which are manually applied to the chart) which can be saved on a code by code basis.
Once a Chart Layout has been created, it can be used with any security that you open, although note that changes made to a chart layout on a single chart (eg timeframe, bar colours, global tools) will be dynamically updated to all other charts using that chart layout. You can add or remove tools from the chart, without having to repeat the process for every chart you’re analysing.
There is no limit to the number of Chart Layouts you can create, nor the number of securities those chart layouts can be applied to.
Video
This video is pulled from the Optuma 101 course that you can access here. This course takes you through the basics of Optuma and helps you get up and running and using Optuma to its full potential. This video covers how to create, save, open and use chart layouts in Optuma.
Creating a Chart Layout
To create a new Chart Layout simply left-click on the Chart Layout section in the title bar and type in the name you want to give the layout (MA Crossovers, for example) and press Enter on your keyboard.
The new chart layout will be created with any tools already applied to the chart saved as part of the new Chart Layout. You will also be able to select the new layout for use on other charts now.
Global Tools vs Static Tools
When working with Chart Layouts it is important to know that there are two types of tools in Optuma:
- Global Tools: The majority of tools in Optuma are Global tools. When applied, they use the chart’s data to calculate their position on a page. Moving Averages, Volume, Bollinger Bands, are all examples of a Global tool.
- Static Tools: These require the user to select specific positions on a chart, either as part of the tool’s calculation (like a Gann Fan), or the entire tools position (like a Trend Line).
Chart Layouts will handle these two tool types differently.
*Note: Global tools will be saved across the entire layout and added automatically to each chart it is applied to. Static tools, however, are saved on a code by code basis.*
Trend lines added to a CBA chart, will not display those same trend lines when that Chart Layout is applied to a different code.
Layout Preview Images
Each layout will include a preview image created the last time it was used. Each code the layout has been applied to will have its own preview image, so you get a quick reference for the tools / indicators and layout of the chart before applying it.
The preview image will appear in the layout selector drop down, as you hover over a layout.
From Optuma 2.0 and later these preview images will no longer be saved in your Optuma documents folder. Instead they will be saved in the Temp folder. This has been done, as depending on how many layouts you use, and the number of codes each layout is used on, there can be tens of thousands of small image files created. While they are very small in size, the amount of files can slow down the backup process. As preview images aren’t essential files, moving them to the Temp folder will speed up the backup process.
Note: If you are using a cloud drive for your Optuma documents folder (such as OneDrive), you may see a notification after installing Optuma 2.0 that many files have been moved out of the cloud drive and are no longer being backed up. This notification is to do with these preview images and can be ignored.
Global Layouts
By default, all Chart Layouts are global, meaning if you change the timeframe of a layout or add a volume indicator then all charts using that layout will be changed. To disable the global setting and change it to a per security layout (meaning all adjustments are made on a code by code basis only), click on Settings > Layout Manager > Chart Layouts. With the layout manager window open, select the layout you want to modify to an individual layout.
The Convert to Individual Layout button will appear along the bottom of the window:
Click on this button to adjust the selected Global layout to an Individual layout. A prompt will appear asking you to confirm this action (as it can not be undone):
Click the Yes button to complete the adjustment.
Removing a Chart Layout from a Page
To remove a Chart Layout from a page, go to the layout in the title bar of the chart, and left-click the small red x that displays as you hover over it.
NOTE: . Click here to learn how to keep your tools on the page outside of the Chart Layout.
Deleting a Chart Layout from your system
To delete a Chart Layout from your system click on Settings > Layout Manager > Chart Layouts. In the window that opens, mouse over the layout you wish to delete and click the cross, and then confirm (untick the Save backup copy before deleting box if it’s not needed).
*Note: Once deleted, the layout will be removed from all charts that it was linked to.
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