Intervals Tool
Overview
The Intervals tool allows you to select a start date and end date. The tool measures the distance between both points and draws a series of vertical lines at the same distance apart, both forwards and backwards in time. This can be helpful in identifying re-occurring trends / cycles on a chart.
To add the tool to your chart, select the tool from the Cycles tool group, and left-click once on the chart at the desired starting position. Next, left-click a second time at the desired end position. Optuma will then draw the tool using the default settings.
Actions & Properties
Actions
Add to Toolbar: Adds the selected tool to your custom toolbar.
Apply Settings to All: When multiple Intervals tools have been applied to a chart, page or workbook, this action can be used to apply the settings of the one selected to other instances of the tool. This is a great time saver if an adjustment is made to the tool - such as line colour - as this allows all the other Intervals tools in the chart, page or entire workbook to be updated instantly.
Copy Tool: Allows you to copy the selected tool, which can then be pasted onto a different chart window.
Move to Back: If the tool is displaying in front of other tools or indicators clicking this action will move the tool view to the background.
Move to Front: If the tool is displaying behind other tools or indicators on the chart, clicking this action will bring the tool to the forefront.
Set Time Alert: Selecting this action will set a Time Alert at the value the Vertical Line is positioned.
Restore Default Settings: Click this action if you have adjusted the default settings of the tool, and wish to return to the standard properties originally installed with Optuma.
Save Settings as Default: If you have adjusted any of the tool’s properties (colour, for example) you can save the adjustments as your new default setting. Each time you apply a new Intervals tool to a chart, the tool will display using the new settings.
Delete: Deletes the tool from the chart.
Properties
Tool Name: Allows you to adjust the name of the tool, as it’s displayed in the Structure Panel.
Extend Lines: Check this box and the Interval lines will automatically extend from the top to the bottom of the chart. Uncheck this box to manually define the length of the interval lines. Click on one of the small squares that appear on the tool when selected, and then drag that square up or down in order to set the line length.
Line Over All Views: Check this box and the Interval lines will extend to display over any tools that are displayed in a separate indicator window, for example, Volume.
Start Date: Displays the date of the Start line, left clicking on the existing date will display a calendar allowing alteration of the nominated start date.
End Date: Displays the date of the End line, left clicking on the existing date will display a calendar allowing alteration of the nominated end date.
Base Line Style: This option expands to display the following:
- Line Style - The Line Style property allows you to adjust the type of the Interval lines displayed. There are 8 options available: Solid, Dots, Dash, Dash Dots, Long Dash, Long Dash Dot, Long Dash Dot Dot and Stippled.
- Line Width - Allows you to adjust the width of the Interval lines. Moving the slider bar to the right increases the thickness of the line.
- Line Colour - Allows you to select the colour of the Interval lines. Clicking on the drop down arrow will display a colour swatch. Locate the desired colour and left-click it once to select it.
Interval Line Style: This option expands to display the properties of the Interval line, these are identical to that of the Base Line Style.
Tool Transparency: Use this slider bar to adjust the transparency of the tool. Moving the slider to the left will increase the transparency of the tool.
Visible: Un-tick this checkbox to hide the tool from the chart.