XLTrader - HLC_Template (the heart of the system)

XLTrader™ Add-ins are designed to work with the HLC_Chart.xlt template. You can load a new template from the XLTrader drop down menu or from the file menu by selecting the new option (provided you have put a copy of the template into the templates directory).

In addition to some "behind the scenes" programming that makes it interactive, the HLC_Chart template has three main elements: a data sheet, and two chart sheets. There is one chart in "trading day" format and one chart in "calendar day" format. However… this arangement does not preclude using the template with weekly, monthly or even intra-day data. The template opens with some data already in it for demonstration purposes.

Here are a couple of Youtube videos that will familarize you with the Template

You begin an analysis by replacing that data in the first four columns with your own. Use CUT/COPY and PASTE. DO NOT ADD OR DELETE ROWS OR COLUMNS IN THE DATA SHEET. This will mess things up. There are formulas in the last couple of columns on the Data sheet. You can modify the external appearance of template anyway you like (color schemes fonts image copyright notices etc.)

Formatting Items

HLC_Chart.xlt has toolbar icons that make it easy to: change the chart axis', format any clickable chart element, export a picture, add/remove (single column) data series and zoom-in. There is a drop box that lists all of the active chart elements. You can choose any one of those items, then click the format icon (finger pointing at a document) next to the drop box to bring up the format form (or in most cases you can simply double-click the item). This makes it easy to change colors line thickness's axis scales setting etc.

This image shows an example of the format form.

Changing Chart Scales

The rectangle icon with arrows at the corners is for quickly changing the chart scale. Its very important with graphical overlay techniques to be able to accurately set the desired scale(s). Unlike most technical analysis software, HLC_Chart.xlt allows complete control over the way the chart is displayed.

If you have data series ploted on the secondary axis, (if, for instance, you have an oscillator) then there will be three sets of sliders displayed. If you only have data on th primary axis, then only two sets of sliders are displayed.

Adding and Removing Chart Series

The icon that has a finger pointing at columns is used for adding and removing (single column) data series. It won't work for adding and removing multiple column series.

When the add/remove series form is displayed, you select the column containing the data you want plotted from the drop box, specify which axis (primary or secondary) and press the arrow to add it to the list of active series. If you want to remove a series, you select it from the list of active series and press the arrow to move it out.

Exporting Images

The icon with the little picture of a sunset is used to export the chart as a graphic image. You can save your file as either a gif (which is usally the best option) or a jpeg.

When you press the export image icon, a form is displayed which allows you to navigate to the location on your hard drive where you want the picture saved and to specify a name. Here is where you specify either gif or jpeg format.

Zooming

Sometimes you want to temporarily zoom in on a portion of your chart. For instance, maybe you need to select a point on the graph and its too difficult to isolate at the scale you've choosen. This is when you would use the zoom tool. Either type a percentage into the box or choose one from the drop down menu.