Using Custom Field Formats

TradingSolutions determines how to display numeric values in the Portfolio View and Spreadsheet View using Field Formats. Each time a field is created or imported, it is assigned a default format based on the type of information it appears to contain.

In addition to several standard formats included with TradingSolutions, custom formats can be created and used to adjust the way fields are displayed. For example, additional decimal places can be added to the display. Or, alternate methods can be used for displaying negative numbers.

Selecting a Format for a Field

TradingSolutions will automatically select to display fields either in a numeric format or in an entry/exit signal format. In addition, signal analysis fields are assigned specific numeric formats based on the information they contain.

When creating a new calculated field, you can set the new field to be formatted as a signal on the Calculate a Value Wizard: Select Name page. To select the format, simply select or deselect Display this field as an entry/exit signal.

After a field has been created, you can select a new format on the Modify Field Dialog: Overview page. Fields using the "Signal" format will be displayed as signals. All other formats will be displayed in the specific numeric format. If a field is changed to the "Signal" format, it will be analyzed as an entry/exit signal and be displayed on the Modify Data Dialog: Entry/Exit Signals page. If a field is change from a "Signal" format, its analysis will be removed.

Modifying or Creating Field Formats

The field formats included with TradingSolutions can be modified to display numeric values to best fit your needs. In addition, new field formats can be created to use in different situations. To modify or create field formats, select Define Field Formats from the Tools menu. This will display the Define Field Formats dialog.