Hot keys are commands you can create using the buttons on your keyboard. Using hot keys can give you quicker access to market research and help you react faster when you spot an opportunity.
You can modify the hot key setup and key type selections to suit your trading needs. You can easily add, edit, or delete hot keys from a menu and choose which key you want to use for a specific function.
To access the Hot Key Setup, from the Main Menu bar menu, select Configure, and then click Hotkeys. The Hot Key Setup dialog box appears.
Note: If you are currently looking at a single symbol window, the hot key will open the selected tool with the symbol attached. If you are looking at a window with multiple symbols, the tool will open with no symbol entered.
Creating a New Hot Key
To create a new hot key:
- In the Hot Key Setup dialog box, click Add.
The Hot Key Action dialog box appears.
- In the Action Type list, choose the action you want to see completed when you enter a hot key.
- In the Hot Key box, type the hot key you want to assign to your action and then click OK.
Note: Available actions include order controls as well as individual window launch. For Stock and Option Order Entry Hot Keys you can select market side, quantity, order type and--as appropriate-- limit, duration and qualifier values.
- Click OK to close the Hot Key Setup dialog box.
Assigning an Existing Hot Key to a Task
To assign a hot key combination to a specific task:
From the Hot Key Setup dialog box, select the key combination you want and then click OK.
Note: A hot key combination may be assigned to one action only.
Changing Hot Key Assignments
To modify a Hot Key assignment to a task:
1. In the Hot Key Setup dialog box, select the hot key you want to modify from the Hot Key list.
2. Click Change.
The Hot Key Action dialog box appears.
3. In the Action Type list, choose the action you want to see completed when you enter a hot key.
4. In the Hot Key box, type the hot key you want to assign to your action and then click OK.
5. Click OK to save your selections and exit the Hot Key Setup dialog box.
Deleting a Hot Key
To delete a Hot Key:
1. In the Hot Key Setup dialog box, click the hot key you want to delete and then click Remove.
The hot key is deleted.
3. Click OK.
Using Hot Keys in Order Entry
Multiple Symbols
If you are viewing a window that contains multiple symbols and press a hot key combination, the hot key will open a blank window. For Order Entry Hot Keys the ticket is completed with the Hot Key parameters that you defined. You only need to type the symbol.
Single Symbol
If you press a hot key combination for Order Entry while you are looking at a window with only one symbol, such as the Full Quote or Chart windows, the order goes through and provides you with an order confirmation preview.
An order review window appears, verifying that you want to place the order.
To view your confirmed order in the Order Status window, click Yes.