Home & Charts Window Overview | Part I

Article author
Arthur
  • Updated

Description:

This guide provides an overview of the Exocharts Home interface and Charts window, explaining the main navigation areas, core settings, and the Connection Manager. It is designed to help new users quickly understand where key functionality is located.


Overview

The Home and Charts window is the starting point of Exocharts. From here, you access charting, DOM, embedded web tools, global application settings, and data connections. This article focuses on orientation and high-level behavior rather than detailed configuration.


Key Features

  • Home navigation with Chart, DOM, and Web modules

  • Global application settings affecting all charts

  • Connection Manager for exchanges and data feeds

  • Quick access to logs, shortcuts, sessions, and workspaces


Step-by-Step Guide

1. Home Window Navigation

When Exocharts starts, the Home window displays three primary options:

  • Chart – Opens the main Desktop Chart with full customization.

  • DOM – Opens the Depth of Market view, including order flow and execution-related settings.

  • Web – Embeds web-based platforms or execution terminals directly inside Exocharts.

The primary focus of most workflows is the Chart option, which launches the main charting environment.

2. File Menu

From the left side of the Charts window:

  • File – Includes basic actions such as re-centering all windows.

  • Recenter Windows – Restores window positions if layouts become misaligned.

  • Logout / Exit – Ends the current session.

These options are utility-focused and used infrequently during active trading.

3. Settings Menu

The Settings menu controls global application behavior.

  • Enable Global Cursor
    Synchronizes the crosshair across all open charts and panels. Moving the cursor on one chart mirrors it on others.

  • Enable Global Mirroring
    Mirrors cursor movement and interactions across charts in a similar manner to the global cursor.

  • Use Borderless Windows
    When enabled, removes the native operating system window borders.
    When disabled, Exocharts uses the native OS window frame, which may be preferable for window snapping tools.

  • Use OpenGL instead of DirectX
    Automatically configured by Exocharts. It is recommended to leave this unchanged.

  • Auto Load Background Charts
    Automatically loads charts that are opened in the background, useful when working with multi-chart workspaces.

  • Always on Top
    Keeps all Exocharts windows above other applications.

Most of these settings are optional and depend on personal workflow preferences.

4. Manage Menu

The Manage section contains advanced configuration tools.

Connection Manager

  • Used to connect exchanges and external data feeds.

  • Supports crypto exchanges such as Bybit and BitMEX, as well as external market data feeds.

  • After logging into a data provider, use Download Instruments to load available symbols.

  • The Connection Manager can also be accessed from the Symbol Selector, but the Manage menu is the fastest path.

Shortcut Manager

  • Central location for configuring hotkeys and custom shortcuts.

  • Covered in detail in later workspace and template guides.

Session Manager

  • Used to create and manage custom trading sessions.

  • Allows full customization of session definitions.

5. Data Menu

The Data section is primarily used for diagnostics and support.

  • Logs – Generates Exocharts log files for troubleshooting.

  • Data Folders – Shows storage locations for market data and logs.

This section is typically only used when reporting issues to support.

6. Help Menu

Provides direct access to:

  • User manuals and documentation

  • Account and data feed links

  • Bug reporting tools

This is the recommended starting point when encountering platform issues.

7. Workspaces and Status Panel

On the right side of the interface:

  • Workspaces – Manage and switch between saved layouts.

  • Connections Status – Displays active connections and whether they are live.

  • Version Info – Shows the currently installed Exocharts version.

  • Minimize / Maximize Controls – Control visibility of tabs and panels.


Important Notes / Pro Tips

!NOTE
After connecting to an external data feed, always click Download Instruments to ensure all symbols are available.

!NOTE
Global Cursor and Mirroring are most effective when working with multi-chart layouts and comparative analysis.

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