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Performance Guide

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Contents:

1. Use multiple instances with different chart update settings

Great way to distribute processing load. Instead of jamming all into one, multiple instances are created which maintain their own copies of chartbooks, settings, and chart data.

Official Sierra Chart Documentation Here:

  • Open Sierra Chart
  • Create new instance by selecting File > New Instance from the title bar
  • Dedicate 1 instance for lower latency updates, the other(s) for lower latency (Easier with multiple computer monitors)
    • First change the default update interval for each instance: Global Settings > General Settings > Chart Update Interval in Milliseconds. Ex. 100 for instance 1 trigger charts, 800 for the other instance for slower updates
    • Next change the interval on indiciducal charts. Click the chart > Chart Settings > [*Display] > Chart Update Interval in Milliseconds. Ex. 100 for trigger chart

Tip: To open all instances on startup go to Global Settings > General Settings > Instances to Run on Startup. 2,3,4 etc

2. Lower the Days to Load data for every chart possible

For each chart in a chartbook, only select the neccessary days to load. Keep in mind if you have studies that use older data they will not function correctly if the required data exceeds the days loaded value. Ex. The Previous Week Hi will not show on charts if the days loaded is only 2 days. The more days that are loaded on each chart the longer the start-up time. Use the absolute minimum.

3. Only display necessary charts, and minimize or hide all others

Every chart that is open or even collecting data should have a purpose. Minimize all low visual priority charts. To disable the graphics of the chart reducing CPU load:

  • Title Bar: Window > Hide Window

4. Set Chart Update Interval to the slowest possible times

Assuming by now the user has at least 2 instances (or copies) of Sierra Chart consider the following:

Instance 1: Lower latency by default - for triggering trades - custom settings for certain charts

Instance 2: Higher latency (slower) - for data and charting - custom settings for certain charts

With that said, go through every chart in the chartbook and set it to a slower Chart Update Interval if possible. This excludes trigger charts.

5. Avoid excess or power heavy drawing tools on charts

An excess amount of chart drawing tools can really slow down performance and loading times.

  • avoid using graphical lines with thickness greater than 2
  • avoid excess use of dotted, alternate, or dashed lines on charts
  • avoid excess use of any transparent coloring among tools and studies
  • drawing tools are less demanding of resources than subgraphs generally

6. Lower and remove visual settings on default operating systems (Windows)

By default a Windows PC will have many visual features that may lower performance slightly when compared to those settings being turned off. Taskbar, windows, title bars, theme.

7. Try Sierra Chart on Linux

For the full guide on running Sierra Chart within Linux click HERE. Or, charting and backtesting from the Linux copy and trading execution on the root system.

8a. Perform regular backups

Copy all Sierra Chart files from the USER/SierraChart folders to a safe place. 2 Physical locations, 1 cloud based minimum. Automate or set reminders.

8b. Cloud based storage

For traders using multiple computers, use a Cloud storage solution to easily move files between computers.

The Files from the USER/SierraChart/ folders can be copied into the cloud storage from Computer 1, and downloaded onto computer 2.

9. Use spreadsheets sparingly

Aside from automatic trading uses, consider running active spreadsheets on secondary instances of Sierra Chart (More on instances HERE). Avoid spreadsheets in same instance as trading execution trigger chart.

Trim down lines on a spreadsheet. Remember that each line will be moved and calculated as new bars come in. This can negatively impact performance. Fix:

  • Open the settings window for any Spreadsheet study
  • Set the Number of Rows to a very low value, such as 10.

10. Keep Sierra Chart Up To Date, or Roll Back Versions

To use the latest version, or roll back:

  • Title Bar: Help > Download Current Version
  • Yes
  • Install
    • Or type the specific version if desired

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Performance Introduction

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Sierra Chart Master Handbook - Unofficial

Please be aware that the information contained in this handbook is not intended to be and should not be taken as financial advice. The creator is not a financial advisor and the materials provided should not be relied upon in making any financial decisions. Any actions taken based on the information contained in this handbook are taken at the reader's own risk and the creator will not be held liable for any losses or damages resulting from such actions.

In addition, the creator is not a registered broker or financial advisor in the United States and the materials contained in this handbook do not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The creator does not endorse or recommend any particular investment strategy and the reader should not rely on any information contained in this handbook as the basis for making any investment decisions.

Furthermore, past performance is not indicative of future results and the reader should be aware that trading futures, crypto, stocks, and NFTs carries a high degree of risk and the possibility of significant losses. The reader should carefully consider their financial situation and seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions.

The creator of this handbook is not an expert and the materials contained within are provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. No material contained in this handbook suggests a specific method or strategy for investing or trading, and under no circumstances should anything contained in this handbook or any related materials be considered as financial advice.

Please also be aware that some pages within this handbook may contain affiliate links that pay the creator a small commission at no additional cost to the reader. The inclusion of these links does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the products or services being advertised and the reader should carefully evaluate the suitability of any product or service before making a purchase.

By accessing and using the materials contained in this handbook, the reader acknowledges and agrees to the terms of this disclaimer and releases the creator from any liability for financial losses or damages resulting from the reader's use of the materials contained within. It is possible to lose more than the value of a trading account. Nothing within this handbook is advice or a recommendation to the reader. Any damages or losses following changes the reader makes to Sierra Chart after reading material within this handbook the creator should not be held liable. This handbook is NOT created by Sierra Chart and is not an official handbook to Sierra Chart. Each purchase only grants the user associated with the email provided on checkout for lifetime access. Trading is risky.