# Realtime Scanner
AgenaTrader has developed an innovative scanner that allows you to scan hundreds of instruments in real time.
The scanner can be accessed by creating:
* a [watch list](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/main-menu/watch-lists) (**Main -> New -> Watch**) (see image below) or
* a [list chart group](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/chart-container/chart-container#Chart_Container__List_Chart_Group) (LCG) (**Main -> New -> Chart container -> List chart group**)
The scanner columns may have different colors:
* green: indicates a long position
* red: indicates a short position
* blue: indicates suggested but not confirmed orders
You can find additional AT++ scanner functions, in the [Setup Builder: Analyzer Column](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-escort-column) section. If you make changes to the **Entry Escorts** list within the **Setup Builder** activation tab, then the scanner must be reloaded for the LCG or watch list. You can rearrange the instruments/symbols in the scanner via drag and drop.
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip!
By holding the Shift- or Ctrl-Key you can easily select multiple items of a Watchlist or any other list. By pressing the 'Del' key afterwards, you can delete all those symbols at once.
{% endhint %}
## **Dot Display for No Signal**
In the Analyzer Columns, each cell displays either a **trading signal** or a **dot**, depending on whether a signal has been detected during the current scan.
#### ● When is the dot shown?
* A **dot** is shown when **no trading signal** is found during the current candle scan.
* As soon as a valid signal is detected, it will **replace the dot** and display the **signal name**.
* This ensures that every cell always shows either an **active signal** or an **explicit "no signal" indication**.
#### 🟢🟡 Dot Color Behavior
The **dot color does not indicate signal strength or status** — it simply shows that AgenaTrader is **actively scanning each new candle**.
* The first scan after launching or switching timeframes will show a **green dot**.
* If **no signal** is found in the next candle, the dot turns **yellow**.
* The color **alternates** with each new candle — green, yellow, green, yellow — as long as no signal is found.
This color shift helps visually confirm that the analyzer is evaluating each new candle in real time.
### Tooltip
Hovering over a dot displays the following tooltip:\
\&#xNAN;**"No signal detected, wait for the next candle."**
#### ⚠️ Notes
* If an instrument is **not ticking or not delivering new data**, the dot color will **not change**, as no new candle is being scanned.
* As soon as a valid trading signal is found, the dot will be replaced with the corresponding **signal label**.
## Scanner Toolbar
The scanner toolbar provides swift access to critical scanner functions and is highly customizable. Click on the toolbar options and select **Add / Remove commands** to choose the icons you prefer to display on the toolbar.
## Scanner context menu
To bring up the context menu, right click within the scanner interface.
The context menu can be reached from the watch list or a list chart group.
The image below shows the context menu options and several additional choices for a list chart group (marked in red).
## Maximize-or-Minimize
This function enables the adjustment of scanner size, allowing for both increases and decreases as needed.
Scanner maximizing button
Scanner minimizing button
To hide the scanner, simply click on the splitter bar with the left mouse button.
## Add Analyzer
This function allows adding Analyzer session column to Scanner.
In order to add Analyzer click on button.
The Analyzer definitions popup allows you to input the following parameters:
* **Name**: Allows users to name the Analyzer session column header. This is particularly useful if multiple Analyzer session columns are in use. We recommend that you change the header text so that the signals and the corresponding time frame can be recognized immediately.
* **TimeFrame:** Please specify the time frame which signals should be scanned for;
* **Session:** Select between the available layers that have been determined in the Setup Builder as analyzer sessions.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Important!** Please find details about Analyzer on pages [**Setup Builder: Analyzer Column**](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-escort-column) and [**Setup Builder: Analyzer sessions**](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-sessions)
{% endhint %}
## Remove Analyzer
This function allows the user to remove Analyzer column from the Scanner.
Click on Remove Analyzer button and select column you want to delete from the list:
{% hint style="info" %}
**Important!** Please find details about Analyzer on pages [**Setup Builder: Analyzer Column**](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-escort-column) and [**Setup Builder: Analyzer sessions**](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-sessions)
{% endhint %}
## Edit Columns
Right-click on the scanner column and select the **Edit columns** option to access the scanner columns editor and manage column settings.
#### Scanner columns editor
The scanner columns editor lets you add, remove, or modify various columns for the scanner.
The selection tree (top left) enables the insertion of various columns and offers the following options:
| Category | Function |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Information | Refers to the real time data such as bid, ask, time, volume etc. |
| Indicators | Includes standard indicators |
| Conditions | Includes complex signal combinations of indicators created within the Signal Builder |
| Scripted conditions | Includes self-programmed signals |
| Custom | Includes self-programmed indicators |
| AnalyzerColumn | Shows the setups defined within the Setup Builder (only available in AgenaTrader++, Andromeda and higher versions) |
| Quick Chart | Displays the last ticks for a specific instrument |
| Pause | Lets you stop current scanning for the selected value |
Double-clicking or clicking the **New** button will add components to the column list (bottom left). Left clicking the **Remove** button will remove them.
If you left click on a component from the column list, the parameter box (on the right side) will display the associated settings. Click the **Apply** button to apply the components and their settings to the scanner or the **OK** button to apply the components to the scanner and close the editor.
If you wish to revert all unconfirmed changes and close the column editor window click the **Cancel** button.
#### Parameter box
The parameter box allows you to define different scanner (i.e. watch list) column parameters.
*Parameter settings are grouped by several categories:*
* **General:**
* Indicator Name: symbol for the indicator.
* Bars required: set the number of historical periods (bars) required for the indicator calculation.
* Back color: background color of the column .
* Font: font type.
* Relative column width: column width changes.
* Decimal places: number of decimal points.
* Caption: column headings.
* Input Price Type: data series (high, low, close, open) for calculation of a component .
* Calculate On Bar Close: if set to "true" then the component will be calculated upon closing of each bar (period).
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning! If "CalculateOnBarClose" is set to 'false' then re-calculation will occur on every tick. This can result in speed (performance) problems for the entire application!**
{% endhint %}
* Time frame:
* Periodicity: defines the interval type (seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, etc)
* Value: defines the length of the interval (e.g. 5 min.).
* Vertical grid lines: applicable for the chart but not for the scanner.
* Displacement: applicable for the chart but not for the scanner.
* **Input & Output:**
* Input: only pertains to the data series based on which the indicator is calculated. The standard setting is "close", i.e. the indicator will be calculated based on the closing prices of the corresponding period.
* Series or Output Value: allows you to assign e.g. either the "D" or "K" value for stochastic indicators displayed in the scanner column.
* **Parameters:** displays specific indicator settings. Please view the corresponding indicator description for more information.
* **Ranges:** shows relevant threshold values (upper, lower, zero lines) for the oscillators.
* Lower: this is usually the line that refers to the indicators in the oversold position.
* Upper: this is usually the line that refers to the indicators in the overbought position.
* Zero line: some indicators bounce around the zero line in a positive/negative area.
* **Special:** allows you to perform very simple scanning for indicators.
* Cross Above Upper: crosses the upper line from below
* Is Above Upper: the oscillator is above the upper line
* Cross Below Upper: crosses the upper line from above (can sometimes be considered a "bear" signal)
* Cross Below Lower: crosses the lower line from above
* Is Below Lower: the oscillator is below the lower line
* Cross Above Lower: crosses the lower line from below (can sometimes be considered a "bull" signal)
* Is Above: the zero line oscillator is above the zero line
* Cross Above: the zero line is crossed bottom-up
* Cross Below: the zero line is crossed top-down
* Is Below: the zero line oscillator is below the zero line
Despite the fact that some indicators displayed on the chart (SMA, EMA) do not have threshold values, you may still input the same scanning criteria for them as for zero line oscillators. The indicator line will then be viewed as the zero line and a price will represent the oscillating value.
The image below illustrates this: The color red has been selected for the Bollinger ribbon indicator for the **Is Above Upper** option. As soon as the closing price of the currency pairs crosses above the upper Bollinger ribbon, the corresponding instrument cells will turn red.
### Open Linked Chart or Chartgroup
Select the **Open linked chart** menu item to open the chart dialog and create a [single chart](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/chart-container/chart-container#single-chart).
After defining all parameters, click the **OK** button to confirm them.
## Show Fundamentals from Yahoo
This feature provides access to Instrument News from Yahoo Finance website without needing to open a browser.
To access **Show Fundamentals from Yahoo** click on button,
Open tab automatically searches news about the instrument you use. In addition, the user can navigate through the Yahoo finance pages without using the browser.
## Start strategy
The scanner context menu allows you to start a strategy for selected instruments. To do so, right click on one or multiple market rows and choose the **Start Strategy** menu item.
Once selected, the following strategies dialog window will appear:
Select the desired strategy within this dialog and click either the **OK** or the **Apply** button. You can find the list of active strategies in the [**Strategy manager**](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/strategy-escort#Strategy_Escort_tab) tab.
Further information is available in the [Chart Toolbar: Strategies](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/untitled/strategies) section.
## Add or remove instrument(s)
#### Add instruments
Left click the **Add Instruments** menu item to open the **Instrument Editor** popup and select an instrument list or single instrument. The chosen instrument list or instrument will be attached to already existing instruments within the scanner.
If the selected list contains instruments already included in the scanner, these instruments will be ignored, since duplicate entries cannot be created.
#### Remove instrument
In order to delete an instrument from the scanner:
* Select a row with the instrument name,f
* right click on it to open the context menu (the row will be highlighted in blue),
* select the **Remove instrument** option.
#### Remove all instruments
* Select any row with the instrument name,
* right click to open the context menu,
* select the **Remove all instruments** option.
## Copy to instrument list
The context menu option **Copy to Instrument List** offers two possibilities:
**Instrument Lists**: Displays all available instrument lists in the submenu. Here, you can select the list to which the instrument should be copied.
* *New*: opens the **Instrument Editor** and creates a \ for selected multiple rows in the scanner. If only one row is selected, all instruments will be placed into the \ within the **Instrument Editor**.
## Reload instrument lists
It is necessary to distinguish between scanner lists and instrument lists. If you add a new instrument to an instrument list via Instrument editor, it will not automatically be displayed in the scanner. You will only be able to see it after reloading the scanner.
AgenaTrader allows you to reload multiple instrument lists using the **Reload Instrument Lists** option in the context menu. After reloading, current information will be saved to the appropriate scanner.
This option makes the most sense when you need to fetch the current values for a static, dynamic instrument list or one of the **Preset scanner lists**. In addition **Authomatically Reload Instruments Lists** function allows you to reload instrument list authomatically.
## Move to next expiry (Futures only)
This menu function only becomes available for the futures contract.
The function allows the user to move expiration date of a futures contract in ascending order. You can find additional information about expiry function in [Instrument Editor: Futures contract rollover](https://docs.agenatrader.com/tools/instrument-escort#Instrument_Escort__Futures_contract_rollover)
## Assign AnalyzerSession
The [**Assign Analyzer session**](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-sessions) menu function only becomes available when at least one [Analyzer Column column](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-escort-column) is attached to the scanner.
Right click in this column to bring up the context menu, then choose between the available layers determined by you as analyzer sessions in the **Setup Builder**.
## Signal Direction
The **Signal Direction** menu function only becomes available when at least one [Setup Builder: Analyzer Column](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-escort-column) is attached to the scanner.
Right-click in this column to bring up the context menu, then choose between Signal directions you want to display in Analyzer Column column.
* **Both Directions:** Analyzer Column column would display both direction signals.
* **Long Only:** Analyzer Column column would display only long direction signals.
* **Short Only:** Analyzer Column column would display only short direction signals.
## Sort interval
The sort interval function allows you to define how often AgenaTrader will automatically sort your signals in the Analyzer Column columns. In order to tell AgenaTrader how you want these signals sorted, you must initially manually sort the Analyzer Column column as you wish to have it by clicking the title bar. You only need to carry this out once, but this function will not work if you do not sort the column manually first.
Now proceed to left click the title bar of the column that you wish to sort, and the **Sort Interval** function will become available.
Enter the time interval in seconds by which you wish to sort the selected column. For example, a 5 sec. interval means that sorting will take place every 5 seconds.
## Enable Sound Alerts
This functionality makes it possible for you to be notified of signals or events that occur. When you activate (or deactivate) the **Enable Sound Alerts** option, it will be applied to the entire watch list or list chart group.
To assign a sound to specific entry signals, select **Setup Builder -> Parameter tab-> Choose entry escort from the list-> SignalSound.**
Please find details [here](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#entryescorts)
You can also customize sound settings not only for specific indicators but also for the **Analyzer Column columns**.
**Example. Indicators**
Right click within the scanner/list chart group to access the context menu, then select the **Edit columns** option.
For indicators such as Bollinger bands you can set the sound in the special section. The image below shows how you can manage different crossovers between the price and the indicator.
## Export to MS Excel
Selecting the Export to MS Excel option from the context menu will export the scanner list into a CSV file.
## Scanner Templates
AgenaTrader allows you to apply the saved settings to a new scanner using scanner templates.
When saving a scanner template, the following settings will be stored:
* columns inside the chart
* your current settings (background color, indicator parameters, etc.)
However, the list of instruments from the scanner will not be saved.
To load a scanner template, right click on a scanner column and then select the **Scanner Templates -> Load** submenu.
Once selected, the following popup window will appear:
You can select available templates from the drop-down list.
## Reload
Agenatrader allows you to reload whole scanner or the single column: **Reload** and **Reload 'field\_name'**
Enter **Set Refresh Interval** in milliseconds up to 10000 by which you wish to refresh scanner columns (Ask/Bid, etc):
In addition, the user can edit self-scripted indicators and conditions (they should be added to the scanner columns ) through the context menu by using **Edit** function:
## Scanner for a list chart group
The scanner for a list chart group is linked to the associated charts. This means that charts will be created and displayed in correspondence with entries made in scanner.
*The scanner context menu allows the following entry possibilities:*
* Save/Print: [prints](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/untitled/print) or [saves](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/untitled/saving-as-image) the chart group of the instrument currently selected or in use.
* Chart Group: contains the following range of [functions](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/chart-container/chart-container#Chart_Container__List_Chart_Group):
* Mark Item: allows you to mark/color a symbol.
* Reset Marked Item: here you can undo a symbol's marking.
Maximize-or-Minimize
This function enables the adjustment of scanner size, allowing for both increases and decreases as needed.
Scanner maximizing button 
Add Analyzer
This function allows adding Analyzer session column to Scanner.
In order to add Analyzer click on 
Remove Analyzer
This function allows the user to remove Analyzer column from the Scanner.
Click on Remove Analyzer button and select column you want to delete from the list:
Edit Columns
Right-click on the scanner column and select the **Edit columns** option to access the scanner columns editor and manage column settings.
#### Scanner columns editor
The scanner columns editor lets you add, remove, or modify various columns for the scanner.
Show Fundamentals from Yahoo
This feature provides access to Instrument News from Yahoo Finance website without needing to open a browser.
To access **Show Fundamentals from Yahoo** click on button
,
Open tab automatically searches news about the instrument you use. In addition, the user can navigate through the Yahoo finance pages without using the browser.
Start strategy
The scanner context menu allows you to start a strategy for selected instruments. To do so, right click on one or multiple market rows and choose the **Start Strategy** menu item.
Add or remove instrument(s)
#### 
Remove all instruments
* Select any row with the instrument name,
* right click to open the context menu,
* select the **Remove all instruments** option.
## 
Copy to instrument list
The context menu option **Copy to Instrument List** offers two possibilities:
**Instrument Lists**: Displays all available instrument lists in the submenu. Here, you can select the list to which the instrument should be copied.
Reload instrument lists
It is necessary to distinguish between scanner lists and instrument lists. If you add a new instrument to an instrument list via Instrument editor, it will not automatically be displayed in the scanner. You will only be able to see it after reloading the scanner.
AgenaTrader allows you to reload multiple instrument lists using the **Reload Instrument Lists** option in the context menu. After reloading, current information will be saved to the appropriate scanner.
This option makes the most sense when you need to fetch the current values for a static, dynamic instrument list or one of the **Preset scanner lists**. In addition **Authomatically Reload Instruments Lists** function allows you to reload instrument list authomatically.
Move to next expiry (Futures only)
This menu function only becomes available for the futures contract.
The function allows the user to move expiration date of a futures contract in ascending order. You can find additional information about expiry function in [Instrument Editor: Futures contract rollover](https://docs.agenatrader.com/tools/instrument-escort#Instrument_Escort__Futures_contract_rollover)
Assign AnalyzerSession
The [**Assign Analyzer session**](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-sessions) menu function only becomes available when at least one [Analyzer Column column](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-escort-column) is attached to the scanner.
Right click in this column to bring up the context menu, then choose between the available layers determined by you as analyzer sessions in the **Setup Builder**.
Signal Direction
The **Signal Direction** menu function only becomes available when at least one [Setup Builder: Analyzer Column](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#analyzer-escort-column) is attached to the scanner.
Right-click in this column to bring up the context menu, then choose between Signal directions you want to display in Analyzer Column column.
Sort interval
The sort interval function allows you to define how often AgenaTrader will automatically sort your signals in the Analyzer Column columns. In order to tell AgenaTrader how you want these signals sorted, you must initially manually sort the Analyzer Column column as you wish to have it by clicking the title bar. You only need to carry this out once, but this function will not work if you do not sort the column manually first.
Now proceed to left click the title bar of the column that you wish to sort, and the **Sort Interval** function will become available.
Enter the time interval in seconds by which you wish to sort the selected column. For example, a 5 sec. interval means that sorting will take place every 5 seconds.
## 
Enable Sound Alerts
This functionality makes it possible for you to be notified of signals or events that occur. When you activate (or deactivate) the **Enable Sound Alerts** option, it will be applied to the entire watch list or list chart group.
To assign a sound to specific entry signals, select **Setup Builder -> Parameter tab-> Choose entry escort from the list-> SignalSound.**
Please find details [here](https://docs.agenatrader.com/create-your-own-trading-strategy/setup-escort#entryescorts)
You can also customize sound settings not only for specific indicators but also for the **Analyzer Column columns**.
**Example. Indicators**
Right click within the scanner/list chart group to access the context menu, then select the **Edit columns** option.
Export to MS Excel
Selecting the Export to MS Excel option from the context menu will export the scanner list into a CSV file.
## 
Scanner Templates
AgenaTrader allows you to apply the saved settings to a new scanner using scanner templates.
When saving a scanner template, the following settings will be stored:
* columns inside the chart
* your current settings (background color, indicator parameters, etc.)
However, the list of instruments from the scanner will not be saved.
Reload
Agenatrader allows you to reload whole scanner or the single column: **Reload** and **Reload 'field\_name'**
**Set Refresh Interval** in milliseconds up to 10000 by which you wish to refresh scanner columns (Ask/Bid, etc):
Save/Print: [prints](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/untitled/print) or [saves](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/untitled/saving-as-image) the chart group of the instrument currently selected or in use.
* 
Chart Group: contains the following range of [functions](https://docs.agenatrader.com/main/chart-area/chart-container/chart-container#Chart_Container__List_Chart_Group):
Mark Item: allows you to mark/color a symbol.
Reset Marked Item: here you can undo a symbol's marking.
