Welcome to the New User Orientation for eSignal OnDemand. This guide is designed to help you get started using eSignal OnDemand and introduce you to the available resources to help you find what you're looking for.
eSignal OnDemand Service Highlights
- Delayed Snapshot Data – Log-in and all the symbols in your layout or page will update initially on a delayed snapshot basis. Thereafter, updates will automatically occur every five minutes.
- Intraday History – You'll have access to 6 months of standard intraday history with the ability to add on Extended Intraday History going as far back as 2 years for many popular markets, including up to 12 years for U.S. stocks. All markets will eventually be expanded as data is collected.
- Access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some routine server maintenance periods may occur.
Product Options
You have 2 service level options to choose from:
- By Region – Receive data for one region of data. ($24.95 / mo.)
- Global – Receive data for all regions / exchanges. ($34.95 / mo.)
General FAQs
What exchanges are included with each region that I subscribe to?
The breakdown of the exchanges included with each region can be found by clicking the links listed above or by jumping to our Exchange Fee Pricing page. There will be certain exceptions for exchanges that do not offer their data on a delayed basis or charge separately for delayed data. Those exchanges would not be included in their respective region.
Currently, the following exchanges charge for delayed (or are available in real time only) and, therefore, are excluded from the OnDemand service: Chi-X Market Data, Deutsche Boerse: Spot Market Germany Indices & ETF, Dubai Mercantile Exchange, FTSE Index Values, Italian / Milan SE, Italian Futures and Derivatives (IDM), LME Plastics, LME Steel and London Metals Exchange (LME).
What region do I need for Forex data?
Composite Forex data is included in each of the 3 regions.
Can I get contributor-specific Forex quotes in eSignal OnDemand (i.e. @GAIN, @FXCM)?
Yes, contributor-specific Forex quotes are available as an add-on. The eSignal OnDemand - Forex service can be added to the account via Account Maintenance.
Can I get a Time and Sales window or Tick Charts with eSignal OnDemand?
Tick-level data is not available with this service. As a result, time and sales and tick-based charts (Tick, Volume Bar, Seconds Bar, etc.) are not available with eSignal OnDemand. If you need tick-level data, such as Time and Sales, you'll want to consider subscribing to one of our other Product Offerings.
Can I use eSignal OnDemand to feed my 3rd party application?
eSignal OnDemand has been designed to take advantage of the eSignal application at the lowest price point we offer. This new service is not configured to support any 3rd party software program at this time.
Can I add premium EFS add-on studies to eSignal OnDemand?
Currently, EFS add-on services are not available with this eSignal product. User-built EFS formulas and the 100s of free formulas in the EFS library are available.
Can I add news to eSignal OnDemand?
Currently, news services are not available with this eSignal product.
Are indices available with eSignal OnDemand?
Yes, real-time snapshot updates for indices are available for this product.
Is QLink (RTD) or DDE supported with eSignal OnDemand?
At present, QLink (RTD) and DDE are not supported functions of the eSignal OnDemand service. We may offer the ability to use QLink (RTD) or DDE in the future.
Can I prepay eSignal OnDemand and save additional money?
As of the time of this product's initial launch, we have been offering the monthly rate. It's likely we'll introduce a prepay rate at some point in the future.
What is my symbol limit with eSignal OnDemand?
eSignal OnDemand allows an unlimited number of symbols, viewing 500 at one time.
How can I decide if eSignal OnDemand is right for me?
We've made available the following tools to help you decide which "flavor" of eSignal would best serve your needs:
Data Matrix
Features Matrix
Add-On Services Matrix
Charting Matrix
The charts have loaded, but why aren't they updating?
Advanced charts have to be updated manually. Once the initial chart has loaded, manual refresh will be required to see any new updates in the chart (for both Daily and Intraday). That's one reason we call the service "OnDemand" -- because it's not designed to be a streaming service. Once a refresh occurs, a timer will activate, preventing any additional refreshes from being made (refresh icons will be grayed out) until 5 minutes have passed. Please keep in mind that, even after a refresh, the normal exchange rules for delayed data still apply. View a list of delay times by exchange.
We have added icons to allow for the chart to be manually refreshed with a single click. There's an icon to refresh the current chart and another to refresh all the charts open in your workspace.
Downloading the Software
Before you download the software or start your service, to ensure that your PC will work with eSignal OnDemand, you should review the eSignal System Requirements, which you can get to by clicking on the "View" link on the eSignal Download page.
Downloading the eSignal OnDemand software is very easy. Complete the steps listed below, or check out a pre-recorded video clip titled "Getting Started with eSignal" on the eSignal / eSignal OnDemand Product Training page, which goes over some of the basics on installing and running eSignal for the first time.
- Go to the Download page and click the "Download" button.
- Choose "Run" when the dialog box appears.
(Once the file transfer is complete, the installation process will begin automatically.)
- Enter your Username and Password when prompted and continue clicking "Next" until you reach the final screen. Click "Finish" to complete installation.
If you are integrating eSignal with one of our broker partners, instructions are available in the brokerage FAQ.
Note: On those rare occasions when you do run into a problem while installing, alternatively, you can choose "Save" when the installer dialog box appears. This will save the eSignal Install file to your PC. This takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on your connection speed. Once this file is successfully saved on your PC, you simply double click to start the installer and follow step 3 as listed above.
Pages
When you first launch eSignal OnDemand, you'll see a sample page titled "Welcome to eSignal". The eSignal workspace is saved in a file referred to as a Page.
All the windows within the workspace are saved in a single Page file. To create a new page, click "Page" from the main menu, followed by "New Page". This will close the existing default windows. Click "File", "New" and select one of the available window types (i.e., Quote Window, Advanced Chart, Time and Sales, and so forth). Repeat this process until you have customized your workspace to fit your needs. You have the option of renaming the individual windows within your workspace by clicking "File", "Rename Window Title".
Once you have entered all the desired symbols and adjusted the window sizes / positions, you'll want to save your workspace by clicking "Page", "Save Page As". Enter a new file name (make sure it's different from the existing default pages, or you may lose your work if you ever upgrade) and click "Save". Repeat this process if you wish to create multiple pages. To see more on Pages, please view the pre-recorded video titled "Pages and Layouts" on the eSignal / eSignal OnDemand Product Training page.
Window Types
There are more than 20 distinct window types in eSignal, such as the Quote Window, Time and Sales, Advanced Charts, Market Depth, and more. In the following section, we'll be covering the basics of some of the more popular window types.
Quote Window
The Quote Window displays information in a spreadsheet-like format. Enter the symbols you are tracking into the Quote Window and choose from more than 180 customizable fields, including Last, Bid / Ask, 52 Week High / Low, Electronic Volume, key Fundamental data, and much more! View a pre-recorded video titled "Quote Window" on the eSignal / eSignal OnDemand Product Training page to learn more about it.
Opening a New Quote Window
From the menu bar, click on "File", "New", "Quote Window". A default Quote Window will open. Type a symbol and press "Enter".
Adding a Field (Column)
Right click any column heading (for example, "Last"), and select "Add Field".
A "Select Field" menu will appear. Choose from more than 180 available field headers. You can also choose to delete or replace a field by right clicking any column heading. Re-arrange the order of any row or column by grabbing it with the left mouse button and dragging to the new column or row.
Adding Text or Comments to a Row
You can customize your Quote Window by adding text to a specific row by typing "#", followed by the word or comment you wish to add. Click the down arrow on your keyboard to see the change.
Sorting by a Field (Column)
Left click any column heading to begin sorting (i.e., Symbol, Last, Change, High or Low). Click "Yes" when prompted. The fields will sort in ascending or descending order with each left click.
The Right Click Menu
Right click on any symbol you have entered into the Quote Window. You'll have the option of opening other window types, such as Advanced Charts, Market Depth and Time and Sales. You can also find news or set alerts on any symbol that you right click.
Changing Colors
Click on the Quote Window to make it the active window. Go to "Quote Options" on the menu bar; then click "Colors". Highlight the line for the field that you wish to change; then click "Change Color" to open the color menu.
Advanced Chart Window
eSignal's Advanced Charts offer an extremely flexible user interface and includes a full array of line drawing tools, advanced analytics and a formula engine that lets you create your own studies. You can import, create, save and encrypt your own formulas. You may also select from an extensive library of formulas and helpers, use advanced scaling features and customize your own Advanced Charting Favorites Toolbar. Learn more about eSignal's Advanced Charts feature by viewing a pre-recorded video titled "Advanced Charting Basics" on the eSignal / eSignal OnDemand Product Training page.
To open a new advanced chart, click "File", "New" and then "Advanced Chart".
Entering Symbols and Changing Intervals
To enter a symbol in an advanced chart, type any letter on your keyboard. This will open the "Change Symbol" box, where you can enter a new symbol and interval. To change the interval (if this dialog box isn't already open), type a number on your keyboard ("5" represents a 5-minute interval) or hit the comma (,) key.
Other intervals include "D" for Daily, "W" for Weekly and "M" for monthly.
Chart Type
Select from a variety of chart types, including Bar, Candlestick, Line and Area Charts. Kagi, Point & Figure, Point Break and Renko Charts are also available. To change an advanced chart's chart type, right click the chart and select "Chart Type".
Applying Time Templates
Time templates control the start and end times, as well as the number of days / bars displayed on the chart. Right click in an advanced chart and click "Time Templates" to select a default template. Specific time templates, such as 9:30 – 16:00, will not work with Daily Charts or Tick Charts. Learn more about how to create a new template.
Tools Menu
Right click to access the "Tools" menu, which includes Back Testing, Price Filtering, Data Export, Bar Editor and Replay Mode.
Adding and Editing Basic Studies
To add a study, right click an advanced chart, go to "Basic Studies" and select from the available studies. Alternatively, there is a "Formulas" folder available with additional studies.
Cursor Window
The Cursor Window is the small information panel within an advanced chart that displays information, such as the Symbol, Date, Price, Open, High, Low and Close. The Server Status Bar is displayed on top of the Cursor Window with an "OK" on a green background.
Read more about the Cursor Window.
Toolbars
Several toolbars are available in advanced charts. These toolbars can be toggled on and off by clicking "View" from the main menu and selecting the appropriate toolbar. Toolbars are "dockable". This means that they can be dragged or moved to a different part of the screen. Read a detailed explanation of the various toolbar icons.
Advanced Chart Toolbar
The Advanced Chart toolbar allows for shortcuts, such as changing the chart type, scaling in the chart, adjusting the bar width and spacing, removing items from the chart and more.
Line Toolbar
The Line toolbar allows quick access to the drawing tools, Fibonacci lines, the text tool, the eraser and the "zoom in / out" feature and also lets you move and copy lines.
Advanced Line Toolbar
The Advanced Line toolbar requires a subscription to eSignal, Advanced GET Edition, and will be grayed out unless you are subscribed to Advanced GET.
The Favorites Toolbar
The Favorites toolbar allows you to set shortcuts for frequently used stocks and intervals.
Link - This feature allows the user to link windows based on color.
Properties - The properties let users remove folders and shortcuts from the bar.
Add - With the "Add" function, the user can create new shortcuts.
The Favorites toolbar displays two folders, "Equities" and "Other Intervals", where additional shortcuts can be added.
Portfolio Window
The Portfolio Window provides an easy way to track the current value of your investment portfolio. You can enter information about your holdings, and the application calculates the percentage and dollar gain or loss for each position and for the total value of your portfolio.
You can customize this window by adding or removing headings, changing colors, as well as fonts. To add or remove a heading, right click any of the existing headings and select "Add Field". Highlight the field (heading) you would like to add and then click "OK".
Entering a New Position
To enter a new position, type the symbol into an empty row and hit "Enter". Input the number of shares, the price and any other information relevant to this position; then click "OK". The new position will be added to the portfolio. Please see this KB article for CBOT bond and note formats.
Editing or Closing a Position
The "Edit Position" feature allows you to close or add to an existing position. To edit the position, right click the symbol in question and select "Edit Position". In the "Edit Position" menu, select "Add" or "Close" and specify the number of shares, along with the share price.
From the right click menu there is also the option, "Correct Position", which allows you to edit an existing position.
eSignal OnDemand - Forex
eSignal OnDemand - Forex allow users to receive real-time data for one Forex contributor of their choice. Users can quickly choose from a drop-down list of several individual contributors. This product also has the ability to receive both delayed snapshot data for one or all regions, as well as real-time data at the same time. This flavor of OnDemand requires an additional Forex subscription. Read more about eSignal OnDemand - Forex.
Selecting a Forex Contributor
To select a Forex contributor, go to File -> Preferences and click the "Forex Contributor" tab.
9 Forex contributors are available:
Barclays London (BL)
Capital Market Services (CMSN)
FX Dealer Direct (FXDD)
Forex Capital Markets (FXCM)
GAIN Capital - FOREX.com (GAIN)
Global Forex Trading (GFT)
MB Trading (TDFX)
PFGBEST (PFG)
Saxo Bank - Copenhagen (SBD)
For our example shown below, we selected Forex Capital Markets (FXCM). In the image shown below, the Quote window displays the symbols for the Japanese Yen, Euro and Swiss Franc. For FXCM, those symbols will update in real time. The other two symbols, DELL and 6E M9, will display the data in a delayed snapshot mode. The advanced chart is displaying real-time data for EUR@FXCM A0-FX.
eSignal OnDemand - Mini Futures
eSignal OnDemand - Mini Futures is a product that delivers streaming, real-time data for the CME E-mini Futures, as well as delayed snapshot data on hundreds of equity and futures exchanges from around the globe. We have partnered with a select number of brokers and the CME to provide a special pricing plan for which the normal CME E-mini exchange data fees (broker fees may still apply) are waived as long as all of the following requirements are met. Get additional information and pricing on eSignal OnDemand - Mini Futures.
1. Sign up for an eSignal OnDemand – Mini Futures account.
2. Open (or have) a funded account with one of the preferred futures brokers.
3. Download and run the latest version of eSignal.
4. Download and use the broker plug-in to connect to your brokerage account via the eSignal Trade Manager within 1 week (and use it at least monthly thereafter).
What will happen if any of the 4 requirements are not met?
If any of the required conditions are not met, the user will be sent a warning of non-compliance. If immediate action is not taken, the CME portion of the subscription will be cancelled, leaving only the base OnDemand subscription active.
Which brokers are available with eSignal OnDemand - Mini Futures?
You must have a funded account with one of the following brokers and log in on a regular basis:
How can I register for OnDemand - Mini Futures?
Currently, only Online Registration is available with this product because online agreements must be satisfied to complete registration.
What symbols are included as part of the real-time CME Mini Futures?
Visit the CME Symbol Guide, and you'll find a list of available symbols under the section titled "E-mini Package". To find symbols for the snapshot / delayed portion of your subscription, use the built-in eSignal Symbol Search or visit the online Symbol Directory.
Learn more about window types and product features by visiting the eSignal KnowledgeBase.
Symbol Search and Formats
Wherever possible, eSignal OnDemand uses standard exchange symbology. We have separated the formats into their respective categories, so they're easier to follow.
See our Symbol Directory for a list of all A - Z listings and Symbol Formats for specific exchange codes.
North American Stocks: For U.S. stocks, use the commonly known symbols for them (IBM, GE, GM, etc.). If you are looking for a warrant, class stock, preferred stock or other special issue, or for Canadian stocks, you'll need to add a two-character exchange identifier.
European, African, and Asia / Pacific Equities: For these symbols, use the same format as with U.S. stocks but add a 3-character exchange identifier to the end of the symbol.
North American Futures: Standard format for North American futures is a two-character symbol, month code, last digit of the expiration year. (ES Z9 is the CME E-mini contract for Dec 09.) (Note: For continuous contracts, replace the month and year code with #F [ES #F].)
European and Asia / Pacific Futures: These symbols use the same format as U.S. futures, but we add a 3-to-4-character exchange identifier on the end. (Note: Currently, eSignal does not have continuous contracts for international futures data.)
Forex: Forex OnDemand requires the root symbol (EUR), the @ sign, the contributer, a space, and, then the Forex pair (example: A0-FX), as follows:
- EUR@FXCM A0-FX
Indices: Indices are divided into 3 groups: eSignal Indices, World Indices and International Indices.
- eSignal Indices: Each symbol begins with a $ sign (example: $INDU is the Dow Jones Industrial Average). Please see the Symbols Guide - eSignal Indices for more information.
- World Indices: This is a collection of indices from around the world available in a single bundle as an add-on service.
- International Indices: Many of the European and Asia / Pacific exchanges separate equities and indices into separate and distinct categories. Some charge an additional fee for indices as well.
For more information, please see Symbols Formats and our Symbols Directory.
Third Party Programs / Add-Ons
eSignal OnDemand is compatible with some third party applications and formula studies available to add to OnDemand through our eSignal Formula Script (EFS) partnerships; see Formula Studies partner page.
Other
Account Management / Billing
eSignal offers online Account Maintenance for those who wish to manage their own account(s). Account Maintenance provides 24 / 7 access to your account information, as well as many other benefits:
- Add / delete services (exchanges, news services, etc.)
- Pay your bill
- Change passwords
- Restart an account
- View billing history
- Update credit card
Find out more about Account Maintenance and General Billing.
Product Training Video Library
In addition to the eSignal video clips previously referenced, we have archived a host of other eSignal-related courses. Please check out the selection of pre-recorded videos on the eSignal / eSignal OnDemand Product Training page.
eSignal Forums
The eSignal Forums are a powerful tool for learning about eSignal OnDemand and for interacting with other traders. The forums are a great place to talk about customizing formulas, new trading strategies, how to get the most out of eSignal and much more. It's an essential communication tool to stay on top of current events and to be a part of our community of users. To read and respond to all posts, register for the eSignal Forums today. Registration is free.
By registering for our forums, you'll automatically be registered for our File Share area. File Share is a cross between a public library and a private storage room. You can use the File Share area to post screen shots or charts to share or as a way to save important files in case you need to access them while traveling.
eSignal KnowledgeBase
Visit the eSignal KnowledgeBase to search for any eSignal OnDemand-related topic and find answers to frequently asked questions.
CME Data Fee-Waived Mini Futures
We have partnered with a number of brokers and the CME to waive the normal CME E-Mini Futures data fee as long as a set number of requirements are met. Learn more about this exciting CME exchange data fee waiver program.
Learn How to Trade with eSignal
Need more hands-on training? We offer a variety of classes for every level of trader.
Important Announcements and Network Status
For information about your eSignal service or the status of the network, you can access a special section of the eSignal Forums.
Contact Us
To contact eSignal Technical Support or Customer Service, please visit our Contact Us page.
Join us for a FREE online seminar on how to use eSignal or Advanced GET to trade the markets. 
