interface-101

Message Log

Investor/RT keeps an internal log (a text file) of all ongoing activity. The size of this log file is a user preference (File > Preferences > Message Log). The log is purged of older messages from time to time. Investor/RT can view the message log at any time. When the message log window is open, new messages that arrive are logged and appear dynamically at the bottom of the window. The message log window can be summoned using the keyboard shortcut Alt+M (M as in Message Log). When the message log window is in view, pressing Alt+M again will dismiss the window.

Keyboard Shortcuts

General Program Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcut Result
Alt + O Key Opens the Object Manager
Alt + P Key Print
Shift + Alt + P Key Takes Picture of Front Window
Alt + C Key Create New Chart (Chart Setup Wizard)
Alt + R Key Opens the RTL Editor Window
Alt + G Key Start Data
Alt + K Key Stop Data
Alt + N Key Open Window Manager
Alt + 6 Key Opens a Data Download Window
Alt + 4 Key Opens the Data Status Window
Alt + 5 Key Opens the System Status Window
Alt + V Key Verify Database
Alt + B Key Backup Database
Alt + U Key Opens the Database Wizard
Ctrl + E Key Opens Export Data Window
Alt + 7 Key Opens the Import Data Window
Alt + 9 Key Opens the View/Edit Data Window
Alt + 8 Key Opens the Playback Window
Alt + A Key Opens an Instrument Setup Window
Shift + Alt + A Key Opens Alarms Window
Alt + Y Key Opens a list of Preferences
Alt + ] Key Next Layout
Alt + [ Key Prior Layout
Alt + M Key Open Message Log
Alt + L Key Show/Hide Layout Toolbar
Alt + T Key Show/Hide Active Toolbars

Why are all Windows Floating?

By design Investor/RT does not have minimize, maximize, restore buttons on the title bar, only the close button. Multipane charts typically have Minimize, Maximize and restore button available at the top right section of the button pane (see more details below). For other windows type, right-clicking in the title bar usually offers a menu of choices for Minimize, Maximize and Restore actions (with the Alt - keyboard combination also minimizing any selected window). All windows, charts, quote pages, preferences windows, object manager, etc. are floating windows.

Customizing the Main Toolbar

To customize the icons on the Main Toolbar, go to File: Preferences: Main Toolbar. Use this window to choose which buttons you would like to appear in your main toolbar:

Where is my Toolbar?

Main Toolbar invisible ? Chart Toolbar invisible ?

The default style and position of any "Object" toolbar (i.e the Chart Toolbar, the QuotePage Tool bar) is setup in the Preference > General Menu. The possible objet toolbar styles are : Large Vertical / Small Vertical / Large Horizontal / Small  Horizontal with 2 possible themes (GrayScale or Colored) while the Default Position are either Floating toolbars / Fixed Position or Pin to the Right/Left, pin to the Top/Bottom

Object Manager

The Object Manager is an essential tool in Investor/RT. Understanding its role is important for new users.. Please take the time to review this article thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the Object Manager as this feature is critical to your success with Investor/RT. The Object Manger serves as a "central hub" in Investor/RT to mainipulate (Open, Edit, Delete, etc.) most of the elements within the program. It serves as a "Jumping off" or starting point to reach amost any Object including the following: