The Direct Pro Platform was designed using Windows® technology, so it functions much as other programs you use. The Main Menu (located at the top of the platform) provides easy access to layout options, help files, viewing options and trading tools. Access to trading tools is also provided in icon form in the Tool Bar located directly under the main menu. Research tools are provided in the Research Bar (News Bar) located below the Tool Bar.
The main portion of the platform is called the Layout. The Layout is simply a holding bin for Trading Tools when they are in use. When you select a tool from the Tool Bar or the Features menu, a small window containing the tool will appear in this area. If you customize your tools and wish to preserve the changes, you must save your layout before you exit the platform. To display market activity for the stock symbols of your choice, a Ticker can be added to any side of the platform. The Status Bar forms a line across the bottom of the Layout and provides date, time and connectivity information.
Targeted Help (help information specific to a particular function) is available throughout the platform. Click the " ? " icon to open a browser and display helpful information.