Add a Market Data Line using Symbol Mode

Add a Market Data Line in Symbol Mode

Advanced options traders can use Symbol mode to enter security definitions for options directly into a market data line. Symbol mode requires that you enter the contract symbol or class as defined by the exchange on which it's trading. To change to Symbol mode, on the Configure menu select View and then select Contract Display View both the Underlying and contract Symbol by adding the market data Symbol column using the Page Layout.

To add an options security definition directly to the trading screen

Click in an empty row in the Symbol column.

Enter the security definition by contract class or contract symbol, and press ENTER. Use the formats in the table below.

Symbol Entry Formats
contract class	@	exchange acronym
contract symbol	#	exchange acronym

To add an options security definition using the Request Ticker by Exchange Symbol form

In symbol mode, do one of the following to open the Request Ticker by Exchange Symbol form:

Click the Ticker icon on the Trading toolbar.
On the Ticker menu select Add Symbol.
Right click anywhere on the trading screen and select Insert Ticker.

In the Instrument Type field select Option.
Select the Symbol Type.

	If you select	Do this
	Class	Enter the contract class symbol, exchange, expiration date and strike price, and select the right.
	Contract	Enter the exchange local symbol and the exchange.

NOTE: If you add a market data line for a derivative instrument, TWS will ask if you want the underlying symbol added to the page. If you answer yes, it will be included at the bottom of the page (unless the underlying is already on the page).