# Using the Main Top Toolstrip
The top toolstrip provides quick access to the most important features and workflows. This guide will help you understand each button and how to use the toolstrip efficiently.
For more details, refer to the main [SOAP2 Help Guide](index.md.html) or click the Help button in the toolstrip.
**Related:** [OptionsChain Toolstrip � Expiry, Strikes & Analysis](optionschain_toolstrip_tutorial.md.html)
## Overview
The toolstrip is located at the top of the main window and contains icons and dropdowns for common actions, including:
- **Watchlist** (Glasses Icon): View and manage your list of tracked tickers.
- **DataChart** (Chart Icon): Open the historical DataChart for the selected symbol.
- **Settings & Windows** (Gear Icon): Access application and symbol settings.
- **Accounts**: Manage trading accounts.
- **OA (Option Analysis) Dropdown**: Switch between or create new Option Analysis windows.
- **Trade Controls**: Create, rename, or manage trades.
- **Help**: Access this help guide and tooltips.
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## Toolstrip Buttons and Features
### Watchlist (Glasses Icon)
- **Click** to open the Watchlist window.
- **Purpose**: Quickly view, add, or remove tickers you want to monitor.
- **Tip**: Use the Watchlist Setup (also accessible via the Settings icon) to customize your list.
### Settings & Windows (Gear Icon)
- **Click** to open the Settings menu.
- **Purpose**: Adjust application preferences, symbol settings, and other advanced options.
- **Symbols**: Add or edit ticker-specific settings here.
### Accounts
- **Click** to open the Accounts form.
- **Purpose**: Create, edit, or switch between trading accounts.
- **Demo Account**: Always available for testing and learning.
### OA (Option Analysis) Dropdown
- **Dropdown**: Select from existing OAs (Option Analysis windows) for different tickers and trades.
- **New OA**: Shift+Click the Show Selected OA button to create a new OA for a symbol/account/trade combination.
### Trade Controls
- **Star (New Trade)**: Click the yellow star/sun icon to create a new trade.
- **Rename**: When a new trade is created, the Trade List appears for renaming.
- **Model Trade**: Select the default simulation environment for testing strategies.
### Help
- **Click** the Help button to open this documentation.
- **Tooltips**: Hover over any toolstrip button for a brief description of its function.
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## Typical Workflow Using the Toolstrip
1. **Select a Ticker**: Use the Watchlist to pick a symbol (e.g., SPX).
2. **Choose Account**: Select your trading or demo account.
3. **Create or Select Trade**: Use the star icon to start a new trade, or pick an existing one from the dropdown.
4. **Open OA**: Use the OA dropdown to open or switch between analysis windows.
5. **Adjust Settings**: Use the Settings icon to fine-tune preferences or symbol details.
6. **Access Help**: Click the Help button or hover for tooltips if you need guidance.
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## Keyboard Shortcuts
Many toolstrip actions have keyboard shortcuts for faster access. See the main documentation for a full list.
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## Tips
- **Tooltips**: Hover over any icon for instant help.
- **Demo Account**: Use the demo account to experiment without risk.
- **Watchlist**: Keep your most-used tickers handy for quick access.
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# Using the Settings & Windows Menu (Gear Icon)
The **Settings & Windows** menu, accessible via the gear icon in the top toolstrip, provides access to key configuration and customization options for SOAP2. This guide explains each section and how to use the available settings.
## Overview
Clicking the **Settings** (wheel) icon opens a menu with several options for managing application preferences, symbol/ticker settings, and advanced features. These settings help tailor SOAP2 to your workflow and trading needs.
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## Settings Menu Sections
### 1. General Settings (not enabled yet)
- **Purpose:** Adjust global application preferences.
- **Common Options:**
- UI themes and appearance
- Default directories for data and logs
- Language and culture settings
- Startup behavior (e.g., auto-connect, restore last session)
- **Tip:** Use this section to personalize your workspace and optimize performance.
### 2. Symbols (Ticker Settings)
- **Purpose:** Manage and customise settings for each symbol/ticker.
- **Options Include:**
- Add or remove symbols from your environment
- Set ticker type (e.g., IND, STK)
- Define trading classes (main/weekly)
- Set preferred strike intervals
- Enable/disable weekly expirations and select trading days
- **Tip:** Adjust symbol settings to match your trading style and the products you follow.
### 3. Watchlist Setup
- **Purpose:** Configure your default and custom watchlists.
- **Options Include:**
- Add, remove, or reorder tickers in your watchlist
- Save and load watchlist profiles
- **Tip:** Keep your most-used tickers at the top for quick access.
### 4. Accounts
- **Purpose:** Manage trading accounts.
- **Options Include:**
- Add new accounts
- Edit or remove existing accounts
- Set default account for new trades
- **Tip:** Use the Demo Account for safe experimentation.
### 5. Data & Diagnostics
- **Purpose:** Access advanced data and diagnostic tools.
- **Options Include:**
- Data dictionary and diagnostic forms
- Log file access and export
- Connection and API status
- **Tip:** Use these tools for troubleshooting and support.
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## How to Use the Settings Menu
1. **Open the Settings & Windows Menu:** Click the gear icon in the top toolstrip.
2. **Select a Section:** Choose the relevant menu item (General, Symbols, Watchlist, Accounts, etc.).
3. **Adjust Settings:** Use the provided forms and controls to make changes.
4. **Save Changes:** Most settings are applied immediately, but some may require confirmation or a restart.
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## Tips
- **Hover for Tooltips:** Most settings fields provide tooltips for additional guidance.
- **Restore Defaults:** If needed, you can reset settings to their default values.
- **Backup Configurations:** Regularly back up your settings and watchlists for easy recovery.
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For more details, refer to the main [SOAP2 Help Guide](index.md.html) or click the Help button in the toolstrip.