Last Layout opens by default?

[shaeffer]

Hello,

Is there a way to set which layout opens when the program is started? Or is there an option to open no layout automatically, but rather to have to select which layout opens?

I've started creating additional layouts, but with six monitors, it takes a while for a layout to completely load. If its not the layout I want, I should wait (I assume) for it to finish loading, only to then select the layout I want, and wait for it to load.

It seems that maybe the layout that was last open before the program was closed, is the one that opens by default when the program is next opened. Is that correct?

Regards
shaeffer

[ACM]

shaeffer
That is correct. The Layout in use when the application was last closed is the one that will be loaded when the program is next opened
You can also load a Layout directly by double clicking the corresponding *.lay file
Alex

[shaeffer]

Hi Alex,

Just to confirm.... if I copy my .lay file names to a folder on my desktop, I could just open the folder, then double click the appropriate .lay file to go directly to the layout I want?

And even if I made changes to the layout, as long as I did not change the layout name or path, the above should continue to work?

If so, that's very convenient.

Thank for the reply
Regards
shaeffer

[ACM]

shaeffer
I think it should work although I have not tried it. What I instead do is leave the Layout files in the original directory and create shortcuts to them in the My Documents folder.
Alex

[shaeffer]

Hi Alex,

I created shortcuts for my layouts to a desktop folder, and it works great.

The only thing a little weird is that when I click the shortcut to open a layout , a popup asking 'Save Current Page Y? N?' appears, even after starting the computer cold, first thing in the morning (when there can't be any eSignal files running in the background).

Any ideas what this might be?

Cheers
shaeffer

[ACM]

shaeffer
I don't know why it does that but there is a workaround if you don't use Pages (or if you use them and remember to Save them yourself when you switch Pages)
Select File->Preferences in the main menu and then in the Pages & Layouts tab put a check in Switch Pages Without Saving. At that point you should no longer see that message.
Remember though that if you use Pages and switch between them you will no longer be prompted to Save.
Alex

[shaeffer]

Hi Alex,

I checked 'Switch Pages without Saving' as you suggested, then closed and reopened a different eSignal layout via the shortcut. And sure enough, no popup message this time. Alex has the answer again!

Since you mentioned it, no, I do not use Pages. In my posting one week ago titled 'Pages vs Layouts', I tried to find out what, if any, were the advantages to using Pages, but got no answer. If you happen to know of any, that info would be appreciated.

Cheers
shaeffer

[ACM]

shaeffer
Other than that Pages are somewhat easier to use and administer because of their single file structure I see no advantages over Layouts which offer far greater flexibility IMHO.
Alex

[pj909]

That flexibility could be extended tremendously if pages were made a special window within the layout. Combining the effectiveness of the single file structure for saving charts as a page with the flexibility of the layout would offer many advantages. Improved processor performance and auto rotate to name just a few.

[shaeffer]

Workspaces

pj909

I'm afraid I don't understand the structure within eSignal that would allow (or prevents?) this. I just know that a friend of mine with TradeStation can have his primary layout open, but then he can open up an independant page of semi stocks, and or another with biotechs, or another with software stocks etc, all without affecting his primary layout.

Whereas with eSignal, if I want to change the stocks viewed in just one of six monitors, using either Pages or Layouts, all six monitors have to be reloaded, which is just way too slow.

My friend with TradeStation says this feature is called workspaces. I think you are asking for the same thing... I think a few of us have. But I don't see any mention of it in the 7.7 Beta board, and I haven't got any response yet about whether it is in the works for 8.0. So lets keep our fingers crossed.

Alex, would you happen to know if eSignal is working on this feature?

Regards
shaeffer

[JayF]

I can tell you that it is on our list to enhance the way Pages and Layouts work and interact. Hopefully we can make things more powerful, but at the same time simpler to use. Beyond that (ETAs, details, etc.) I don't have any further information at this time.