Freecharts SE

FCharts SE stock charting software

Frequently Asked Questions:

If I start using your program, will my data be 'locked in' so that I cannot easily change to something else?
No, Freecharts lets you export your data for use in (almost) any other software package. I say almost, because some programs are only able to use data purchased from the same people who sell the software.

Why is Freecharts free?
I don't like adware, so I decided to make a special version of my software available to everyone, free. It's fully functional with no limits, and if you decide to upgrade to the Pro version you can even re-use your database and settings. (You don't have to upgrade, but every sale helps to fund further development). You can also run a 7-day trial of the Pro version, reverting to SE when the seven days are up.

Do you supply data?
No, I'm a programmer. There are plenty of companies who specialise in data, as per the data link above.

Can Freecharts import from Metastock® binary data files?
Yes, the 255-file-per-folder format. You can specify a range of dates, too.

Do you collect personal details so you can spam users?
No, there is no registration required for this program. Download and use it without fear of 'Special Offers' in your email.

Does Freecharts use an internet connection?
No, it's a standalone program. It will only connect to the internet if you tell it to. For example, it can check for an updated version or to download and install data from third party sites.

Can I run FCharts on a Mac or on Linux?
FCharts is a native Windows application, but several users have reported success running FCharts using Codeweavers Crossover version 6.01 on an Intel Mac. I've run FCharts on Linux using Wine, too.

Is the free version a limited demo or a timed trial?
No. Once you've downloaded it, it will not expire or force you to buy anything. It doesn't contain the range of charts and indicators found in FCharts Pro, but everything in the program works without any artificial limits.

Will FCharts work with futures, currencies, ... ?
I get this question a lot. FCharts doesn't actually 'know' what it's charting, so you can use it with anything provided the data is in the right format. Details of data import formats are in the help file accompanying the program, and it's not hard to create a suitable file in a spreadsheet package or text editor.

How do I keep the stock prices up to date?
You need a daily update called an 'End of Day' data file, or 'EOD' file for short. A number of online brokers offer these files to their customers, and there are sites where you can download them for free. You can also subscribe to a data service. (See the Data FAQ for more details.)

Why is the Pro version so cheap?
No middle-men. You're buying direct from the programmer so you're not paying for advertising or retail markup.

How come I've never heard of FCharts or Spacejock? I don't advertise, and I'm not into self-promotion. I put my effort into pleasing existing customers, and I would estimate that 90% of my customers are using FCPro because it was recommended to them by someone else.

How fast is the data import?
That's up to you. On a recent machine, 2 or 3 seconds per end-of-day file. On an older machine (say, 200mhz pentium) perhaps 9 to 15 seconds. There are lots of variables, such as hard disk speed, number of stocks in the database and so on.