A secondary study is a calculation applied to a non-signal series already on the chart (close price, another study or metric, etc.).

Add a secondary study

• Add series → Secondary study

• Choose the source series (e.g. Apple close)

• Choose the study type (e.g. 20-day simple moving average)

• Rename, set color/style, hit apply

Studies can generate signals

Example: standard deviation bands (1.5) on medium-term GEX, with Generate Signal enabled when the primary measure is above the +1.5 band.

Each line in the study (upper band, lower band, middle) has its own color and visibility. If part of a secondary study, they are grouped together under the same bubble.
When you change Study Rules (e.g. different SD threshold), both the study and the corresponding signal update.

Studies on studies

You can apply a secondary study to another secondary study.

Example:

• Source = 20 DMA

• Study = 5-day percentage change

• Signal when that change is > 0

Result: a signal whenever the 20 DMA is sloping up (over that 5-day window). When it loses momentum, the signal turns off.

Everything is linked

Studies and signals form a dependency chain.

• Change the base MA from 20 to 50 days → the % change study and its signal recalculate automatically.

• Delete a base series → the platform warns you and removes everything built on it.

• Unrelated studies (e.g. the GEX bands) stay intact.

Next video: mixing signals and more advanced study techniques.