Where are the old studies/GitHub?
Previously distributed through my GitHub. You can still find the older versions there. Going forward, this site is the only updated and maintained home for all gcUserStudies work, with automatic updates, proper authorization, and more studies on the way.
What is gcUserStudies?
gcUserStudies LLC is a software company that develops and sells custom trading studies for the Sierra Chart platform. Our studies are written in C++ and distributed as DLL files directly through Sierra Chart’s built-in distribution system.
Why do I need to register to access free studies?
The registration requirement isn’t about making free things difficult, it’s how Sierra Chart’s DLL distribution system works. Authorizing your account is what allows studies to automatically update, download and install to your system.
What do I need to use your studies?
Sierra Chart for Windows, version 2813 or higher. Our studies are Windows only (macOS and Linux are not supported). You will also need an active Sierra Chart account.
How do I access studies after signing up?
A couple of things to check before you get started. Log into your Sierra Chart account and confirm that automated downloads are enabled on your account. This is the default setting for most accounts but worth verifying. You should also see gcUserStudies studies listed as authorized on your account page once your membership is active.
Sierra Chart Settings
Custom studies are not available in Safe Mode. You can check this on the Sierra Chart login window.
Finding the studies
After restarting Sierra Chart, go to Analysis → Studies → Add Custom Study. You will see a list of study bundles. If other bundles are expanded, click the minus sign to collapse them. Find the gcUserStudies bundle, click the plus sign to expand it, and you will see the individual studies available to add. A restart of Sierra Chart after authorization is usually all it takes for everything to appear.
Which Sierra Chart username should I use?
Use the exact username on your active Sierra Chart account which is the same one you use to log in. You can confirm it in Sierra Chart under Help → About. If it is entered incorrectly at signup, authorization will fail and studies will not appear. You can check the name entered in your profile under your membership account. If you find you entered it incorrectly, please contact support.
How long until studies appear after signup?
Authorization is typically processed within a few minutes of signup. Once authorized, studies will download the next time Sierra Chart starts. If they don’t appear after restarting Sierra Chart, work through the troubleshooting steps below.
The studies aren’t showing up, what should I check?
- Confirm your Sierra Chart username was entered correctly at signup
- Log into your Sierra Chart account at sierrachart.com and confirm automated downloads are enabled
- Confirm you are not running Sierra Chart in Safe Mode
- Restart Sierra Chart and give it a couple of minutes to sync
- Go to Analysis → Studies → Add Custom Study and look for the gcUserStudies bundle
If you still can’t find them after the above, email [email protected] with your Sierra Chart username and a description of what you’re seeing.
Can I use the studies on more than one computer?
Yes, as long as you are logged into the same Sierra Chart account on each machine. Authorization is tied to your Sierra Chart username, not your hardware.
What if I change my Sierra Chart account?
Your current authorization will stop working if your username changes. Email [email protected] with your old and new username and we will update your authorization. Allow up to 24 hours for the change to take effect.
Can I transfer my membership to a different Sierra Chart account?
Yes. Your membership is tied to the Sierra Chart username provided at signup. If you need to move it to a different account please contact us at [email protected] and we will update it. Allow up to 24 hours.
What membership tiers are available?
Each study offers a Trial tier to get you started, followed by Monthly and Annual paid plans. Some studies may offer a “Pay Once” where applicable.
How does the trial membership work?
The trial gives you access to evaluate our studies before committing to a paid plan. We encourage you to use it to test the studies thoroughly in Sierra Chart’s simulation mode during your trial period so you know exactly what you’re getting before upgrading to a paid membership.
How do I cancel?
From your membership account at any time. Your access remains active through the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again after cancellation.
Do you offer refunds?
All sales are final on digital products. The trial exists specifically so you can evaluate the studies before purchasing and we encourage you to use it. If you experience a technical issue preventing access, contact us before canceling and we will work to resolve it.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit and debit cards through Stripe. We do not currently accept PayPal or cryptocurrency.
What is a DLL file?
A DLL (Dynamic Link Library) is a compiled file that Sierra Chart loads as a custom study. Our studies are delivered this way for optimal performance. No programming knowledge required. The DLL downloads and installs automatically through Sierra Chart’s distribution system.
Do I need a compiler or any development tools?
No. Our studies are pre-compiled and delivered automatically through Sierra Chart’s distribution system. Nothing to install, compile, or configure beyond enabling automated downloads in your Sierra Chart account.
Can I see the source code?
Our commercial studies are closed source. Source code is not provided for paid studies.
What kind of computer do I need to run these studies?
Trading is a performance-intensive activity. Sierra Chart itself is highly optimized, but studies add real-time calculations and rendering on top of that. For the best experience you’ll want a modern CPU, adequate RAM, and a dedicated GPU if you’re running multiple monitors or complex chart layouts. If you notice sluggishness or rendering lag, your system specs may be a factor. As a general rule, if your trading setup handles Sierra Chart comfortably today, these studies should run fine.
My antivirus flagged your DLL as suspicious. Is it safe?
Yes. Sierra Chart studies are compiled as standard Windows DLLs that use Win32 APIs for keyboard shortcuts, drawing, and window management. Some antivirus engines use AI-based heuristics that occasionally misidentify these API patterns as suspicious. This is a known false positive common across Sierra Chart study developers, not unique to our studies. All major engines (Microsoft Defender, Kaspersky, ESET, Norton, CrowdStrike, Malwarebytes, etc.) report our DLLs as clean.
Do you scan your DLLs before release?
Yes. Every release build is scanned on VirusTotal (70+ antivirus engines) before distribution.
Are you affiliated with Sierra Chart?
No. gcUserStudies LLC is an independent third-party developer. Sierra Chart is its own separate product and company. We develop for the Sierra Chart platform but are not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
How do I get help?
Email [email protected] – we aim to respond within one business day. For the fastest resolution, include your Sierra Chart username and a description of what you’re experiencing.
I have a question that isn’t answered here.
Use the More Questions? button below to reach us directly. We’re happy to help.