# What are simple alert conditions?

When you need some kind of alerting on a typical condition, the first step is to look into simple alert conditions. Most cases you can get a long way applying them to your use case. 

The Sierra Chart [documentation on simple alert conditions can be found here](https://sst.frl/sac). 

Simple alert conditions can serve you to define trading signals or used to get alerted by email or SMS when you the alert condition is fulfilled. 

Alert conditions can be placed in separate locations: 

### Chart Level Alert conditions

[Chart Settings Alert Tab](https://www.sierrachart.com/index.php?page=doc/StudyChartAlertsAndScanning.php#EnterAlertOnMainPriceGraph). Alert conditions placed in this area will be in effect and evaluated for the particular chart it is used on.

![Chart settings alerts tab](https://www.sierrachart.com/images/ChartSettingsAlertTab.png)

### Study Level Alert conditions

It is also possible to place an alert condition inside the study settings of a particular study. This gives you more flexibility monitoring for certain conditions. 

The [Study Settings Alert Tab](https://www.sierrachart.com/index.php?page=doc/StudyChartAlertsAndScanning.php#EnterAlertOnStudy) is a place holder for alerts that will be in effect and evaluated on the chart the study is loaded on.

![Study settings alert conditions tab](https://www.sierrachart.com/images/ACAS_StudySettings.png)

### Alert Settings

Remember to assign Alert Number actions in the **Global Setting >> General Settings >> Alerts/General 3** section.

![General Alert Settings - configure each alert reaction](https://2811836781-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F9FWCratXDWxdOMVFqMKz%2Fuploads%2FmiMAznkvGHIfwzGvy8Cf%2F2022-01-22_17h23_07.png?alt=media\&token=b2a3e702-f4ee-4969-9c5c-0da44206accc)

When alerts fire you can also [see them in the Alert Manager](https://www.sierrachart.com/index.php?page=doc/AlertsManager.html).

### CBBOAC

The most powerful study to use with simple alert conditions is the **"Color Bar based on Alert Condition"**[ Study (CBBOAC)](https://www.sierrachart.com/index.php?page=doc/StudiesReference.php\&ID=245\&Name=Color_Bar_Based_on_Alert_Condition). This study can do so much more than color a bar.

![CBBOAC Study - available in SC standard study list](https://2811836781-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F9FWCratXDWxdOMVFqMKz%2Fuploads%2Fu73mDeWazWzUmAyFOva4%2F2022-01-22_17h18_39.png?alt=media\&token=d9876f36-b60c-40d5-a335-dd93869f0f4a)

If you want to visualize your alert condition on a chart, this is your go-to-study. I also use this study all the time to construct trigger signals or signal studies which can be used by my [SST AutoTrading Study](https://docs.simplesystemtrading.com/sst-services/automated-trading-setups). 

### Spreadsheet Formula

Another simple but very useful built-in SC study is the **"Spreadsheet Formula"** Study. [This study allows you to calculate your own SG using a formula](https://www.sierrachart.com/index.php?page=doc/StudiesReference.php\&ID=402\&Name=Spreadsheet_Formula). Really useful if you want to test your own ideas.

![Spreadsheet Formula Study - available in SC standard study list](https://2811836781-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F9FWCratXDWxdOMVFqMKz%2Fuploads%2FF7aqrbaVD4dPTNJMHWRr%2F2022-01-22_17h18_51.png?alt=media\&token=406c147a-704b-45b8-af71-70db394b18a8)

### Debug your alerts

The [Tool Values window](https://www.sierrachart.com/index.php?page=doc/WindowMenu.html#ToolValuesWindow) can be used to quickly discover the chart and SG values when you hover over the chart with the crosshair and it's a great feature to debug your alert conditions.