> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.stockcharts.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.stockcharts.com/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference.md).

# Scan Syntax Reference

This reference guide covers the scan syntax for all scan clauses supported by our Scan Engine. Once you've learned the basics of “speaking scan syntax” from our Support Center [article on Writing Scans](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/writing-scans.md), this resource will help you expand your scanning vocabulary.

We've divided the Scan Syntax Reference into several different sections, based on the category of scan expression or clause:

* [**Ticker Properties**](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference/scan-syntax-ticker-properties.md)**:** Clauses for filtering by security type, symbol, name, country, exchange and more.
* [**Price, Volume, and SCTRs**](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference/scan-syntax-price-volume-and-sctrs.md)**:** Clauses for standard price and volume measurements (OHLC values, all time highs, volume, liquidity, etc.). Also includes SCTR ranking clauses.
* [**Technical Indicators**](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference/scan-syntax-technical-indicators.md)**:** Clauses for several popular technical indicators.
* [**Technical Functions**](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference/scan-syntax-technical-functions.md)**:** Clauses for standard arithmetic functions, such as min/max and percent change.
* [**Predefined Patterns**](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference/scan-syntax-predefined-patterns.md)**:** Clauses for common bullish and bearish patterns, including candlestick patterns, candlestick building blocks and P\&F patterns.
* [**Predefined Scans**](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/advanced-scan-library/predefined-scans.md)**:** Clauses for several popular bullish and bearish technical signals that are found on our Predefined Scans page - everything from MACD crossovers to 52-week highs/lows.
* [**Groups**](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference/scan-syntax-groups.md)**:** includes clauses to filter securities by membership in indexes, sectors and industries, or even members of your own ChartLists.

For each particular expression or clause, we show the proper syntax, including any parameters that you might need to specify, which operators can be used and any other information you might need to successfully use that scan syntax. We also give an example of each for you to study.

For more examples of individual scan clauses and complete scans, we strongly recommend you also check out our [Scanning Case Studies](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scanning-case-studies.md) and [Advanced Scan Library](/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/advanced-scan-library.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.stockcharts.com/scanning-and-alerts/scan-writing-resource-center/scan-syntax-reference.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.