Add a $ dollar sign in front of the number printed by plotchar()

Question

I am using pinescript v5 to print out a number num_size. The code looks something like this;

plotchar(num_size, title="num_size", char="", location=location.top, color=color.yellow)

I want to add a dollar sign in front of the number to be printed.

I don't mind answers that use alternative solution like label_new()

Answer 1

You cannot do that with plotchar() as the name suggests, it works with a char and not with a string.

Since you mentioned you are open to alternative solutions, here are four ways to do it with a label.

The first example uses str.format(). This will format the number and add the $ in front.

The second example uses a hard-coded approach.

The third example puts the currency of the symbol in front. It will not be a dollar sign but USD instead. You can convert the return value to currency signs if you need because this is the most reliable option in my opinion -which is option four.

//@version=5
indicator("My script", overlay=true)

f_conver_currency_to_sign(p_currency) =>
    switch (p_currency)
        "EUR" => "€"
        "USD" => "$"
        "GBP" => "£"
        => p_currency

if (barstate.islast)
    s = "Close 1: " + str.format("{0,number,currency}", close) + "\n"
    s := s + "Close 2: " + "$" + str.tostring(close, format.mintick) + "\n"
    s := s + "Close 3: " + syminfo.currency + str.tostring(close) + "\n"
    s := s + "Close 4: " + f_conver_currency_to_sign(syminfo.currency) + str.tostring(close)
    label.new(bar_index, high, s, textcolor=color.white)

As you can see below, options 1 and 2 will fail on EURGBP:

EURUSD: