Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Help and Support

How to Use Indicators and Scripts in MetaTrader 4




What are indicators?
Indicators are graphical or metrical tools that help analyse market conditions on the MetaTrader 4 platform. The platform includes a database of indicators and scripts by default, accessible through multiple methods.



  

How do I access indicators?

Method 1: Navigator window

Step 1 - Open the Navigator window

Step 2 - Click Indicators


Method 2: Main toolbar

Step 1 - Click the Insert tab in the main toolbar

Step 2 - Select your indicator



  

How do I add custom indicators?

Download and install

Step 1 - Download indicators from the MetaQuotes Marketplace

Step 2 - Your new indicator appears in the Navigator window

Apply to a chart

Step 1 - Double-click the indicator in Navigator

Step 2 - A settings window appears

Step 3 - Adjust these settings:

  • Colors
  • Levels
  • Visualization options

Step 4 - Click OK to apply



  

How do I manage existing indicators?

Step 1 - Right-click on the chart

Step 2 - Select Indicators list

Step 3 - Choose to:

  • Edit - Change indicator settings
  • Delete - Remove the indicator







What are scripts?

Scripts are automated tools written in MQL4 programming language. All scripts, indicators, and Expert Advisors use this language.



  

How do I modify scripts?

Option 1: Meta Editor

Step 1 - Open Meta Editor

Step 2 - Edit your script code

Step 3 - Save changes



Option 2: Quick modify

Step 1 - Right-click on a script

Step 2 - Select Modify

Step 3 - Meta Editor opens automatically



  

Where can I get help?

Press F1 to open the Meta Editor user manual. This provides detailed information about:

  • Writing scripts
  • Modifying indicators
  • MQL4 programming basics






Key points

  • All indicators work with real-time chart data
  • Custom indicators function exactly like default ones
  • You need basic MQL4 knowledge to create custom scripts
  • The platform saves your indicator settings automatically

 

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