MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a trading platform by MetaQuotes used for analyzing markets and placing trades. This guide explains key menus, windows, and tools in MT4.
Some features may not be available on mobile.
MT4 main menu overview
Key platform controls are located in the top menu bar.
File. Used to log in to your trading account and open new charts.
Login to Trade Account: Sign in with your credentials
New Chart: Open a new instrument chart
View. Controls visibility of MT4 interface windows and platform language.
Change language: View → Languages → select language → restart platform
Show/hide windows: View → select window
Shortcut keys shown in the menu can also be used.
Insert. Chart drawing tools and indicators (trendlines, Fibonacci tools, shapes, etc.).
Charts. Chart appearance options, including:
Bar, Candlestick, or Line chart
Properties to personalize chart colors and styles
Timeframe buttons and zoom options
Tools. Key platform settings:
Push notifications: Options → Notifications → Enable
Expert Advisors: Options → Expert Advisors → Allow automated trading
One-Click Trading: Options → Trade → One Click Trading → accept terms
News: Options → Server → Enable news
Events: Customize platform alerts
Signals: Manage copy-trading signals
Window. Arrange multiple charts on the screen.
Help. Access official guides and platform information.
Help Topics: Learn about features
About: View platform version (useful for troubleshooting)
Market Watch
Displays all trading instruments available on your account. You can add, remove, and reorder symbols.
Navigator
Central panel to manage accounts, indicators, Expert Advisors (EAs), and scripts.
Accounts. See saved accounts. Double-click an account to reconnect quickly.
Indicators. Built-in indicators for market analysis.
Add: drag indicator to chart → configure → OK
Edit/remove: right-click chart → Indicators list
Expert Advisors (EAs). Automated trading programs.
Add: drag to chart → configure → OK
Edit/remove: right-click chart → Expert Advisors
Scripts. Small automated trading tools. Drag to chart to run.
MT4 Chart settings
Main workspace where price charts are displayed.
Scroll chart: click-drag or mouse wheel
Zoom price scale: drag price axis
Customize chart. Right-click chart → Properties (or press F8):
Colors: adjust chart visuals or choose presets
Common: enable grid, ask line, auto-scroll, etc.
Timeframes. Right-click → Timeframes or use toolbar icons.
Chart styles. Switch between Bar, Candlestick, and Line charts via icons or shortcut keys.
Enable ask price line (important for sell orders)
Properties → Common → Show ask line
If the line blends with background, change color in Colors tab.
Terminal window settings
Located at the bottom. Shows orders, messages, alerts, and logs.
Trade. Account balance, equity, margin, and active trades.
Right-click a trade to modify or close
Right-click empty area for display options
Exposure. Overview of all open positions by currency and volume.
Account History. Closed trades and account transactions.
Filter by time period
Save as Report
Customize displayed columns
News. Financial news (if enabled in Tools → Options → Server).
Alerts. Create price alerts. Right-click → Create → configure alert (email options included)
Mailbox. Platform messages and high-importance trading alerts.
Market. Marketplace for EAs, indicators, and tools.
Signals. View available trading signal services.
Articles. Educational trading content.
Code Base. Free scripts and tools from the MQL community.
Experts. Activity and logs from Expert Advisors.
Journal. Platform activity log, including logins, errors, and system events. Copy log: right-click → Copy → paste into support email or note for troubleshooting.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where can I find settings in MT4?
Where can I find settings in MT4?
You can access MT4 settings from the Tools menu by opening Options, where all main preferences are located.
Can I customize charts in MT4?
Can I customize charts in MT4?
Yes. MT4 allows you to change chart colors, timeframes, grid display, and apply indicators to better visualize market data.
How do I change sound and notification settings in MT4?
How do I change sound and notification settings in MT4?
Sound and notification options can be adjusted in the Options menu, where you can enable or disable alerts and platform sounds.
Do MT4 settings affect my trading account?
Do MT4 settings affect my trading account?
MT4 settings only affect the platform interface and behavior. They do not change trading conditions or account parameters.
Can I restore default settings in MT4?
Can I restore default settings in MT4?
Yes. You can reset MT4 settings to default by adjusting options manually or reinstalling the platform if needed.
Are MT4 settings saved automatically?
Are MT4 settings saved automatically?
Most MT4 settings are saved automatically on your device, but they may not transfer to another device unless manually configured again.