MT4 / MT5 · Guide 02
Getting to Know the MetaTrader Interface
Every panel, window and function in MetaTrader explained so you can navigate the platform with confidence from day one.
The 5 Main Areas
- 1. Menu Bar & Toolbars (top): Contains the main menus (File, View, Insert, Charts, Tools, Window, Help) and toolbar icons for quick access to the most common functions.
- 2. Market Watch (left): Side panel showing all available instruments (currency pairs, indices, metals). Displays real-time Ask and Bid prices. Right-click to add more symbols. Shortcut: Ctrl+M
- 3. Navigator (left, second tab): Navigation tree with your accounts, custom indicators, Expert Advisors, scripts and templates. Drag indicators and EAs from here directly onto a chart. Shortcut: Ctrl+N
- 4. Chart Area (centre): The main area where price charts are displayed. You can open multiple charts in separate windows and arrange them using the tile layout (Window → Tile Horizontally/Vertically).
- 5. Terminal (bottom): Lower panel with essential tabs: Trade (open positions and pending orders), History (closed trades), Alerts, Mailbox and News. Shortcut: Ctrl+T
The Chart: Analysis Tools
- Line tools: Trend line, horizontal line, channel, angle, Fibonacci retracement.
- Geometric shapes: Rectangle, triangle, ellipse to mark zones on the chart.
- Text & labels: Add analysis notes directly on the chart.
- Zoom: Mouse wheel or + / - keys to zoom in and out on the chart.
Chart Types
MT4/MT5 offers three ways to display price:
- Japanese Candlesticks: The most popular chart type among traders. Shows open, close, high and low. Activate with Alt+2.
- Bars (OHLC): Similar to candlesticks but with a different visual style. Alt+1.
- Line: Displays closing prices only. Useful for viewing the overall trend. Alt+3.
Customise your chart: Right-click on the chart → "Properties" (or press F8) to change colours, candle width and save the configuration as a template for later reuse.
Educational content only. Does not constitute financial or investment advice. Trading involves risk of loss; past results do not guarantee future results.