How to Create Your Own Trailing Stop
How to Create Your Own Trailing Stop
The basic rule of trader - let profit to grow, cut off losses! This article considers one of the basic techniques, allowing to follow this rule - moving the protective stop level (Stop loss level) after increasing position profit, i.e. - Trailing Stop level. You'll find the step by step procedure to create a class for trailing stop on SAR and NRTR indicators. Everyone will be able to insert this trailing stop into their experts or use it independently to control positions in their accounts.
Transferring Indicators from MQL4 to MQL5
Transferring Indicators from MQL4 to MQL5
This article is dedicated to peculiarities of transferring price constructions written in MQL4 to MQL5. To make the process of transferring indicator calculations from MQL4 to MQL5 easier, the mql4_2_mql5.mqh library of functions is suggested. Its usage is described on the basis of transferring of the MACD, Stochastic and RSI indicators.
Creating Tick Indicators in MQL5
Creating Tick Indicators in MQL5
In this article, we will consider the creation of two indicators: the tick indicator, which plots the tick chart of the price and tick candle indicator, which plot candles with the specified number of ticks. Each of the indicators writes the incoming prices into a file, and uses the saved data after the restart of the indicator (these data also can be used by the other programs)
Creating an Indicator with Multiple Indicator Buffers for Newbies
Creating an Indicator with Multiple Indicator Buffers for Newbies
The complex codes consist of a set of simple codes. If you are familiar with them, it doesn't look so complicated. In this article, we will consider how to create an indicator with multiple indicator buffers. As an example, the Aroon indicator is analyzed in details, and two different versions of the code are presented.
The Drawing Styles in MQL5
The Drawing Styles in MQL5
There are 6 drawing styles in MQL4 and 18 drawing styles in MQL5. Therefore, it may be worth writing an article to introduce MQL5's drawing styles. In this article, we will consider the details of drawing styles in MQL5. In addition, we will create an indicator to demonstrate how to use these drawing styles, and refine the plotting.
How to call indicators in MQL5
How to call indicators in MQL5
With new version of MQL programming language available not only the approach of dealing with indicators have changed, but there are also new ways of how to create indicators. Furthermore, you have additional flexibility working with indicator's buffers - now you can specify the desired direction of indexing and get exactly as many indicator's values as you want. This article explains the basic methods of calling indicators and retrieving data from the indicator's buffers.
Creating an Indicator with Graphical Control Options
Creating an Indicator with Graphical Control Options
Those who are familiar with market sentiments, know the MACD indicator (its full name is Moving Average Convergence/Divergence) - the powerful tool for analyzing the price movement, used by traders from the very first moments of appearance of the computer analysis methods. In this article we'll consider possible modifications of MACD and implement them in one indicator with the possibility to graphically switch between the modifications.
Custom Indicators in MQL5 for Newbies
Custom Indicators in MQL5 for Newbies
Any new subject seems complicated and hard-to-learn for a newbie. Subjects that we know seem very simple and clear to us. But we simply do not remember, that everyone has to study something from scratch, and even our native language. The same is with the MQL5 programming language that offers wide possibilities of developing one's own trading strategies - you can start learning it from basic notions and simplest examples. Interaction of a technical indicator with the MetaTrader 5 client terminal is consider in this article on the example of the simple custom indicator SMA.
Applying One Indicator to Another
Applying One Indicator to Another
When writing an indicator that uses the short form of the OnCalculate() function call, you might miss the fact that an indicator can be calculated not only by price data, but also by data of some other indicator (no matter whether it is a built-in or custom one). Do you want to improve an indicator for its correct application to the other indicator's data? In this article we'll review all the steps required for such modification.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 46): Designing an Interactive Fibonacci Retracement EA with Smart Visualization in MQL5
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 46): Designing an Interactive Fibonacci Retracement EA with Smart Visualization in MQL5
Fibonacci tools are among the most popular instruments used by technical analysts. In this article, we’ll build an Interactive Fibonacci EA that draws retracement and extension levels that react dynamically to price movement, delivering real‑time alerts, stylish lines, and a scrolling news‑style headline. Another key advantage of this EA is flexibility; you can manually type the high (A) and low (B) swing values directly on the chart, giving you exact control over the market range you want to analyze.
Implementing a Scalping Market Depth Using the CGraphic Library
Implementing a Scalping Market Depth Using the CGraphic Library
In this article, we will create the basic functionality of a scalping Market Depth tool. Also, we will develop a tick chart based on the CGraphic library and integrate it with the order book. Using the described Market Depth, it will be possible to create a powerful assistant tool for short-term trading.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 48): Multi-Timeframe Harmony Index with Weighted Bias Dashboard
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 48): Multi-Timeframe Harmony Index with Weighted Bias Dashboard
This article introduces the “Multi-Timeframe Harmony Index”—an advanced Expert Advisor for MetaTrader 5 that calculates a weighted bias from multiple timeframes, smooths the readings using EMA, and displays the results in a clean chart panel dashboard. It includes customizable alerts and automatic buy/sell signal plotting when strong bias thresholds are crossed. Suitable for traders who use multi-timeframe analysis to align entries with overall market structure.
Polynomial models in trading
Polynomial models in trading
This article is about orthogonal polynomials. Their use can become the basis for a more accurate and effective analysis of market information allowing traders to make more informed decisions.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 49): Integrating Trend, Momentum, and Volatility Indicators into One MQL5 System
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 49): Integrating Trend, Momentum, and Volatility Indicators into One MQL5 System
Simplify your MetaTrader  5 charts with the Multi  Indicator  Handler EA. This interactive dashboard merges trend, momentum, and volatility indicators into one real‑time panel. Switch instantly between profiles to focus on the analysis you need most. Declutter with one‑click Hide/Show controls and stay focused on price action. Read on to learn step‑by‑step how to build and customize it yourself in MQL5.
Automating Black-Scholes Greeks: Advanced Scalping and Microstructure Trading
Automating Black-Scholes Greeks: Advanced Scalping and Microstructure Trading
Gamma and Delta were originally developed as risk-management tools for hedging options exposure, but over time they evolved into powerful instruments for advanced scalping, order-flow modeling, and microstructure trading. Today, they serve as real-time indicators of price sensitivity and liquidity behavior, enabling traders to anticipate short-term volatility with remarkable precision.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 51): Revolutionary Chart Search Technology for Candlestick Pattern Discovery
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 51): Revolutionary Chart Search Technology for Candlestick Pattern Discovery
This article is intended for algorithmic traders, quantitative analysts, and MQL5 developers interested in enhancing their understanding of candlestick pattern recognition through practical implementation. It provides an in‑depth exploration of the CandlePatternSearch.mq5 Expert Advisor—a complete framework for detecting, visualizing, and monitoring classical candlestick formations in MetaTrader 5. Beyond a line‑by‑line review of the code, the article discusses architectural design, pattern detection logic, GUI integration, and alert mechanisms, illustrating how traditional price‑action analysis can be automated efficiently.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 52): Master Market Structure with Multi-Timeframe Visual Analysis
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 52): Master Market Structure with Multi-Timeframe Visual Analysis
This article presents the Multi‑Timeframe Visual Analyzer, an MQL5 Expert Advisor that reconstructs and overlays higher‑timeframe candles directly onto your active chart. It explains the implementation, key inputs, and practical outcomes, supported by an animated demo and chart examples showing instant toggling, multi‑timeframe confirmation, and configurable alerts. Read on to see how this tool can make chart analysis faster, clearer, and more efficient.
Mastering Kagi Charts in MQL5 (Part I): Creating the Indicator
Mastering Kagi Charts in MQL5 (Part I): Creating the Indicator
Learn how to build a complete Kagi Chart engine in MQL5—constructing price reversals, generating dynamic line segments, and updating Kagi structures in real time. This first part teaches you how to render Kagi charts directly on MetaTrader 5, giving traders a clear view of trend shifts and market strength while preparing for automated Kagi-based trading logic in Part 2.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 53): Pattern Density Heatmap for Support and Resistance Zone Discovery
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 53): Pattern Density Heatmap for Support and Resistance Zone Discovery
This article introduces the Pattern Density Heatmap, a price‑action mapping tool that transforms repeated candlestick pattern detections into statistically significant support and resistance zones. Rather than treating each signal in isolation, the EA aggregates detections into fixed price bins, scores their density with optional recency weighting, and confirms levels against higher‑timeframe data. The resulting heatmap reveals where the market has historically reacted—levels that can be used proactively for trade timing, risk management, and strategy confidence across any trading style.
Building a Professional Trading System with Heikin Ashi (Part 1): Developing a custom indicator
Building a Professional Trading System with Heikin Ashi (Part 1): Developing a custom indicator
This article is the first installment in a two-part series designed to impart practical skills and best practices for writing custom indicators in MQL5. Using Heikin Ashi as a working example, the article explores the theory behind Heikin Ashi charts, explains how Heikin Ashi candlesticks are calculated, and demonstrates their application in technical analysis. The centerpiece is a step-by-step guide to developing a fully functional Heikin Ashi indicator from scratch, with clear explanations to help readers understand what to code and why. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for Part Two, where we will build an expert advisor that trades based on Heikin Ashi logic.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 38): Tick Buffer VWAP and Short-Window Imbalance Engine
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 38): Tick Buffer VWAP and Short-Window Imbalance Engine
In Part 38, we build a production-grade MT5 monitoring panel that converts raw ticks into actionable signals. The EA buffers tick data to compute tick-level VWAP, a short-window imbalance (flow) metric, and ATR-based position sizing. It then visualizes spread, ATR, and flow with low-flicker bars. The system calculates a suggested lot size and a 1R stop, and issues configurable alerts for tight spreads, strong flow, and edge conditions. Auto-trading is intentionally disabled; the focus remains on robust signal generation and a clean user experience.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 1): Building a Pivot-Based Trend Indicator with Canvas Gradient
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 1): Building a Pivot-Based Trend Indicator with Canvas Gradient
In this article, we create a Pivot-Based Trend Indicator in MQL5 that calculates fast and slow pivot lines over user-defined periods, detects trend directions based on price relative to these lines, and signals trend starts with arrows while optionally extending lines beyond the current bar. The indicator supports dynamic visualization with separate up/down lines in customizable colors, dotted fast lines that change color on trend shifts, and optional gradient filling between lines, using a canvas object for enhanced trend-area highlighting.
From Novice to Expert: Higher Probability Signals
From Novice to Expert: Higher Probability Signals
In high-probability support and resistance zones, valid entry confirmation signals are always present once the zone has been correctly identified. In this discussion, we build an intelligent MQL5 program that automatically detects entry conditions within these zones. We leverage well-known candlestick patterns alongside native confirmation indicators to validate trade decisions. Click to read further.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 47): Tracking Forex Sessions and Breakouts in MetaTrader 5
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 47): Tracking Forex Sessions and Breakouts in MetaTrader 5
Global market sessions shape the rhythm of the trading day, and understanding their overlap is vital to timing entries and exits. In this article, we’ll build an interactive trading sessions  EA that brings those global hours to life directly on your chart. The EA automatically plots color‑coded rectangles for the Asia, Tokyo, London, and New York sessions, updating in real time as each market opens or closes. It features on‑chart toggle buttons, a dynamic information panel, and a scrolling ticker headline that streams live status and breakout messages. Tested on different brokers, this EA combines precision with style—helping traders see volatility transitions, identify cross‑session breakouts, and stay visually connected to the global market’s pulse.
Mastering Quick Trades: Overcoming Execution Paralysis
Mastering Quick Trades: Overcoming Execution Paralysis
The UT BOT ATR Trailing Indicator is a personal and customizable indicator that is very effective for traders who like to make quick decisions and make money from differences in price referred to as short-term trading (scalpers) and also proves to be vital and very effective for long-term traders (positional traders).
Sigma Score Indicator for MetaTrader 5: A Simple Statistical Anomaly Detector
Sigma Score Indicator for MetaTrader 5: A Simple Statistical Anomaly Detector
Build a practical MetaTrader 5 “Sigma Score” indicator from scratch and learn what it really measures: The z-score of log returns (how many standard deviations the latest move is from the recent average). The article walks through every code block in OnInit(), OnCalculate(), and OnDeinit(), then shows how to interpret thresholds (e.g., ±2) and apply the Sigma Score as a simple “market stress meter” for mean-reversion and momentum trading.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 4): Smart WaveTrend Crossover with Dual Oscillators
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 4): Smart WaveTrend Crossover with Dual Oscillators
In this article, we develop a custom indicator in MQL5 called Smart WaveTrend Crossover, utilizing dual WaveTrend oscillators—one for generating crossover signals and another for trend filtering—with customizable parameters for channel, average, and moving average lengths. The indicator plots colored candles based on the trend direction, displays buy and sell arrow signals on crossovers, and includes options to enable trend confirmation and adjust visual elements like colors and offsets.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit (Part 55): Designing a CPI Mini-Candle Overlay for Intra-bar Pressure
Price Action Analysis Toolkit (Part 55): Designing a CPI Mini-Candle Overlay for Intra-bar Pressure
This article presents the design and MetaTrader 5 implementation of the Candle Pressure Index (CPI)—a CLV-based overlay that visualizes intra-Bar buying and selling pressure directly on price charts. The discussion focuses on candle structure, pressure classification, visualization mechanics, and a non-repainting, transition-based alert system designed for consistent behavior across timeframes and instruments.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 5): WaveTrend Crossover Evolution Using Canvas for Fog Gradients, Signal Bubbles, and Risk Management
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 5): WaveTrend Crossover Evolution Using Canvas for Fog Gradients, Signal Bubbles, and Risk Management
In this article, we enhance the Smart WaveTrend Crossover indicator in MQL5 by integrating canvas-based drawing for fog gradient overlays, signal boxes that detect breakouts, and customizable buy/sell bubbles or triangles for visual alerts. We incorporate risk management features with dynamic take-profit and stop-loss levels calculated via candle multipliers or percentages, displayed through lines and a table, alongside options for trend filtering and box extensions.
Developing Market Memory Zones Indicator: Where Price Is Likely To Return
Developing Market Memory Zones Indicator: Where Price Is Likely To Return
In this discussion, we will develop an indicator to identify price zones created by strong market activity, such as impulsive moves, structure shifts, and liquidity events. These zones represent areas where the market has left “memory” due to unfilled orders or rapid price displacement. By marking these regions on the chart, the indicator highlights where price is statistically more likely to revisit and react in the future.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 6): Evolving RSI Calculations with Smoothing, Hue Shifts, and Multi-Timeframe Support
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 6): Evolving RSI Calculations with Smoothing, Hue Shifts, and Multi-Timeframe Support
In this article, we build a versatile RSI indicator in MQL5 supporting multiple variants, data sources, and smoothing methods for improved analysis. We add hue shifts for color visuals, dynamic boundaries for overbought/oversold zones, and notifications for trend alerts. It includes multi-timeframe support with interpolation, offering us a customizable RSI tool for diverse strategies.
Triangular and Sawtooth Waves: Analytical Tools for Traders
Triangular and Sawtooth Waves: Analytical Tools for Traders
Wave analysis is one of the methods used in technical analysis. This article focuses on two less conventional wave patterns: triangular and sawtooth waves. These formations underpin a number of technical indicators designed for market price analysis.
Tracking Account Dynamics: Balance, Equity, and Floating P/L Visualization in MQL5
Tracking Account Dynamics: Balance, Equity, and Floating P/L Visualization in MQL5
Create a custom MT5 indicator that processes the entire deal history and plots starting balance, balance, equity, and floating P/L as continuous curves. It updates per bar, aggregates positions across symbols, and avoids external dependencies through local caching. Use it to inspect equity–balance divergence, realized vs. unrealized results, and the timing of risk deployment.
From Novice to Expert: Creating a Liquidity Zone Indicator
From Novice to Expert: Creating a Liquidity Zone Indicator
The extent of liquidity zones and the magnitude of the breakout range are key variables that substantially affect the probability of a retest occurring. In this discussion, we outline the complete process for developing an indicator that incorporates these ratios.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 19): ZigZag Analyzer
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 19): ZigZag Analyzer
Every price action trader manually uses trendlines to confirm trends and spot potential turning or continuation levels. In this series on developing a price action analysis toolkit, we introduce a tool focused on drawing slanted trendlines for easy market analysis. This tool simplifies the process for traders by clearly outlining key trends and levels essential for effective price action evaluation.
Custom Indicator Workshop (Part 1): Building the Supertrend Indicator in MQL5
Custom Indicator Workshop (Part 1): Building the Supertrend Indicator in MQL5
Build a non‑repainting Supertrend in MQL5 for MetaTrader 5 from first principles. We use an iATR handle and CopyBuffer for volatility, bind buffers with SetIndexBuffer, and configure plots (DRAWCOLORCANDLES plus two line bands) via PlotIndexSetInteger. The logic updates only on closed bars with EMPTY_VALUE to suppress inactive bands, exposing atrPeriod and atrMultiplier inputs. You get a clean, EA‑ready overlay with documented buffers for strategies and signals.