How to Use MetaTrader 4: A Guide for Beginners
MetaTrader 4, also known as MT4, is the world’s most popular trading platform. It offers excellent trading and analytical tools to implement even the most complex strategies. At FBS, we provide our clients with the MT4 platform for the best trading experience.
Here is a quick guide on how to install MT4, set it up, and open your first trade. Let’s go!
What is MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a trading platform developed by MetaQuotes Software Corp in 2005. Although MT4 was specifically built for Forex trading, it can also be used to trade other assets such as stocks, indices, and commodities via CFDs.
Both beginners and professional traders trust MT4 because of its numerous benefits.
- MT4 is free to download and use.
- MT4 is safe, as all transmitted data is securely encrypted.
- MT4 is user-friendly and easy to use.
How to download MT4
You can install MetaTrader 4 on your PC, download the mobile app, or use the web trading platform.
Desktop
To install MetaTrader 4 for Windows:
- Download the MT4 installation file.
- Read and accept the License Agreement.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- Log in to your FBS account.
Although MT4 is not designed for iMac, you can still download and install it to start trading.
Mobile
To install MetaTrader 4 for Android or iOS:
- Visit Google Play or App Store and search for “MetaTrader 4”.
- Click Install.
- Open the MT4 app and log in to your FBS account.
WebTrader
This version runs in your browser and does not require any downloads. Just open the MT4 WebTrader and log in to your FBS account.
In all of the above methods, you need a trading account opened with a broker, e.g., with FBS. The broker provides access to the market, while MT4 is just a platform that provides the necessary tools for making trades.
How to use MT4
When you first open the MT4 terminal, you will see a start screen consisting of six windows.
The Main Menu is located at the very top of the screen. It is used to switch between accounts, choose the preferred MT4 language, customize the current toolbars, add indicators and objects to your charts, view the MT4 user guide, etc.
The Toolbar window contains small buttons or shortcuts for the most used commands to manage the charts and technical indicators. There are four toolbars: Standard, Charts, Line Studies, and Timeframes.
The Charts window displays the price of the selected assets. There are four chart windows by default, but you can open up to 100 charts at the same time. You can also trade directly from the charts as well as use any indicators on drawing tools on them.
The Market Watch window contains a list of the available trading instruments and their Bid and Ask prices. Ask price is the level at which the seller is ready to sell, and bid price is the level at which a buyer is ready to buy.
The Navigator window provides quick access to your Live and Demo accounts, indicators, Expert Advisors, and scripts available in the MT4.
Finally, the Terminal window allows you to work with your trade positions – open, close, and modify them. News, account history, alerts, etc. are also grouped in this window.
How to open a position in MT4
To open an order, click New Order on the Toolbar at the top of the screen. You will see the Order window. Now you need to set up the order the way you want using the following options.
- Symbol: Select the instrument for which you want to open the position.
- Volume: Select the trade volume in lots (when trading Forex, 1.00 lot is equal to 100 000 units of currency).
- Stop Loss and Take Profit: Enter the level to execute a trade (once the instrument reaches this level, your trade will be closed automatically). This is optional.
- Comment: Leave a comment regarding your trade. This is optional.
- Type: Choose Instant Execution if you want to place the trade immediately at the current price. Alternatively, select Pending Order if you want to place a trade when the price reaches a certain level.
Once you’ve done with the settings, open the order in the preferred direction. If you think the price will go up, click Buy. If you expect the price will go down, click Sell. Your trade is now successfully placed!
How to monitor and modify your positions in MT4
To monitor your open positions and pending orders, open the Trade tab in the Terminal window at the bottom of the screen. All your trades will be listed here.
You can also modify your position and add or edit Stop Loss and Take Profit levels. Right-click on the position or pending order you want to edit and select Modify or Delete Order. Or simply double-click on order. Then, edit your Stop Loss or Take Profit levels in the window that appears. Click the red Modify button to confirm your changes.
How to close a position in MT4
To close your position, open the Trade tab in the Terminal window at the bottom of the screen. Right-click on the position you want to close and select Close Order. You can also click the small x on the far right.
Attention: a position will be closed automatically if the price reaches the Stop Loss or Take Profit level.
How to use indicators in MT4
To add indicators to your chart, click Insert – Indicators and select an indicator from the drop-down menu.
To edit or delete an indicator, right-click on the chart and select Indicators list. Select your indicator from the list, then click Edit to customize the indicator settings or Delete to remove it.
How to change the timeframe in MT4
To change the timeframe, right-click on the chart, select Timeframe, and choose your preferred option from the drop-down menu. MT4 offers nine timeframes: minute (M1, M5, M15, M30), hourly (H1, H4), daily (D1), weekly (W1), and monthly (MN).
How to set up a price alert in MT4
To set up a price alert, open the Terminal window, right-click the Alerts tab and choose Create.
Fill in the criteria for the alert and click OK. You will receive an alert when your chosen instrument reaches a certain price.
- Symbol: Select an asset.
- Value: Enter the asset’s price.
- Condition: Select the alert’s type (if the Bid is less than a certain price, or if the Ask is less than a certain price, etc.).
FAQ
Is MetaTrader 4 free?
Yes, MT4 is completely free to download and use. There are no fees or charges for using the trading platform.
Is MetaTrader 4 safe?
Yes, MT4 is safe and trustworthy. To be sure, download the MT4 trading platform from FBS or go to the MetaTrader 4 official website.
Can I trade in MetaTrader 4 without a broker?
No, you cannot trade in MT4 without a broker. MT4 is just a trading platform that provides the necessary tools for making trades. But you will need to open an account with a broker, like FBS.
Where to download MetaTrader 4?
Go to the FBS website, choose MetaTrader 4, and find the appropriate format to download. You can find full instructions in this step-by-step video guide.
Can I trade crypto in MetaTrader 4?
No, you cannot trade crypto in MT4 with FBS, but you can try many other assets. If you want to trade cryptocurrencies, please download the MetaTrader 5 trading platform.