How to Install a Custom Indicator in MT4

Before you start

• MetaTrader 4 installed — see How to Install MetaTrader 4.
• The indicator's MT4 file (.ex4, sometimes with .mq4 source). Extract .zip downloads first.

What you'll learn

• Install the indicator in MQL4\Indicators.
• Add it to a chart and edit its settings.
• Save the chart as a template.

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Open the data folder

   In MT4, go to File → Open Data Folder, then open MQL4 → Indicators.

   Mark as done: Open the data folder
2. 2

   Step 2: Copy the indicator file

   Paste the .ex4 file (and .mq4, if provided) into Indicators.

   Mark as done: Copy the indicator file
3. 3

   Step 3: Refresh the Navigator

   Open the Navigator (Ctrl+N), right-click Indicators and choose Refresh, or restart MT4.

   Mark as done: Refresh the Navigator
4. 4

   Step 4: Add it to a chart

   Drag it from the Navigator's Indicators list onto a chart, or use Insert → Indicators → Custom.

   Mark as done: Add it to a chart
5. 5

   Step 5: Set its inputs and colours

   Adjust the Inputs and Colors tabs, then click OK.

   Mark as done: Set its inputs and colours
6. 6

   Step 6: Edit it later

   Right-click the chart, open Indicators List (Ctrl+I), select the indicator and choose Edit — or Delete to remove it.

   Mark as done: Edit it later
7. 7

   Step 7: Save a template

   Right-click the chart and choose Template → Save Template to reuse this setup on other charts.

   Mark as done: Save a template

Troubleshooting

It isn't in the Navigator

Check it's an .ex4 (not .ex5) in MQL4\Indicators of the data folder, then refresh.

"DLL calls are not allowed" in the Experts tab

Some indicators use DLLs. Enable Allow DLL imports on the indicator's Common tab only if you trust its developer.

The indicator is slow or freezes the chart

Reduce its history/bars input if it has one, or ask the developer — heavy calculations on every tick can slow MT4.