Synchronizing charts in MetaTrader 4 (MT4) allows you to streamline your analysis by linking the movement, timeframe, or symbol of multiple charts. The most common form of synchronization is linking their horizontal scroll and zoom levels.
Understanding Chart Synchronization in MT4
Chart synchronization essentially means that an action performed on one chart is replicated across other selected charts. This can be incredibly useful for comparing different assets or timeframes efficiently. While MT4's native features offer limited direct synchronization, custom tools (Expert Advisors, indicators, or scripts) significantly expand these capabilities.
Method 1: Refreshing Navigator and Activating Sync Scroll (Often via Custom Tools)
One approach to enabling chart synchronization, particularly for scroll functions, involves updating your MT4 Navigator window. This process ensures that all custom tools, including those designed for syncing, are correctly loaded and accessible.
To perform this, follow these steps:
- Open the Navigator Window: You can access the Navigator panel by pressing
Ctrl+Non your keyboard, or by clicking the 'Navigator' icon in the standard toolbar. - Locate and Refresh: In the Navigator window, find either the "Indicators" or "Expert Advisors" section.
- Right-click on the chosen section (e.g., "Indicators").
- Select "Refresh" from the context menu. This action updates the list of available tools and ensures any newly added or updated custom solutions are recognized by the platform.
- Activate "Sync Scroll": After refreshing, if you have a custom indicator or Expert Advisor designed for chart synchronization installed, an option like "sync scroll" may become available within the Navigator, or its functionality will be activated when applied to your charts. This feature, when selected or properly configured within the tool's settings, will synchronize the horizontal scrolling and zoom across your open charts.
Method 2: Using Custom Indicators, Scripts, or Expert Advisors (EAs)
The most robust and common way to achieve comprehensive chart synchronization in MT4 is by using custom-developed indicators, scripts, or Expert Advisors. These tools are specifically programmed to listen for changes on one chart and apply them to others.
Types of Synchronization Achievable with Custom Tools:
- Scroll & Zoom Synchronization: This is the most popular feature, allowing you to scroll or zoom on one chart, and all linked charts will follow suit, displaying the same historical period.
- Timeframe Synchronization: Change the timeframe (e.g., from H1 to M15) on one chart, and all linked charts will automatically switch to the new timeframe.
- Symbol Synchronization: Less common but highly powerful, this allows you to change the currency pair or asset on one chart, and all linked charts will update to display the new symbol. This is excellent for multi-asset comparison.
- Indicator Parameter Synchronization: Some advanced tools can even sync the settings of an indicator applied to multiple charts.
General Steps to Install and Use a Sync Tool:
- Obtain the Tool: Download a chart synchronization Expert Advisor, indicator, or script (typically an
.ex4or.mq4file) from a reliable source. Many reputable trading communities and developers offer these. - Install the Tool:
- Open MT4.
- Go to
File>Open Data Folder. - Navigate to
MQL4>Indicators(for indicators/scripts) orMQL4>Experts(for Expert Advisors). - Copy your downloaded
.ex4or.mq4file into the appropriate folder. - Close the data folder.
- Refresh MT4: Restart your MT4 platform or, as described in Method 1, refresh the "Indicators" or "Expert Advisors" section in your Navigator window (
Ctrl+N). - Attach to Charts:
- From the Navigator window, drag the sync tool onto one of the charts you wish to synchronize.
- A settings window will appear. Configure any necessary parameters (e.g., which charts to sync, what aspects to sync – scroll, timeframe, symbol).
- Ensure "Allow DLL imports" and "Allow Live Trading" (for EAs) are checked in the "Common" tab if required by the tool.
- Click "OK."
- Repeat this process for all charts you want to be part of the synchronized group. Some tools only need to be attached to one chart to control all open charts, so always check the tool's instructions.
Comparing Synchronization Methods
Here's a quick comparison of the two primary ways to approach chart synchronization in MT4:
| Feature | Method 1: Refreshing Navigator & Sync Scroll (Context-dependent) | Method 2: Custom EAs/Indicators/Scripts (Most Common) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Relies on an underlying custom tool; involves Navigator refresh. | Requires downloading, installing, and attaching a specific tool. |
| Complexity | Simpler interaction if the tool is already present. | Initial setup of the custom tool is required. |
| Functionality | Primarily focuses on "sync scroll" for horizontal movement. | Offers comprehensive syncing: scroll, zoom, timeframe, symbol. |
| Flexibility | Limited to what the specific tool provides upon refresh. | Highly flexible, with tools designed for various syncing needs. |
| Reliability | Depends entirely on the custom tool's implementation. | Generally robust and widely used by traders. |
Practical Tips for Effective Chart Synchronization
- Chart Arrangement: For optimal visual tracking, arrange your synchronized charts in a tiled layout (e.g.,
Window>Tile WindowsorTile Horizontally/Vertically). - Performance: If you have many charts open and running several indicators, adding sync tools might slightly impact MT4's performance. Monitor your platform's responsiveness.
- Tool-Specific Instructions: Always read the documentation or instructions provided with any custom synchronization tool you download, as each might have unique installation or usage requirements.
- Troubleshooting: If charts aren't syncing, check the tool's settings, ensure it's properly attached to all desired charts, and verify that "Allow DLL imports" (if necessary) is enabled in its properties. Sometimes, simply restarting MT4 can resolve minor issues.
- Finding Tools: Reputable sources for MT4 custom tools include the MQL5.com community and various trading forums like Forex Factory.
By leveraging these methods, especially custom indicators or Expert Advisors, you can create a highly efficient and synchronized charting environment in MT4, enhancing your trading analysis and decision-making process.
