Customizing an MT5 chart’s colors, grid lines, and default settings turns a generic price display into a workspace tailored to a trader’s own preferences and analysis style. A well set up chart supports faster, clearer reading, as this FXM680 guide explains.

Table of Contents
How To Customize MT5 Charts: An In-Depth Overview
MT5’s chart properties window allows adjusting colors for candles, background, grid lines, and text, letting traders build a visual style that suits their own preferences and reduces eye strain.
Beyond color, chart properties also control display options like whether the grid, volume, or period separators are shown, further shaping the chart’s overall look.
Once a preferred setup is achieved, it can be saved as a template and applied instantly to any new chart, avoiding the need to reconfigure settings repeatedly.
Why Chart Customization Matters
A chart configured for clarity, with appropriate contrast and minimal visual noise, supports faster pattern recognition and reduces fatigue during longer analysis sessions.
Saved templates also matter for consistency, ensuring every new chart opens with the same trusted setup rather than generic default settings.
Detailed Analysis of Customization Options
Color Scheme
The Colors tab within chart properties allows setting distinct colors for bullish and bearish candles, background, and gridlines, supporting a personalized visual style.
Display Options
Options like showing or hiding the grid, OHLC values, and volume can be toggled to keep the chart focused on exactly what a trader wants to see.
Saving Templates
Once configured, a chart’s full setup, including indicators and colors, can be saved as a template and reapplied instantly to future charts.
| Customization Option | Location |
|---|---|
| Candle and Background Colors | Chart properties, Colors tab |
| Grid and Volume Display | Chart properties, Common tab |
| Save as Template | Right-click chart, Templates menu |
Step-by-Step Guide to Customizing a Chart
- Right-click the chart and select Properties to open the settings window.
- Adjust candle, background, and gridline colors on the Colors tab.
- Toggle display options like grid or volume on the Common tab as preferred.
- Click OK to apply the changes to the current chart.
- Right-click again and save the setup as a template for future use.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
A common pitfall is leaving default colors unchanged even when they create poor contrast or eye strain over long sessions. Another is customizing a chart in detail but never saving it as a template, losing the setup the next time a new chart is opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can templates include indicators as well as colors? Yes, saved templates capture the full chart setup, including any applied indicators.
Can a template be set as the default for all new charts? Yes, MT5 allows setting a chosen template as the default applied automatically to newly opened charts.
Is chart customization only about appearance? Mostly, though display options like volume or grid visibility can also affect how much information is readily visible.
Continue Your Forex Learning Journey with FXM680
A well customized chart makes daily analysis noticeably smoother. The next lesson in this Academy shifts to TradingView, a widely used charting platform outside MetaTrader.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. Trading financial markets involves significant risk. Consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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