How to Export Data from MetaTrader 4 and 5?

Traders use MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) to analyze price movements and make better decisions. But sometimes, they need to export data for further study. This can help traders review past prices, test strategies, or create custom reports.

Many ask, “How to export data from MetaTrader 4 and 5?” This article will explain the step-by-step process for exporting data, the types of data available, and how traders can use the information.

Why Export Data from MetaTrader?

Exporting data helps traders see past price movements and market trends. They can use it to study charts, test strategies, or share reports with others. Some traders also export data to use in Excel, Python, or other software for deeper analysis.

There are two main types of data that traders export:

1. Historical Price Data: This includes Open, High, Low, Close, and Volume (OHLCV) data for different timeframes.
2. Trade History: This shows past trades, including entry and exit points, profits, and losses.

Exporting data is easy, but the process is different for MT4 and MT5. Let’s go step by step.

How to Export Historical Price Data from MetaTrader 4

Step 1: Open the History Center

1. Open MT4 on your computer.
2. Click on Tools in the top menu.
3. Select History Center from the dropdown list.

Step 2: Select a Currency Pair and Timeframe

1. In the History Center, you will see a list of available currency pairs and timeframes.
2. Choose the pair you need (for example, EUR/USD).
3. Select the timeframe (1-minute, 5-minute, 1-hour, etc.).

Step 3: Download and Export Data

1. Click Download to get the latest historical data.
2. Click Export to save the file on your computer.
3. Choose a file format (CSV is best for Excel and other programs).

Now, you can open and analyze the exported data in Excel or other software.

How to Export Historical Price Data from MetaTrader 5

MT5 has a similar process but with some extra features.

Step 1: Open the History Center

1. Open MT5 on your computer.
2. Click on Tools, then select History Center.

Step 2: Choose the Market and Timeframe

1. In MT5, markets include forex, stocks, indices, and commodities.
2. Pick the currency pair or asset you want.
3. Choose a timeframe (M1, M5, H1, etc.).

Step 3: Export Data

1. Click on Download to update the historical data.
2. Click Export and choose a format (CSV, TXT, or JSON).
3. Save the file on your computer.

MT5 exports more data types than MT4, which can help traders with advanced analysis.

How to Export Trade History from MetaTrader 4

Trade history shows past trades, including profit, loss, and execution time.

Step 1: Open the Terminal Window

1. Open MT4 and go to the bottom of the screen.
2. Click on Terminal (or press Ctrl + T on your keyboard).

Step 2: View the Account History Tab

1. Click on the Account History tab.
2. Right-click anywhere inside the tab.

Step 3: Export Trade History

1. Click Save as Report or Save as Detailed Report.
2. Choose a location to save the file.
3. The report will be saved in HTML format, which you can open in a browser.

If you want the data in Excel, open the file in a browser and copy-paste it into Excel.

How to Export Trade History from MetaTrader 5

MT5 makes exporting trade history easier and offers more file formats.

Step 1: Open the Toolbox

1. Open MT5 and go to the bottom of the screen.
2. Click on Toolbox (or press Ctrl + T).

Step 2: Access the Trade History

1. Click on the History tab.
2. Right-click anywhere inside the tab.

Step 3: Export Data

1. Click Export and choose the format (CSV, HTML, or XML).
2. Save the file on your computer.

MT5 also lets traders filter specific trade periods, making it more flexible than MT4.

Understanding OHLCV vs. Tick Data

OHLCV Data (Bar Data)

OHLCV stands for Open, High, Low, Close, and Volume. This is the most common data trader export. Each row in the exported file shows a candlestick’s price action for a specific timeframe.

• Open: Price at the start of the period.
• High: The highest price reached.
• Low: The lowest price reached.
• Close: Price at the end of the period.
• Volume: The number of trades in that period.

Tick Data

Tick data records every single price change. This gives more details but creates huge files. Traders use tick data for high-frequency trading and testing scalping strategies.

MT5 allows exporting tick data, but MT4 does not.

Automating Data Exports from MT4 and MT5

Some traders need regular data exports. Instead of doing it manually, they can use scripts and tools.

Using MetaTrader Scripts

• MT4 and MT5 support custom scripts to export data.
• Traders can create a script using MQL4 or MQL5 to automate exports.
• The script can save data in CSV or JSON format.

Using Third-Party Tools

There are many third-party tools that help export data automatically. Some tools even send live price data to Excel in real time.

Automating exports saves time and helps traders focus on analysis.

Conclusion

Exporting data from MetaTrader 4 and 5 is simple. Traders can export historical price data and trade history for better analysis. MT5 offers more options, including tick data and advanced trade filtering.

For traders who want fast execution, low spreads, and high leverage, Defcofx is a great choice. Defcofx offers MetaTrader 5, with leverage up to 1:2000, a 40% welcome bonus, and no commissions or swap fees. They also process withdrawals in just 4 business hours. If you need a reliable broker, Defcofx is worth checking out.

FAQs

Can I export data from MetaTrader 4 and 5 to Excel?

Yes. Both MT4 and MT5 allow exporting data in CSV format, which works in Excel.

What is the difference between OHLCV and tick data?

OHLCV shows candlestick data, while tick data records every price change.

Can I automate data exports from MetaTrader?

Yes. You can use MetaTrader scripts or third-party tools to export data automatically.

Does MT4 allow exporting tick data?

No. Only MT5 supports tick data exports.

Is Defcofx a good broker for MT4 and MT5?

Yes. Defcofx offers both MT4 and MT5, with low spreads, fast withdrawals, and high leverage up to 1:2000.

Learn More About Forex with Defcofx

Enhance your forex knowledge with Defcofx. Check out these must-read topics:

• What is MetaTrader 5 (MT5)? Detailed Guide
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• MT4 vs. MT5: Which One is Better?
• Is MetaTrader 5 Available in the US?
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