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Converting Chart Display from OHLC Bars to Candlesticks

Follow toolbar, chart properties, or keyboard shortcut steps to switch MT4/MT5 charts from OHLC bars to candlesticks for clearer price analysis.

Changing your chart display from OHLC (Open, High, Low, Close) bars to candlestick charts is a simple process that can enhance your technical analysis experience. Candlestick charts offer a more visual representation of price movements, making patterns easier to identify.

Quick Method

Activate the chart you want to change, then select the Candlesticks button among the chart-type toolbar controls to switch its OHLC bars to candlesticks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open your MT4 or MT5 desktop terminal. These instructions apply to the desktop platform; FXTRADING.com App and Web Trader have different controls.

  2. Locate the chart-type buttons near the top of the terminal. In MT4, they are on the Charts toolbar.

  3. Find the chart type icons in the toolbar (typically displayed as a series of small icons)

  4. Click on the Candlestick icon (usually appears as a small candlestick symbol)

  5. Your chart will immediately convert from OHLC bars to candlestick display

Alternative Methods

How do I use chart properties?

  1. Activate the intended MT4 or MT5 desktop chart. Check its symbol and timeframe so that you change the correct chart.

  2. Right-click the chart and select Properties to open its display settings.

  3. On Common, choose Candlesticks in MT4 or Candlestick in MT5. This selects the display style for that chart.

  4. To adjust colours, open Colors. Bull candle and Bear candle control candle bodies; Bar up and Bar down control their wicks and borders.

  5. Review the preview. Choose candle colours that remain distinguishable from each other and from the background; also check text and grid visibility.

  6. Select OK and check the chart. These options change its presentation; they do not change the underlying prices or your orders.

How do I use keyboard shortcut?

  1. Click anywhere on your chart to make it active

  2. Press Alt+2 on your keyboard to switch to candlestick view

Benefits of Candlestick Charts

  • Enhanced visual representation of price action

  • Easier identification of reversal patterns

  • Clear distinction between bullish and bearish movements

  • Better visualization of opening and closing prices

  • Improved analysis of market sentiment

Switching between different chart types allows you to find the visualization that works best for your trading style and analysis preferences.

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