A template is a reusable set of settings for one chart. It can contain chart type, colours, scale, indicator settings, drawing objects and an attached Expert Advisor (EA) with its parameters. It is more than a colour theme. Before applying a template, check whether it is intended only for analysis or also contains an EA.

For example, a template can combine candlesticks, a moving average and RSI with chosen colours and periods. Applying it to another chart reuses those settings. Check the destination symbol and timeframe afterwards: the same indicator settings on two instruments do not make their prices, contract sizes or trading risks identical.

A profile preserves a workspace containing several open charts, their arrangement and the settings applied to each chart. A template answers “how should this chart look?”; a profile answers “which group of charts am I working with?” Changes to open charts are normally saved automatically in the current profile, so a profile is not necessarily a frozen snapshot.

You could keep one profile for a group of currency charts and another for a different group of instruments. Giving each profile a clear name helps distinguish the workspaces. Switching profiles changes the displayed group; it does not move money, change your trading account type or close positions simply because a chart is no longer visible.

Saving a template records the active chart's settings in a .tpl file; loading one applies its saved settings to a chart. Saving again under the same filename can replace the earlier template. Saving a profile under a new name creates a copy of the current workspace and makes that copy active. Keep a separate copy before replacing a setup you want to preserve.

The default.tpl template is used for new charts. Changing it can affect the appearance and attached settings of charts opened later; it does not mean every existing chart has been deliberately updated. Confirm the active profile and intended chart before making changes.

MT4 stores desktop template files in its templates folder. MT5 uses MQL5\Profiles\Templates for templates and MQL5\Profiles\Charts for chart profiles. These belong to the particular desktop terminal's data folder. Do not assume that signing in on another computer, Web Trader or FXTRADING.com App restores them automatically, or that an MT4 file or program is interchangeable with MT5.

A template or profile is not a backup of account balances, orders or transaction history. It also does not by itself install every custom indicator or EA that the saved setup requires. If a component is missing, check its files, platform compatibility and settings rather than assuming the template is broken.

Review any attached EA and its inputs before allowing it to trade. Applying a visual layout is not authorization for automated trading. Use only trusted files and do not enable additional program permissions simply to make a shared template work. EAs cannot be installed or run in FXTRADING.com App.

Before reinstalling or replacing local files, preserve the templates, profiles and compatible custom programs you actually need. After restoration, verify the connected account and exact assigned server, active symbols, indicators and any EA state. Describe a continuing problem with the platform version, intended setup and exact error; never include a password or verification code.