MT4 desktop can display an indicator on simulated historical prices. This is different from testing an EA’s trading results.
Configure the indicator test
Open Strategy Tester (Ctrl+R on Windows). Select Indicators as the program type, then an available indicator. On Mac, use the corresponding menu.
Visual mode activates automatically. Open Indicator Properties to review any inputs.
Choose the complete Symbol and chart timeframe, then a modelling method below.
Check Spread: the default models Ask from Bid history using the spread at test start. A custom value is also available.
Enable Use date, enter From and To, then Start. Missing history may download; a requested range is not proof of available data.
Inspect the generated visual chart and Journal for indicator-test messages.
Choose the modelling method
Method | Historical model |
Open prices only | Fast completed-bar analysis; not every intrabar movement. |
Control points | Uses the nearest lower timeframe. |
Every tick | Uses available smaller timeframes to emulate ticks; not recorded real-tick history. |
Retain the test context
MT4 does not model the initial 100 bars. Check the actual period and keep the indicator version, inputs, symbol, timeframe, dates and model with comparisons.
A simulated display cannot guarantee future signals or returns. These MT4 desktop instructions do not establish the same tester in Web Trader or a mobile app.