Many traders using the MT4 platform often wish to use more granular or custom time frames, such as 2 minutes (M2) or 3 minutes (M3), which are not available by default.

Step 1: Download the FX Blue Tick Charts Plugin

First, visit the FX Blue website to download the "FX Blue Tick Charts for MT4" plugin. This plugin allows you to create and use custom time frames on the MT4 platform. After downloading, follow these steps to install it:

1. Double-click the downloaded executable file.
2. In the installation wizard, select the MT4 platform you are using for the installation. Make sure to choose the correct directory to avoid installation issues.

Note: Before installing the plugin, be sure to read this guide thoroughly, as there are several key steps to ensure proper setup and functionality.

Step 2: Open the MT4 Navigator and Locate the Time Frame Generator

On the MT4 platform, open the "Navigator" window by:

• Selecting "View" > "Navigator" from the menu bar.
• Or using the shortcut CTRL+N.

In the "Navigator" window, find and expand the "Expert Advisors" menu. You should see the "FX Blue Custom Timeframe Generator." If you don't see it, right-click within the "Expert Advisors" menu and select "Refresh" to update the menu.

Step 3: Open the Chart for the Target Symbol

Select the trading symbol where you want to apply the custom time frame and open its chart. For example, with US30 (Dow Jones Industrial Average, symbol: DJIA):

1. Open the US30 chart.
2. Change the time frame to M1 (1 minute), as custom time frames will be based on M1 historical data.

Step 4: Add the Time Frame Generator to the Chart

Drag the "FX Blue Custom Timeframe Generator" from the Navigator window to the target chart. A configuration dialog will appear, allowing you to set the parameters for the custom time frame.

Step 5: Configure the Custom Time Frame Parameters

In the configuration dialog, locate the "BarPeriodSeconds" option. This allows you to set the duration of each candle in seconds:

• For a 2-minute time frame (M2), enter 120 seconds.

  

• For a 3-minute time frame (M3), enter 180 seconds.
• For a 2-hour time frame (H2), enter 7200 seconds (2 hours x 60 minutes x 60 seconds).

You can customize time frames to include longer periods, such as 4 hours (H4) or daily (D1).

Step 6: Set the Time Frame Name

In the "ShowAsOfflinePeriod" field, enter a custom number to identify the time frame. For example, for an M2 time frame, you might enter “2.” This number helps differentiate between various custom time frames but does not affect the time frame's creation.

Step 7: Enable History Creation

Find the "CreateHistory" option and set it to “true.” This setting ensures that the custom time frame includes historical data, not just real-time updates. If this option is not enabled, the custom time frame will only display data from when the platform is open.

Step 8: Allow DLL Imports

In the configuration dialog, go to the “Common” tab and ensure that the "Allow DLL imports" option is selected. This step is crucial for the plugin’s functionality. Click "OK" to save the settings.

Step 9: Open the Custom Time Frame Chart

After configuring the settings, open the custom time frame chart through the “File” menu by selecting “Open Offline.” Although marked as “offline,” the chart will update in real-time with new ticks.

Note

1. Keep the M1 Chart Open: To ensure continuous updates for the custom time frame, keep the M1 chart open. If the M1 chart is closed, the custom time frame will stop updating.
2. Handle History Gaps: After closing and reopening the MT4 platform, there might be gaps in the custom time frame history. You can fix this by switching to a different time frame or right-clicking on the chart and selecting “Refresh.”

By following these steps, you can successfully add and use custom time frames on the MT4 platform, tailored to your trading needs.