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How do I import a CSV file into MT4? Step by step: What format should the CSV have? How do I save it correctly for MT4 to recognize it? I created a CSV file but MT4 does not import it. I tried this format: 23-02-2017,00:00,219.42,216.03,222.98,216.01,7041. And also with this one: 2017.02.03.213,91,212.99,217.01,212.01,1891. Neither of them worked.
It's the same with me, and it seems like no one's interested in solving it.
I'm not sure if there are free tools, but you should look for a CSV file converter to HST.
Part of the process includes joining Excel sheets containing data per month. I explain that here.
I tried converting the file with an Excel script that I found in a Russian forum, but MT4 still doesn't recognize it. I don't understand if it's by the delimiter, date formatting, or column order.
Did you use semicolon or comma as a separator? MT4 is very sensitive to that. Always use commas, without spaces.
Dude, if you're on Windows in Spanish, the problem could be regional. Change the regional configuration to English and re-export the CSV.
I just did that, I set it up in English.
Did you save the file as CSV (delimited by commas)
The MT4 version also influences. In some old versions, the data importer is capricious and fails with new formats. Update your platform first.
I used Excel 365, saved as comma-delimited CSV. Everything looks good. The file does not look weird. Is there any way to validate the CSV before trying to load it?
Sure. Open the CSV with Notepad++ and make sure there are no hidden spaces or empty lines at the end. MT4 swallows with any nonsense.
I went to MT5 just for that. MT5 does matter CSV without drama and you can create your own custom symbols.
I don't want to switch to MT5 yet, my system is mounted on MT4. But this is making me think it's worth it.
It is that MT4 is already a relic. If you insist on continuing with that, at least learn how to use the MetaEditor and convert your CSV to HST manually.
And why don't you use Soft4FX? It's a simulator that allows you to import CSVs and back up into MT4 without breaking your head with formats.
I didn't know Soft4FX. I'm going to try it. Does it work with historical data from other brokers?
Yes, it works with any CSV if it has the correct format. Yes, it is not free, but it is worth every penny.
I solved it years ago. I created my own Python converter. Read any CSV and convert it to the format MT4 wants. It saves me hours of frustration.
Can you share that script? I don�t know how to program in Python, but maybe I can ask someone to adapt it.
Brother, if you don't know how to program, why are you complicated with MT4? Go to TradingView and forget about these crazy things.
One option is to load your CSV into Excel and from there create a macro that generates the HST file directly. There are templates all over the internet for that.
I've already seen some templates, but most of them are misdocumented or have mistakes. Any recommendations?
Search for CSV2FXT in GitHub. That tool turns your CSV into FXT and HST. It requires some patience, but it works.
Is it really worth all this for importing a CSV? Use MT4�s own history, they are not perfect, but enough for most.
I just need to back up custom data, actions and ETFs that MT4 doesn't offer. That's why I need to import my own data.
Then use custom symbols and generate your own feeds. MT4 allows it, but it is not plug and play. You have to put your hand in it.
If you still can't import the CSV, send me the file for private. I'll check and tell you what's wrong.
Does your CSV have headers or not? If it has headers, delete them. MT4 doesn't know what to do with a text row.
Yeah, I had Date,Time,Open,High,Low,Close,Volume headers.
There's the problem! MT4 doesn't want to know any headers. That completely blocks it.
Also check if the dates have zeros in front, type 02 instead of 2. MT4 is very picky with that.
Don't give up, this happens to the most advanced. It took me a whole weekend to properly import a single file.
Thanks for the encouragement. I already tried everything, I think I will create a script in MT4 that reads line by line and matters it as ticks.
Someone already did that. Search the Tick Data Suite forum or some MQL4 script to import ticks from CSV.
Sometimes the easiest thing is to open the CSV in Excel, copy everything and paste it directly into a clean .hst file. But you need to know what is being done.
Best solution: download historical data from Dukascopy and use the converter they offer themselves. Everything is ready.
I tried Dukascopy, but the data comes in .bi5. I had to look for a special decompressor just to be able to open them.
Sure, but there are tools like JForex or Dukascopy's Data Downloader that convert you directly to CSV.
I am impressed by the amount of complications a text file can generate. MT4 is a dinosaur.