You are already aware of the importance of time if you have been trading with a prop firm for some time, or even if you are just starting out. Markets are unpredictable. Decisions must be made quickly, and they must be carried out quickly. And to be honest, nothing is more annoying than repeatedly spending the first ten to fifteen minutes of your trading session tweaking indicators, setting up windows, and adjusting charts.
MT5 templates can help with that. They are the unsung heroes of platform efficiency, and you are wasting time and possibly money if you aren't using them already.
Let's examine how you can use MT5 templates to significantly improve your process and return to the important task of trading more quickly and intelligently.
What Are MT5 Templates?
A template in MetaTrader 5 is essentially a saved chart layout. It retains all information, including graphical tools, colors, chart types, and indications. Instead of starting from the beginning each time you open a new chart, you can load a template, and everything will automatically be in place.
This is like preserving your Netflix preferences: when you've adjusted your profile and created the ideal watchlist, you don't want to start over each time you check in. This follows the same reasoning.
Why Prop Traders Should Care
Trading on a prop firm's account is not the same as doing it on a demo account at home. You have a target profit. There is a daily drawdown limitation on you. Additionally, you frequently have a limited amount of time to establish your worth during the evaluation phase.
You need every advantage possible. Cutting setup time may seem like a small thing, but those extra minutes every morning? They develop. Additionally, having the ability to rapidly switch between marketplaces using pre-made templates helps you stay focused and clear-headed. Stop tinkering with the chart settings when you should be observing the movement of the price.
The less time you spend reorganizing your workspace, the more energy you can give to making wise trading selections.
The Real-World Benefits of Using Templates
Alright, so what does leverage MT5 templates look like in a live prop trading environment?
Here’s what you can expect:
Faster Startup Time
The moment you launch MT5, your favorite chart style with all your indicators and settings is ready to go. No more dragging on EMAs, flipping candlestick types, or adjusting zoom levels. You’re ready to trade in seconds.
Consistency Across Instruments
Let’s say you trade multiple currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, and XAU/USD. With templates, you can apply your preferred layout to each of them. That visual consistency is key. Your brain doesn’t have to relearn a new look every time you switch charts.
Better Focus During High-Pressure Moments
Ever tried opening a new chart during news volatility, only to realize your setup isn’t in place? Yeah, not ideal. Templates keep you calm and focused. Click once and everything’s where it needs to be.
Cleaner Performance for Evaluations
If you’re still in the challenge or verification stage of a prop firm, speed and clarity matter more than ever. Templates streamline your process and reduce unnecessary errors or distractions.
How to Create and Use MT5 Templates Step-by-Step
If you’ve never messed with templates before, don’t worry, it’s easy once you get the hang of it. Here’s how you set one up:
Step 1: Build Your Ideal Chart
Start with a fresh chart. Add your indicators maybe an RSI, a 20 and 50 EMA, Bollinger Bands, whatever floats your strategy boat.
Tweak your chart style, too. Do you like dark mode? Candlesticks or bar chart? Want gridlines gone? Knock yourself out.
Step 2: Save the Template
Once you’ve got everything just how you like it:
Right-click anywhere on the chart.
Choose Template > Save Template
Give it a name something easy to remember like MyGoldSetup or CleanScalpV1.
Click save.
Boom. You just created your first MT5 template.
Step 3: Apply It to Other Charts
Want that same setup on GBP/USD or US30?
Open a chart for the new instrument.
Right-click > Template > Select the one you saved.
Done.
It takes literally two seconds.
Bonus Tip: Set a Default Template
If you want MT5 to load your favorite setup every time you open a new chart:
Save your template as the default.tpl
MT5 will automatically use that as the layout for all new charts.
Super handy, especially if you always trade with the same look and indicators.
Templates + Profiles = Maximum Efficiency
MT5 also lets you save profiles which are like templates on steroids. A profile saves your entire workspace, all open charts, symbol windows, terminal settings, etc.
So, if templates help you streamline one chart, profiles help you streamline your entire trading layout.
You could set up:
A London Open profile with 5-minute charts and key pairs.
A News Trading profile with an economic calendar, USD-related pairs, and a news filter is open.
A Weekly Analysis profile with daily/weekly charts and drawing tools.
Switching between profiles lets you adapt your whole setup instantly based on your trading session or objective. Use templates inside those profiles, and you’re running a pro-level operation.