Reviewed by: NordFX Trading Education Team
Templates in MT5 save chart settings for a single chart, while profiles save the entire workspace with multiple charts. Templates are useful for applying the same indicator setup across markets, while profiles help traders switch between complete trading layouts.
Templates and profiles in MetaTrader 5 (MT5) help traders save chart settings and workspace layouts. A template saves the setup of one chart, including indicators, colors, and visual settings. A profile saves the entire MT5 workspace, including multiple open charts and their arrangement. Traders use templates for chart consistency and profiles for faster workspace management.
What Are Templates in MT5?
A template in MT5 is a saved chart configuration that can include indicators, chart colors, chart type, scale settings, and other visual chart preferences.
Templates are useful when a trader wants to apply the same technical analysis setup to different instruments without rebuilding the chart manually.
For example, a trader may create one MT5 template with moving averages, RSI, and MACD, then apply it to currency pairs, gold, indices, or crypto CFD charts.
What Are Profiles in MT5?
A profile in MT5 is a saved workspace that stores open charts and their layout inside the trading platform.
Profiles are useful when traders monitor different markets, strategies, or trading sessions. Instead of opening and arranging charts manually each time, a trader can save the full workspace as a profile and load it later.
For example, one profile may be used for currency pairs, another for metals, and another for crypto CFDs.
What Is the Difference Between Templates and Profiles in MT5?
The main difference is that templates save one chart setup, while profiles save the full MT5 workspace.
Feature | MT5 Template | MT5 Profile |
Main purpose | Saves one chart setup | Saves the full workspace |
Stores indicators | Yes | Yes, through saved charts |
Stores chart colors | Yes | Yes |
Stores multiple charts | No | Yes |
Stores workspace layout | No | Yes |
Best used for | Repeating chart setups | Organizing trading workspaces |
In simple terms, templates control how one chart looks and functions, while profiles control how the whole MT5 workspace is organized.
Why Do Traders Use Templates and Profiles in MT5?
Traders use templates and profiles in MT5 to save time, reduce repeated setup work, and keep chart analysis consistent.
This is especially useful for traders who use several indicators, monitor multiple markets, or switch between different strategies.
Common uses include:
• applying the same indicator setup to several charts
• separating short-term and long-term analysis
• creating different workspaces for different asset classes
• switching between trading strategies faster
• reducing platform setup mistakes
Observed MT4/MT5 trading behavior suggests that traders with structured chart layouts often spend less time on repetitive setup and more time on actual market analysis.
How to Save a Template in MT5
To save a template in MT5, set up a chart first, then use the chart context menu to save the configuration.
- Open a chart in MetaTrader 5.
- Add the required indicators, chart colors, and visual settings.
- Right-click inside the chart window.
- Select “Templates”.
- Click “Save Template”.
- Enter a clear template name.
- Click “Save”.
After saving, the template can be applied to other charts.
Example template names:
• trend-following-template
• scalping-template
• clean-price-action-template
• crypto-analysis-template
• swing-trading-template
How to Apply a Template in MT5
To apply a template in MT5, open the target chart and load the saved template from the chart context menu.
- Open the chart where you want to apply the template.
- Right-click inside the chart window.
- Select “Templates”.
- Click “Load Template”.
- Choose the saved template file.
- Click “Open”.
The selected chart will then display the saved settings, including indicators and visual preferences.
How to Save a Profile in MT5
To save a profile in MT5, arrange your charts first, then save the workspace through the platform’s profile menu.
- Open all charts you want to include in the workspace.
- Arrange the charts inside MT5.
- Open the “File” menu.
- Select “Profiles”.
- Click “Save Profile As”.
- Enter a profile name.
- Confirm the save.
The profile will store the workspace layout and make it easier to return to the same chart environment later.
How to Switch Between Profiles in MT5
To switch profiles in MT5, open the profile menu and choose the saved workspace you want to load.
- Open the “File” menu.
- Select “Profiles”.
- Choose the profile name from the list.
MT5 will load the saved workspace with its charts and layout.
This is useful when moving between different trading tasks, such as morning market analysis, crypto monitoring, or end-of-day review.
Practical Example of Templates and Profiles in MT5
A trader using MT5 through a multi-asset broker such as NordFX may create several templates and profiles for different markets and strategies.
Trading Need | Template Example | Profile Example |
Short-term currency trading | Moving averages + RSI | Major currency pairs workspace |
Gold analysis | Support/resistance + MACD | Metals workspace |
Crypto CFD trading | Volatility-focused indicators | Crypto CFD workspace |
Clean chart analysis | No indicators, only price levels | Price action workspace |
This structure helps traders keep charts organized without mixing different strategies in one crowded workspace.
Can Templates and Profiles Be Used Together?
Yes. Templates and profiles can be used together in MT5.
A trader can apply different templates to individual charts and then save all those charts inside one profile. This allows the trader to create a complete workspace where each chart already has the correct setup.
For example, a “crypto CFD profile” may include several crypto charts, each with a volatility-based template applied.
Do MT5 Templates Save Open Trades?
No. MT5 templates do not save open trades, account balances, pending orders, or trading history.
Templates only save chart settings. Profiles save workspace layouts, but they also do not save account funds or positions. Trading account information is separate from chart customization.
This distinction is important because templates and profiles are workspace tools, not trade management tools.
Are MT5 Templates and Profiles Available on Mobile?
MT5 templates and profiles are mainly desktop platform features.
The MT5 mobile app allows chart viewing and some customization, but desktop MT5 provides more complete workspace control. Traders who rely heavily on templates and profiles usually manage them on the desktop version.
Common Mistakes When Using Templates and Profiles in MT5
Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid It |
Confusing templates with profiles | Both save chart-related settings | Remember: templates save one chart, profiles save workspaces |
Saving a profile too early | The workspace is not fully arranged yet | Arrange all charts before saving the profile |
Overloading one profile | Too many charts are added to one workspace | Create separate profiles by market or strategy |
Using unclear file names | Templates and profiles become hard to identify | Use descriptive names such as “RSI-MACD-swing” |
Expecting templates to save trades | Chart tools are confused with account data | Use templates only for chart settings |
Missing custom indicators | A template uses indicators not installed in the platform | Install required indicators before loading the template |
How to Organize MT5 Templates and Profiles Efficiently
The best way to organize MT5 templates and profiles is to separate them by trading purpose.
Useful categories include:
• market type
• timeframe
• trading session
• indicator setup
• analysis style
Example structure:
Category | Example Template or Profile |
By market | currency-pairs-profile, metals-profile, crypto-profile |
By strategy | trend-template, breakout-template, price-action-template |
By timeframe | intraday-profile, swing-profile, long-term-profile |
By session | london-session-profile, new-york-session-profile |
A simple naming system makes it easier to find and reuse the correct setup later.
Best Practices for Using Templates and Profiles in MT5
Templates and profiles work best when they are simple, consistent, and clearly named.
Best practices:
• Use one template for one clear chart setup.
• Avoid adding too many indicators to one template.
• Save profiles only after the workspace is fully arranged.
• Create separate profiles for different markets or strategies.
• Back up important templates and profiles when changing devices.
• Review old templates regularly and delete unused ones.
Good workspace organization can make MT5 easier to use, especially for traders who monitor several instruments.
FAQ
What is a template in MT5?
A template in MT5 is a saved chart setup. It can include indicators, colors, chart type, and other visual chart settings.
What is a profile in MT5?
A profile in MT5 is a saved workspace. It stores open charts and their arrangement inside the platform.
What is the main difference between templates and profiles in MT5?
Templates save one chart setup, while profiles save the full workspace with multiple charts.
Can one MT5 profile include several templates?
Yes. Each chart inside a profile can have its own template applied.
Do MT5 templates save indicators?
Yes. MT5 templates can save indicators applied to a chart, as long as those indicators are available in the platform.
Do MT5 profiles save open trades?
No. Profiles save workspace layouts, not open trades, balances, or account activity.
Can MT5 templates be used on different instruments?
Yes. A template can be applied to different instruments, including currency pairs, metals, indices, stocks, and crypto CFD charts.
Are templates and profiles useful for beginners?
Yes. Templates and profiles help beginners keep chart setups consistent and reduce repetitive platform setup work.
Key Takeaways
• MT5 templates save chart settings for one chart.
• MT5 profiles save the full workspace with multiple charts.
• Templates are best for repeating technical analysis setups.
• Profiles are best for organizing markets, strategies, and sessions.
• Using both together helps traders work faster and keep MT5 better organized.
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Meet the Author
Vanessa Polson is a marketing manager at NordFX with over twelve years of experience in online marketing within the financial services industry. She has developed and executed data-driven campaigns across search, social, and display channels in in-house environments. Her work focuses on translating complex financial products and trading tools into clear, practical educational content, giving her a broad and well-rounded view of the global trading landscape.
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.
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