The ADX Histogram indicator shows ADX trend strength as a slate-grey histogram with aqua +DI and magenta -DI lines overlaid, making the build-up and fade of strength visually obvious. Also, it alerts on the DI cross while the histogram is above the trend level.
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What the ADX Histogram Indicator does on the chart
The ADX Histogram indicator shows ADX trend strength as a slate-grey histogram with aqua +DI and magenta -DI lines overlaid, so the build-up and fade of trend strength is visually obvious.
Also, an alert fires on the DI cross when the ADX histogram is above the trend level.
Key features and settings
- ADX strength as a histogram (not a line)
- Aqua +DI and magenta -DI lines on top
- BUY/SELL alerts on DI cross with ADX confirmation
- Adjustable period and level
- Separate-window oscillator
- Full alert system: popup, push notification to mobile MetaTrader, email, and sound — all four channels toggle independently from the inputs panel. Alerts fire once per closed bar so you never get spammed mid-tick.
- Built for both MT4 and MT5; works on every timeframe and every symbol your broker offers.
- Lightweight code that does not slow down the chart.
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
AdxPeriod |
ADX / DI period | 14 |
TrendLevel |
ADX trend threshold | 25 |
EnableAlerts |
Master toggle for the alert system | true |
EnablePopup |
MT4/MT5 popup dialog on signal | true |
EnablePushNotify |
Mobile push notification (configure MetaQuotes ID first) | false |
EnableEmail |
SMTP email (configure Tools -> Options -> Email) | false |
EnableSound |
Play .wav from MT4/Sounds on signal | false |
How to read signals from the ADX Histogram Indicator
Rising histogram bars mean strengthening trend; trade in the leading DI’s direction.
Entry idea (long). +DI over -DI while histogram bars are growing above the level.
Entry idea (short). -DI over +DI under the same condition.
Exit idea. Shrinking bars signal the trend is weakening.
Tuning the ADX Histogram Indicator inputs
In practice, this indicator keeps a short, readable input list: a calculation period that sets how reactive it is, a signal-sensitivity control, and independent toggles for pop-up, sound, email and mobile push alerts. Also, still, start with the defaults, then shorten the period on fast charts or lengthen it on higher timeframes. Alerts fire once per closed bar.
Recommended timeframes and instruments
The tool reads best on the higher timeframes, where direction is cleaner and false turns are fewer.
- H1 and H4 for intraday trend trading.
- Daily for the dominant bias and swing setups.
On M5 to M15 expect more whipsaw, so raise the period to compensate. As a result, it suits trending majors such as EURUSD and USDJPY and indices like US30 and NAS100.
How to install on MT4 and MT5
Installation is the same for every indicator on this site. Thus, unzip the download, copy the compiled .ex4 into your MT4 MQL4/Indicators folder (or the .ex5 into MT5 MQL5/Indicators), refresh the Navigator, then drag it onto the chart. For the full step-by-step with alert setup and troubleshooting, see our guide to installing MT4 and MT5 indicators.
Best practices and tips
- Trade in the direction of the higher-timeframe trend and avoid counter-trend signals.
- Use the strength filter to skip weak, ranging conditions.
- Wait for the bar to close before acting on a signal.
- Backtest your configuration on at least 200 closed bars before trading live.
- Keep position sizing small while you learn how the tool behaves on your instrument.
- Review your results weekly and prune settings that underperform.
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Built by forexmt4systems.com
This The indicator is one of 1,383 free MT4, MT5 and TradingView indicators we publish and maintain. Next, every tool ships with ready-to-use compiled MT4 (.ex4) and MT5 (.ex5) files, a 4-channel alert system (popup + mobile push + email + sound), and is loaded on EURUSD H1 before release to confirm it draws cleanly without repainting. The same one-step email opt-in below unlocks the entire library – not just this one indicator.
FAQ
What does the ADX Histogram measure?
It plots a clear signal layer that the ADX Histogram computes from recent price and volume on the chart.
Is this indicator non-repaint?
By default the indicator only confirms a signal on the bar close, so the printed signal locks in once that bar closes. Then, some users prefer the early intra-bar mode for faster signals — both options are in the inputs.
Which timeframe should I use?
There is no single best timeframe. Thus, yet, m15 to H1 is a common starting point for intraday traders, and H4 to D1 works for swing traders. Backtest the configuration on the timeframe you actually trade.
Does it work on instruments other than forex?
It works on any instrument MT4 and MT5 supports — forex majors, gold (XAUUSD), indices like US30 and NAS100, and major cryptos. Also, hence, truly, fast-moving instruments may need a smaller period setting.
Can I add alerts?
Yes. Next, plainly, Pop-up, sound, push, and email alerts live in the inputs panel. On MT4 and MT5 the alert plays on the bar close that triggers the signal. Also, the tool ships with full alert functionality built in: popup alerts on the chart, push notifications to mobile MetaTrader, email alerts, and a sound alert with a configurable .wav file. you toggle each channel independently from the inputs panel (EnableAlerts, EnablePopup, EnablePushNotify, EnableEmail, EnableSound). Alerts trigger once per closed bar.
For external background reading, see the background on volatility envelopes. Are results guaranteed?
No. Trading involves risk. Results are not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Use it as one input. Always backtest before trading live.
Category: this is part of our Volatility collection. Then, browse more Volatility for MetaTrader, or explore every MT4 indicator and MT5 indicator on the site.
External references
- For background on this concept, see the ADX entry at Investopedia.
- For broader market context, see the Schwab Learning Center.