Keyboard shortcuts are essential for traders who want to enhance efficiency and speed up operations. They allow you to execute commands, switch views, and perform actions quickly, reducing time spent navigating menus or using a mouse. Whether you’re using platforms like MetaTrader, cTrader, or TradingView, mastering keyboard shortcuts can streamline your workflow and improve trading precision.

Commonly Used Keyboard Shortcuts in Trading Platforms

1. MetaTrader 4/5 (MT4/MT5)

• Chart Navigation:
  • ← or →: Scroll the chart left or right.
  • Page Up: Scroll the chart to the left faster.
  • Page Down: Scroll the chart to the right faster.
  • Home: Jump to the start of the chart.
  • End: Jump to the latest chart update.
• Order Management:
  • F9: Open the “New Order” window.
  • Ctrl + T: Toggle the Terminal window (where you monitor trades).
  • Ctrl + O: Open the Options menu for platform settings.
  • Ctrl + E: Enable or disable Expert Advisors (EAs).
  • Ctrl + U: Open the Symbols menu to select instruments.
  • Delete: Remove selected objects from the chart.
• Chart Customisation:
  • F8: Open the chart properties window to customise appearance.
  • Alt + 1: Display charts in bar chart format.
  • Alt + 2: Display charts in candlestick format.
  • Alt + 3: Display charts in line chart format.
  • Ctrl + G: Toggle grid on or off.
• Timeframes:
  • Alt + W: Access the timeframes menu.
  • M1, M5, M15, H1, etc.: Directly switch to the desired timeframe by pressing the corresponding key.
• General:
  • Ctrl + N: Show or hide the Navigator window.
  • Ctrl + M: Show or hide the Market Watch window.
  • Ctrl + D: Show or hide the Data Window.

2. cTrader

• Chart Navigation:
  • ← or →: Move the chart left or right.
  • Ctrl + Scroll Wheel: Zoom in or out on the chart.
• Order Management:
  • F9: Open the “New Order” window.
  • Ctrl + B: Place a Buy Market order.
  • Ctrl + S: Place a Sell Market order.
  • Ctrl + F6: Toggle between active symbols.
  • Ctrl + O: Open the options menu.
• Chart Customisation:
  • Ctrl + G: Toggle gridlines on or off.
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
  • Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.
  • Ctrl + N: Toggle the “Navigator” panel.
• Timeframes:
  • Ctrl + 1: Switch to 1-minute chart.
  • Ctrl + 5: Switch to 5-minute chart.
  • Ctrl + 15: Switch to 15-minute chart.
  • Ctrl + 60: Switch to hourly chart.

3. TradingView

• Chart Navigation:
  • ← or →: Scroll the chart left or right.
  • +: Zoom in on the chart.
  • -: Zoom out on the chart.
  • Home: Jump to the earliest point on the chart.
  • End: Move to the most recent chart update.
• Order Management:
  • Alt + Enter: Place an order.
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
  • Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.
• Chart Customisation:
  • Alt + T: Add a trendline to the chart.
  • Alt + F: Add Fibonacci retracements.
  • Ctrl + Backspace: Delete all drawing tools.
• Timeframes:
  • 1, 5, 15, etc.: Switch to the corresponding timeframe directly.
  • Alt + R: Reset the chart to default view.
• General:
  • /: Open the symbol search.
  • Ctrl + S: Save your chart layout.
  • Alt + Shift: Toggle between tools quickly.

Tips for Using Keyboard Shortcuts Effectively

1. Customise Shortcuts (Where Available): Many platforms allow you to customise shortcuts. Tailor them to your workflow for even greater efficiency.
2. Practice Frequently: Familiarising yourself with shortcuts requires regular practice. Use them in demo accounts until they become second nature.
3. Use Cheat Sheets: Keep a printed or digital cheat sheet handy to reference shortcuts until you’re fully accustomed.
4. Prioritise Key Actions: Focus on learning shortcuts for frequently used actions like order placement, chart navigation, and timeframe adjustments.
5. Combine with Mouse Actions: Pair shortcuts with mouse gestures for optimal efficiency, especially when managing multiple charts.

FAQs

What are keyboard shortcuts in trading?
Keyboard shortcuts are predefined key combinations that perform specific actions on trading platforms, such as opening orders or navigating charts.

Why should I use keyboard shortcuts?
They save time, improve efficiency, and allow for quicker reactions to market movements.

Can I customise shortcuts on my trading platform?
Some platforms, like TradingView and cTrader, allow you to customise shortcuts for a personalised workflow.

Do all trading platforms support shortcuts?
Most professional trading platforms, such as MT4, cTrader, and TradingView, support shortcuts. Some beginner-focused platforms may not.

How can I learn shortcuts faster?
Start with a few essential commands, use them consistently, and gradually expand your knowledge.

Are shortcuts the same across all platforms?
No, each platform has its unique set of shortcuts. Refer to the user guide of your specific platform.

Can shortcuts improve trading performance?
Yes, faster navigation and execution reduce the risk of missed opportunities and errors.

Should I use shortcuts for order placement?
Yes, especially if speed is critical to your trading strategy, such as scalping or day trading.

What’s the best way to memorise shortcuts?
Practice frequently and focus on the shortcuts for actions you perform most often.

Are keyboard shortcuts better than mouse actions?
Shortcuts are generally faster, but combining both methods provides maximum efficiency.

Conclusion

Keyboard shortcuts are invaluable for speeding up trading operations, improving accuracy, and simplifying complex tasks. By mastering the shortcuts specific to your trading platform, you can enhance efficiency, stay ahead of market movements, and focus on making informed trading decisions. Unlock your full potential with our expert-led trading courses. Gain insights, learn winning strategies, and take control of your trading journey today.