Horizon + MetaTrader 5

Install your export in MetaTrader 5

Copy the files, compile, and drag onto a chart

Already exported from Horizon? Follow the steps for your download: one strategy file or a portfolio ZIP.

Use a demo account first. An Expert Advisor can place orders as soon as algorithmic trading is enabled.

Before you begin

Install the MT5 desktop terminal and MetaEditor. See Setting up MetaTrader 5.

Install one strategy

  1. In the exported MQL5 chat, choose Download .mq5.
  2. In MT5, choose File → Open Data Folder.
  3. Open MQL5\Experts and copy the downloaded .mq5 file into it.
  4. Double-click the .mq5 file to open MetaEditor. Click Compile (or press F7) and check for 0 errors.
  5. Return to MT5. In Navigator → Expert Advisors, right-click and choose Refresh if the strategy is not visible.
  6. Open the intended market and timeframe, then drag the Expert Advisor onto that chart.
  7. Check Inputs, tick Allow Algo Trading under Common, click OK, and enable MT5's main Algo Trading button.

The Expert Advisor runs on the chart where you attach it, so the chart's market and timeframe matter for a standalone strategy.

Install a portfolio

  1. Extract the downloaded ZIP. Inside is a folder named your portfolio name - Horizon MT5.
  2. In MT5, choose File → Open Data Folder. Open MQL5, then Experts, and paste the whole portfolio folder there.
  3. Open that folder and double-click Horizon Controller.mq5. In MetaEditor, click Compile (or press F7). Check for 0 errors.
  4. Return to MT5. In View → Navigator → Expert Advisors, right-click and choose Refresh. Expand your portfolio folder and drag only Horizon Controller onto any chart.
  5. Check Inputs → Broker symbols. Usually the defaults work; if your broker uses different names, follow the short check below.
  6. Under Common, tick Allow Algo Trading, click OK, and turn on the main Algo Trading button.

Keep every .mqh strategy file beside the controller. You only compile and attach the controller; it handles the portfolio's markets, timeframes and trade sizes.

Check your broker's symbols

You do not normally need to type each symbol. The controller looks for a tradable match automatically, including broker prefixes and suffixes. If it cannot find one clear match:

  1. Open View → Symbols in MT5 and search for the market, such as EURUSD. Check which version your account can trade.
  2. In the controller's Inputs → Broker symbols, enter that exact name in the matching strategy's Broker symbol field, for example EURUSD.a. Repeat only where needed, then click OK. No recompiling needed.

Error 10044 means the broker allows closing trades only on that symbol. Check for a tradable variant or ask your broker; it does not always mean a missing suffix.

Only change Inputs, remove, replace or restart the controller when its trades are closed and it has no pending orders. Do not run separate copies of the same strategies alongside it.

Check that it is running

Keep MT5 open and connected. Open View → Toolbox → Experts to see the controller's messages:

  • HORIZON MARKET shows the broker symbol being used.
  • HORIZON ACCEPT means a signal passed the checks, not that an order filled. Check Toolbox → Trade for open positions.
  • HORIZON REJECT means an entry was safely skipped.
  • HORIZON STOPPED means setup is unsafe or a symbol needs attention.

Troubleshooting

  • Compile error: open the error row in MetaEditor. For a single EA, copy the error into its HorizonAI chat. For a portfolio, re-export the complete package instead of editing its modules separately.
  • EA is missing: confirm the file or folder is under this terminal's data folder, compile again and refresh Expert Advisors.
  • No trades: confirm the EA is attached, algorithmic trading is allowed, the main Algo Trading button is on and the Experts log has no stopped message.