SimpleMACD

SimpleMACD is a clean, configurable MACD indicator for MetaTrader 5. It computes the classic three-component output — main line, signal line, and histogram — using a transparent EMA implementation with an SMA seed that matches the standard MetaTrader behavior.

Why traders use SimpleMACD

SimpleMACD gives you a straightforward MACD with no hidden modifications. All EMA periods and the applied price are configurable, so you can match any published MACD setup exactly. The histogram color flips automatically with momentum direction, and the signal line can be hidden to reduce clutter on busy charts.

Main features

• Classic three-component MACD. Main line = EMA(fast) minus EMA(slow). Signal = EMA(main). Histogram = main minus signal.
• Configurable periods. Fast EMA, slow EMA, and signal EMA periods are all input parameters. Default values are 12, 26, and 9.
• Configurable applied price. Choose close, open, high, low, median, typical, or weighted price.
• Color histogram. Histogram bars are green above zero and red below zero using the built-in DRAW_COLOR_HISTOGRAM type.
• Optional signal line. Hide the signal line with a single input to keep the chart focused on the histogram and main line.
• Standard EMA seed. The first EMA value is seeded with a simple moving average of the same period, consistent with most charting platforms and the built-in MetaTrader MACD.
• Incremental calculation. Only the newest bars are recalculated on each tick, keeping CPU usage minimal even on long histories.

How to use

Attach SimpleMACD to any chart. The indicator opens in a separate subwindow. Adjust fast period, slow period, and signal period in the inputs. Select the applied price to match the instrument or strategy you are analyzing. Toggle the signal line visibility as needed.

Input parameters

Fast EMA period — number of bars for the fast exponential moving average (default: 12).

Slow EMA period — number of bars for the slow exponential moving average (default: 26). Must be greater than the fast period.

Signal EMA period — number of bars for the signal line EMA (default: 9).

Hide signal line — when enabled, the signal line is not drawn (default: true).

Applied price — price type used for all EMA calculations (default: close).

Notes

SimpleMACD validates that all periods are at least 1 and that the fast period is strictly less than the slow period. Incorrect inputs are rejected at initialization with a descriptive message in the terminal log.

Support

For questions, use the comments section on this product page or contact the author through the MQL5 messaging system.