The Best MT5 Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Prop Trading

When you’re trading for a prop firm, every second matters. The speed at which you enter, exit, or modify a trade can be the difference between hitting your profit target or watching it slip away. That’s where knowing your way around the MT5 platform comes in clutch. But what really separates the pros from the amateurs? Keyboard shortcuts.

Yep, those seemingly simple key combos can seriously level up your game. You don’t need to be glued to your mouse, clicking around trying to open charts or adjust timeframes. Once you’ve got these shortcuts down, you’ll fly through your tasks, make quicker decisions, and have more time to focus on actual market analysis instead of platform navigation.

Let’s see the best MT5 keyboard shortcuts that’ll give you that speed edge, and are perfect for prop firm traders who need to move fast and smart.

Why Shortcuts Matter in Prop Trading

Prop trading isn’t your average casual day-trading gig. You’ve got rules to follow, targets to hit, and often, a limited time window to prove yourself. You’re not just trading for your own account—you’re representing a firm. That means your performance gets judged by metrics like consistency, risk management, and yes, execution speed.

When markets are moving fast, hesitation costs money. And while it’s great to know the theory behind a setup or have an awesome trading plan, execution is everything. Keyboard shortcuts help eliminate delays, letting you act on your decisions without fiddling around on the screen.

Essential MT5 Keyboard Shortcuts Every Prop Trader Should Know

Chart Navigation Shortcuts

Navigating charts efficiently is a must. These shortcuts help you move around without losing momentum.

• ← / → (Left / Right Arrow): Scrolls the chart left or right bar-by-bar.
• ↑ / ↓ (Up / Down Arrow): Zooms in or out on the chart.
• Page Up / Page Down: Moves the chart left or right by a whole screen at a time.
• Home: Jumps to the oldest available bar on the chart.
• End: Snaps to the most recent price data—super handy after you’ve been backtesting or reviewing.

Why it matters: When you’re looking to quickly reference past price action or zoom back to real-time data, these save you precious clicks.

Timeframe Switching Shortcuts

Changing timeframes with a mouse? Way too slow.

Here are the hotkeys to swap timeframes instantly:

• M1: 1-minute chart
• M5: 5-minute chart
• M15: 15-minute chart
• M30: 30-minute chart
• H1: 1-hour chart
• H4: 4-hour chart
• D: Daily
• W: Weekly
• MN: Monthly

Why it matters: As a prop trader, you’re often using multiple timeframes of the MT5 trading platform for confluence. Instead of clicking drop-downs, tap the letter and you’re there.

Order Execution & Management

When it’s time to place or manage a trade, you want zero delays. These shortcuts help you act fast.

• F9: Open the New Order window
• Ctrl + T: Toggle the Terminal window (where you see your trades, balance, etc.)
• Ctrl + E: Toggle auto-trading on/off (perfect if you’re using EAs)
• Ctrl + F9: Open the Trade tab only in the Terminal
• Ctrl + F6: Cycle between chart windows

Why it matters: Fumbling for the order window when the price is at your level is a rookie move. F9 is your best friend here.

Chart Customization and Indicators

Sometimes you want to tweak your chart or throw on an indicator fast. Here’s how:

• Ctrl + G: Toggle the grid on/off
• Ctrl + Y: Toggle period separators (helps you spot daily/weekly divisions)
• Ctrl + I: Opens the Indicator List
• Ctrl + N: Opens the Navigator (to drag in indicators, EAs, or scripts)
• Ctrl + B: Opens the list of graphical objects (like trendlines, fibs, etc.)
• Delete: Removes selected objects on the chart

Why it matters: Prop firms don’t care how pretty your charts are—but they do care that you’re quick and efficient. If you need to remove clutter or adjust visuals fast, these are gold.

Templates & Profiles

If you’re someone who uses different setups for different pairs or strategies (as many prop traders do), you’ll want to know these:

• Ctrl + S: Save template
• Ctrl + L: Toggle volumes
• Ctrl + F5: Switch between profiles

Why it matters: Profiles help you organize different setups without dragging a dozen charts across your screen. Quick switching keeps your workspace clean and your focus sharp.

Drawing Tools

Marking up charts for zones, levels, or patterns? Do it quicker.

• Ctrl + F: Crosshair tool
• Alt + T: Trendline
• Alt + V: Vertical line
• Alt + H: Horizontal line

Why it matters: As a prop trader, you’re probably doing quick markups to prep your trade plan. These shortcuts let you draw what you need in seconds.