Technical indicators in cTrader¶

Indicators are analytical and decision-making tools that process market data, display computed values on charts and interpret price action. Using mathematical formulas or established logic, these algorithms provide insights into price movements, trends, volatility, volume and market momentum.

cTrader features two types of indicators:

• Built-in indicators – popular algorithms and technical analysis tools available in all cTrader apps by default. These free indicators work consistently across cTrader Mobile, Web, Windows and Mac.

• Custom indicators – specially designed algorithms and technical analysis tools that work only in cTrader Windows and Mac. You can get these indicators from cTrader Store, or you can create your own.

The table below shows the indicators available in each cTrader application:

After you add an indicator to a chart, the indicator appears directly on the chart or in a separate panel below it. Optionally, you can customise the indicator before or after adding it.

MobileWebWindowsMac

How indicators work¶

When you attach an indicator to a chart, cTrader starts an instance of that indicator using a given set of parameters. Each instance works on its own, so you can run multiple instances of the same indicator on different symbol charts, periods and settings.

Depending on its logic and default configuration, an indicator may do the following:

• Calculate values from price, volume or other data in real time.
• Draw analytical output directly on the chart or in a separate panel.
• Highlight conditions such as trends, momentum, volatility or consolidation.
• Measure conditions such as trend direction, strength, volatility or momentum.
• Highlight important areas or events with visual signals and chart overlays.
• Generate visual cues such as lines, histograms, clouds, arrows or coloured zones.
• Provide explicit signals or analytical guidance to support trading decisions.

Beyond operating on charts, some custom indicators can open trades directly, interact with external files and perform unorthodox tasks in cTrader Windows and Mac.