Summary: Learn how to export full account history from MT4, save as CSV/HTML, and build equity curve data for performance analysis. Perfect for traders tracking their results.
Step 1: Open Account History Tab in MT4 Terminal
Launch MT4 and press `Ctrl+T` to show the Terminal window. Click the "Account History" tab. By default, you see the current month's trades.
*(Screenshot suggestion: Terminal window with Account History tab highlighted)*
Step 2: Set the Desired Time Range
Right-click anywhere inside the Account History area. Select "All History" to show every trade since account creation, or choose "Last 3 Months" / "Last Month" as needed. For custom dates, choose "Custom Period" and enter start/end dates.
Step 3: Export as Detailed Report
Right-click again on Account History. Choose "Save as Detailed Report". A file save dialog will appear. Name your file and select save location. The default format is `.htm` (HTML). Click Save.
Step 4: Open the Report and Extract Data
Navigate to your saved `.htm` file. Open it with any browser (Chrome, Edge, etc.). You will see a formatted table of all orders including: Open Time, Type, Size, Symbol, Price, Stop Loss, Take Profit, Close Time, Swap, Profit.
*(Screenshot suggestion: Browser view of the exported HTML report table)*
Step 5: Convert HTML to CSV for Equity Curve
Copy the table from the browser (Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C). Paste into Excel or Google Sheets. Use "Data → From Table/Range" if needed. Save as `.csv`. Now you have clean trading data.
Step 6: Calculate and Plot Equity Curve
In your spreadsheet:
1. Add a column "Running Balance". Start with initial deposit.
2. For each trade row, calculate new balance = previous balance + profit.
3. Select the Running Balance column and insert a line chart. That is your equity curve.
Reference: MetaQuotes Help Desk – Reports in Trading Platform (2025). MQL5.com – Account History Export Guide.