According to MetaQuotes Software Corp, the wizards behind the development of MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the company is considered one of the leading developers of software applications for brokerages, banks, and exchanges.

Officially launched on July 1, 2005, MT4 remains a widely popular electronic trading platform for retail foreign exchange traders, recognised for its user-friendly interface, powerful analytical functions, one-click trading functionality, and algorithmic trading features. The majority of Forex brokers supporting MT4 also permit a worldwide client base.

Although configured to operate on Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac users can still take advantage of the MT4 platform for CFD and Forex trading.

Download Process

To get started, MetaQuotes recommends downloading the PlayOnMac installation file (see figure 1.A). A number of other third-party tools are available, however, including WineBottler and WineSkin. Free to use, PlayOnMac essentially allows operators to install and manage software intended to work on Microsoft Windows.

(FIGURE 1.A)

You’ll note a DMG download will begin after downloading PlayonMac.

Click through and launch it from your download folder, as in figure 1.B.

A first launch window will then appear – click Next.

The installer then works through and installs the various components.

(FIGURE 1.B)

The next step involves installing XQuartz, software used for X Window Systems on Mac OS. Select ‘Please download XQuartz for me’, as in figure 1.C.

(FIGURE 1.C)

The installer will proceed through several steps. Follow the interface, clicking Next.

Read and accept the software license agreement (figure 1.D).

To finish, Mac OS security system will ask for your account’s password (figure 1.E). Input your details and click Install Software.

(FIGURE 1.D)

(FIGURE 1.E)

The system will then instruct you to reboot.

After restarting, PlayOnMac offers to install Microsoft Windows fonts. Follow through this process, clicking Next until the fonts are successfully installed. Then accept the conditions of the license agreement to activate PlayonMac.

Wine is installed together with PlayOnMac – it is recommended to install the latest version of Wine. This can be configured by selecting Tools and clicking Manage Wine Versions (see figure 1.F).

Wine is a compatibility layer allowing users to manage applications designed for Windows operating systems. Although often used on Linux, Wine can also run Windows on a Mac without the need for a Windows license. Do be aware, though, Wine, like much free software, has no assurance of stability.

(FIGURE 1.F)

Installation Process

When PlayOnMac and Wine are linked, download MT4 (m4setup.exe) from either your selected Forex broker or alternatively you can use the MetaTrader 4 website. This is a Windows executable file; since PlayOnMac is based on Wine it will understand the .exe file and emulate a Windows environment for it to execute in.

Following the successful installation of MT4, PlayOnMac provides the option of generating shortcuts for the terminal components (see figure 1.G).

(FIGURE 1.G)

After creating the necessary shortcuts, the MT4 terminal (client terminal) will be operational (see figure 1.H).

(FIGURE 1.H)

PlayOnMac generates a separate virtual drive for each program installed; the default path will be seen as:

Library\PlayOnMac\WinePrefix\Client_Terminal_\Drive C\Program Files\Client Terminal

MetaTrader 4 Mac OS with FP Markets

FP Markets provide a version of MetaTrader 4 bundled inside a Mac app. This bundles a version of Wine with the software in such a way that it is easy to install for the MT4 Mac user.

Start trading with the latest version of FP Markets’ custom-built application; Forex traders can access their MetaTrader 4 trading account without the hassle of installing additional operating systems.

The Apple Mac MetaTrader 4 platform offers the following features:

• Leverage up to 500:1.
• Trade Forex with ultra-fast order execution.
• Access to demo accounts. Before transitioning to a live account, testing all aspects of your trading strategy on a demo trading platform is recommended.
• Access several order types.
• One-click trading allows users to trade directly off the charts with ‘one-click’.
• The ability to run expert advisors (EAs). Create or edit EAs with MT4’s MetaEditor and backtest EAs with an inbuilt strategy tester. The platform features the mql4, a built-in programming language allowing users to develop Expert Advisors and technical indicators.
• Access advanced real-time charting.

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