0
Before you start
Three quick checks. Tick them as you go.
Keep it private. Never type a password or an API key into this form. The name hint says the same.
Guide · Journal and dashboard · about 10 minutes
Add a trading account.Name it, say how trades get in, and you're set.
An account is the place your trades land in your journal. You say how trades get in: automatically from MetaTrader 5 or NinjaTrader 8 with a PFX add-on, or typed in by hand. Keep passwords and API keys out of this form. An account number is optional.
~10 minstart to finish
7 stepstick each one off
Your choiceautomatic or by hand
Freefor the journal
✓
Adding an account changes nothing at your broker.
It creates a place in your journal. You can change its starting balance later. If a step doesn't look like the picture, that's normal: open the "Not seeing it?" box under it.
1
Open Accounts and add one
The add form is on the Accounts page.
- Open Accounts on the site.
- Choose Add account. The page title is Add a trading account.
Not seeing it?
I can't find Accounts. Open it from the site menu after you sign in.
2
Say how trades get in
This decides how the account fills up.
- MetaTrader 5, automatic, with PFX Journal: trades send themselves from the terminal.
- NinjaTrader 8, automatic, with the PFX Journal add-on: trades send themselves from NinjaTrader.
- Manual: you type trades in yourself, or import a CSV later.
Automatic accounts fill up on their own. Manual accounts stay as you type them.
Not seeing it?
I'm not sure which to pick. If you trade in MetaTrader 5 or NinjaTrader 8 and want it automatic, pick that. Otherwise pick manual.
3
Pick the type and currency
Live, demo or prop firm, and the currency the account uses.
- Under Type, choose Live, Demo or Prop firm (challenge or funded).
- Under Account currency, choose the currency your broker or firm uses. It defaults to USD.
Do not combine currencies. Each account keeps its own, and totals are never converted.
Not seeing it?
The currency is wrong. The currency cannot be changed after you add the account. Add a new account with the right currency.
4
Give it a name
Something you will recognise later.
- Type a name that helps you tell the accounts apart.
- The form suggests something like Gold M3 — FTMO 10k. Use your own wording.
The name is for you. Do not put an account number, password or API key in it.
Not seeing it?
Two accounts have the same name. Add the account again with a clearer name, then keep the one you want.
5
Add the optional details
Skip any you do not need. You can add them later.
- Broker server: as MetaTrader 5 shows it, for example FTMO-Server3.
- Account number: optional. If you add it, it stays private to you.
- Starting balance: optional. It is the start of your equity curve.
A starting balance changes where your equity curve starts. Leave it blank if you are not sure.
Not seeing it?
My equity curve starts in the wrong place. Change the starting balance on the account to the figure you started with.
6
Check it's listed
Make sure the account is there before you connect or import.
- Press Add account. You are taken to the account's page.
- Check the name, type and how trades get in are the ones you chose.
- Next, connect the terminal or import a file, depending on how trades get in.
Not seeing it?
The account isn't in the list. Refresh the page. If it is still missing, add it again with a different name.
Your safety nets
Three things to keep in mind.
1
No secrets in the form
Passwords and API keys never go in this form.
2
Name it clearly
A clear name keeps accounts apart in every list.
3
Typed trades can be removed
A trade you typed in can be deleted. A trade from MetaTrader 5 cannot, because it is your broker's record.
Risk warning: Your journal records trades. It does not place orders, and adding an account does not change your broker account. MetaTrader and MQL5 are trademarks of MetaQuotes Ltd.; PrecisionFX is not affiliated with or endorsed by MetaQuotes.