MT4/MT5 Trading Journal: File Import vs Broker Sync Explained
There are two ways to get your MetaTrader trades into a trading journal: upload a statement file, or connect your account for automatic sync. Both end with the same thing — your real trade history, ready to analyse — but they suit different traders. Here is how each works and how to choose.
Why the import method matters
A trading journal is only as good as the data inside it. If trades are missing, duplicated, or entered by hand, your win rate, profit factor and drawdown numbers stop being trustworthy. Choosing the right import method is really about two things: how accurate your history is, and how little effort it takes to keep it up to date.
Option 1: File import (MT4/MT5 HTML statement)
MetaTrader can export your full trading history as an HTML statement. You upload that file and TradingJournal reads every trade from it.
How it works
- In MT4 or MT5, open your account history and save it as an HTML report (a "Detailed" report works best).
- Upload the file on the Import page.
- TradingJournal detects the platform and broker automatically, converts MT5 deals into standard trades, and reconciles profit and loss so the totals match your statement.
What it is good for
- Getting started fast — import years of history in one upload.
- Closed or archived accounts — you can journal an account you no longer actively trade.
- Full control — nothing is connected to your live account; you decide exactly what to upload.
Things to keep in mind
- It is a snapshot. New trades are not added until you upload a fresh file.
- You repeat the export-and-upload step whenever you want to catch up.
File import is available on the free plan.
Option 2: Automatic broker sync
Broker sync connects your MT4/MT5 account through MetaAPI and pulls your trades in for you, so your journal stays current without manual exports.
How it works
- You connect your trading account once.
- TradingJournal reads your trade history (and the price data behind your trades) and keeps it updated.
- New closed trades flow in on demand or automatically, with duplicates skipped.
What it is good for
- Active traders who do not want to export a file after every session.
- Always up to date analytics, calendar and review tools.
- Richer features — because sync also brings in price data, it powers trade charts on the trade detail page.
Is it safe?
Broker sync is read-only. It imports your trade history and market data only — it cannot open, change or close positions, and it cannot move money. You are never asked for withdrawal rights. The connection exists purely to read what already happened on your account.
Broker sync is a Pro feature.
Side by side
| File import | Broker sync | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Export & upload a file | Connect account once |
| Keeping it current | Manual re-upload | Automatic / on demand |
| Best for | History, archived accounts | Active, ongoing trading |
| Access to your account | None (file only) | Read-only via MetaAPI |
| Powers trade charts | No | Yes |
| Plan | Free | Pro |
Which should you use?
They are not mutually exclusive — many traders start with a file and switch to sync later.
- Use file import if you want to try TradingJournal for free, load a lot of past history at once, or journal an account you no longer trade.
- Use broker sync if you trade regularly and want your journal, analytics and charts to stay current on their own.
A common path: upload a statement to bring in your full history today, then turn on broker sync so you never have to think about exporting again.
Start your MT4/MT5 trading journal
Import a statement for free in minutes, or connect your broker with Pro for automatic, always-current analytics.
Get started freeRelated: read the FAQ for more on broker sync safety and what is included in Free vs Pro.