Tickstory Lite (Free version)

This guide explains how to achieve 99.9% modeling quality in MetaTrader 4 (MT4) using Tickstory Lite only. Tickstory handles the entire process — downloading high-quality tick data, generating MT4 history files, and launching the platform correctly for accurate backtesting.

Prerequisites

  1. MetaTrader 4: Installed on your computer.
  2. Tickstory Lite: Installed and set up.
  3. Internet Connection: Required to download historical tick data.

Overview

In this method, Tickstory is used as a complete solution. It downloads tick data, prepares the necessary MT4 files, and ensures the Strategy Tester uses that data correctly. No additional tools or scripts are required.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install and Link Tickstory to MT4

  1. Install Tickstory Lite and open it.
  2. When prompted, link Tickstory to your MT4 installation.
  3. Verify that Tickstory detects the correct MT4 terminal directory.

Step 2: Download Tick Data

  1. Select the currency pair you want to backtest.
  2. Choose the date range.
  3. Click the Download button.
  4. Wait for the data to finish downloading.

Step 3: Export Data for MT4

  1. Right-click the downloaded symbol.
  2. Select Export.
  3. Choose MetaTrader 4 as the export format.
  4. Configure export settings
  5. Start the export and wait for completion.
Tickstory symbol selection Tickstory export settings

Step 4: Launch MT4 from Tickstory

  1. Click Launch MT4 inside Tickstory.
  2. This ensures MT4 loads the exported tick data correctly.
  3. Avoid launching MT4 manually when backtesting.
Launching MT4 from Tickstory

Step 5: Run the Backtest

  1. Open View → Strategy Tester.
  2. Select your Expert Advisor.
  3. Select the symbol and timeframe used during export.
  4. Set the model to Every Tick.
  5. Choose the matching date range.
  6. Click Start.

Step 6: Confirm Modeling Quality

  1. Open the test report once the test completes.
  2. Confirm the modeling quality shows 99.9%.
  3. Ensure no errors or data mismatches are reported.

Best Practices

  • Always launch MT4 from Tickstory for backtesting.
  • Re-export data if you change spreads or timeframes.
  • Use realistic spreads to reflect live trading conditions.
  • Keep each MT4 installation dedicated to one data setup.

This approach offers a simple and reliable way to perform high-quality MT4 backtests with minimal setup and consistent results.