Getting started
This guide walks you through running your first backtest.
1. Upload data
The engine needs historical price data in CSV format.
Two formats are accepted:
| Format | Source | Columns |
|---|---|---|
| MT5 tick data | MT5 → History Center → Export | <DATE> <TIME> <BID> <ASK> (tab-separated) |
| OHLCV | Any provider | time, open, high, low, close, volume, spread |
If you upload tick data, the engine will resample it automatically into the timeframe you choose (M1, M5, …).
To upload, open any New Scenario dialog and use the file picker in the Data section, or drop the file into the server's data/ folder.
2. Create a scenario
Click New Scenario on the dashboard. The form has two tabs:
- Basic — identity, data, indicators, signals, execution, volume
- Advanced — costs, kill switch, run settings
Fill the required fields:
- Scenario ID — a slug like
my_first_strategy(lowercase, underscores only) - CSV data file — pick the file you uploaded
- Symbol & timeframe — must match what the data represents
- Indicators — add at least one (e.g. two EMAs for a crossover)
- Signal template — choose how the buy/sell rules are derived from indicators
- TP/SL pips — your take-profit and stop-loss distance
Save when ready. The scenario shows up on the dashboard.
3. Run a backtest
Click New Run on a scenario card. The engine processes every candle in the file. For a typical M1 strategy on a few weeks of data this takes 1–3 seconds.
When the run finishes:
- The chart opens with all trades marked (green up arrow = buy, red down arrow = sell, circle/square = win/loss)
- The stats panel shows the 7 key metrics (Sharpe, win rate, average duration, …)
- A score out of 100 grades the strategy: A (≥80) is excellent, F (<20) is poor
4. Iterate
Tweak the manifest (change indicator periods, TP/SL, or signal logic) and run again. Each run is saved to history with the manifest hash, so you can always go back to a previous configuration.
When you have several variants worth comparing, see Comparing scenarios.
Tip: import & template
If you have a JSON manifest from a colleague or an old run, click Import JSON at the top of the New Scenario dialog. The form auto-fills.
Click Download template to get a starter file you can edit in any text editor and re-import.