How to Add a Set File
to an EA in MT4

What Is a Set File?

A set file (also called a preset file) is a .set file that stores all the input parameters for an Expert Advisor — lot size, stop loss distance, indicator periods, filter thresholds, and every other configurable value. When you buy an EA, the developer includes set files that have been tested and optimised for specific pairs and timeframes. Loading the set file means you're running the EA exactly as it was tested — not with factory defaults.

Watch: Video Tutorial

Prefer to follow along visually? This walkthrough covers the exact steps below — finding the presets folder, loading the set file, and confirming the EA is running with the correct settings.

1

Copy the .set file to the Presets folder

Place the .set file you received into the MT4 presets folder. The exact path depends on your MT4 installation, but it's always inside the MQL4\presets directory:

…\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\[YOUR_TERMINAL_ID]\MQL4\presets\

The fastest way to get there: in MT4, go to File → Open Data Folder, then navigate to MQL4 → presets. Paste your .set file there.

2

Attach the EA to a chart

Open the chart for the pair and timeframe the set file was made for (e.g. EURUSD H1). Drag the EA from the Navigator panel onto the chart, or double-click it. The EA input parameters dialog will open.

3

Click "Load" in the Inputs tab

In the EA dialog, click on the Inputs tab. At the bottom you'll see a Load button. Click it — MT4 will open a file browser pointing directly at your MQL4\presets folder.

4

Select your .set file and click Open

Find the .set file you copied in Step 1, select it, and click Open. All the parameter values will instantly update to the optimised settings from the file.

MT4 Inputs tab — click Load to select your .set file from the presets folder

5

Enable AutoTrading and click OK

Make sure Allow live trading is checked in the Common tab. Then click OK. The EA will attach to the chart with your loaded set file settings. You'll see a smiley face icon in the top-right corner of the chart when it's running correctly.

Using Set Files in the Strategy Tester

Set files work the same way in backtesting. In the Strategy Tester, after selecting your EA and pair/timeframe, click the Expert properties button → Inputs tab → Load. Select your set file and run the test. This ensures your backtest uses the same parameters as your live trading setup.

Saving Your Own Set Files

If you've customised the parameters and want to save them, use the Save button in the same Inputs tab. Give the file a descriptive name (e.g. EURUSD_H1_v2.set) and save it to the presets folder. You can build a library of configurations for different pairs, timeframes, or risk levels.

For MT5 the process is identical — the only difference is the folder path changes to MQL5\presets. cTrader uses a different system: you import set files directly through the cBot's parameter panel, not via a presets folder.