Skip to content Now that you understand the basics of trading and Forex, it's time to take action. But before you start tradingIn order to trade, you need two essential elements: a broker and a trading platform. In this chapter, we'll look at how to choose a broker and open a trading account, then install your first free trading software.
Independent trader since 2012
An online broker is your intermediary for accessing the financial markets. He or she will execute your buy and sell orders on the currency marketshares, or any other asset.
Without it, you can't trade. It gives you access to real-time prices, executes your trades, and manages your trading account.
→ Place an order on the broker's trading platform
→ The broker transmits your order to the market
→ The order is executed at the best available price
→ The result appears instantly on your account
Not all brokers are created equal. Here are the essential criteria for choosing the right broker:
Control and safety : The broker must be regulated by a recognized financial authority (AMF in France, CySEC in Europe), FCA in the UK). This is your guarantee that your money is protected.
Transparent fees : Spreads must be competitive, with no hidden costs.
Reliable trading platform : The broker must offer platforms that are stable, fast and easy to use.
Responsive customer support : Customer service available in your language, especially when you're just starting out.
Free demo account : Learn risk-free before trading with real money.
Good to know
In our advanced programs (paid training courses), we go even further, detailing three specific brokers that we ourselves use in our professional trading: TradersWay, Vantage and Interactive Brokers.
Although they don't always tick all the ideal boxes for a beginner (for example, some are not regulated in Europe, or don't have a French interface), they have never posed any problems in terms of filing, execution or withdrawal.
We choose them for their efficiency, responsiveness and the trading conditions they offer active traders. we reserve them for those who follow our training courses at our school.
A trading platform is your main working tool. It's the software that lets you :
See prices in real time
Analyze graphs
Place your buy and sell orders
Managing your open positions
Track your transaction history
→ Interactive charts with technical indicators
→ Les business news in real time
→ Advanced analysis tools
→ Risk management (stop loss, take profit)
There are several types of trading platforms:
Web platforms : Accessible directly from your browser, no download required.
Software to install : More stable and complete, like Metatrader 4 MT4 or Metatrader 5 MT5
Mobile applications : Trade from your smartphone or tablet.
In this course, we'll be focusing on MT4, as it's the world's most widely used Forex platform.
MetaTrader 4 is the world's most popular free trading software. Developed specifically for Forex trading, MT4 combines ease of use with professional tools.
→ Intuitive interface : Easy to learn, even for beginners
→ Advanced graphics : Over 30 built-in technical indicators
→ Multi-timeframes : Simultaneous analysis over several periods
→ Complete history : Access historical data to backtest your strategies
Don't worry if it seems complex at first. Let's take a step-by-step look at how to install and use Metatrader MT4.
A demo account lets you trade with virtual money under real market conditions.
It's the perfect tool for :
Characteristics of a good demo account :
→ Virtual money is enough, but ideally you should be able to choose the exact investment capital you intend to deposit once in a real account.
→ Conditions identical to the actual account
→ Unlimited access
→ Real-time market data
A real account lets you trade with your own money. But don't be too hasty!
Before opening a real account, make sure you :
It's a legitimate question, which all novice traders ask themselves :
"How much should I invest to start trading Forex?"
The golden rule: don't invest than money you're willing to lose without jeopardizing your financial situation.
Trading is not a game, and always involves a degree of risk. especially at the beginningwhen you're still in the learning phase.
The goal when you start out is not to win a lot. It's about learning not to be lost.
Use the first months for :
Understanding the market
Test your discipline
Apply your knowledge (from this training and your demo account training)
Go to the broker's website
Click on "Open a demo account
Fill in the form with your details:
First and last name
Email address
Phone number
Country of residence
Choose your account settings:
Virtual capital: I recommend that you invest an amount similar to what you intend to invest in real life later on, to simulate realistic conditions.
Account currency : Choose the euro (EUR) if you live in the euro zone, or the currency of your country.
Leverage: Getting started, 1:100 is a good compromise for understanding the impact of leverage without taking on too much fictitious risk.
Trading platform: Choose MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for its simplicity, reliability and accessibility for beginners. Some brokers also offer MT5 or an in-house platform, but MT4 remains the most commonly used for learning.
Account type : Most brokers offer "Standard" accounts (commission-free, with built-in spreads) or "ECN/Raw" accounts (with very low spreads but a fixed commission). For starters, a Standard account is often simpler and more suitable.
Confirm your registration :
Make a note of your login details.
You will also receive a confirmation email with the your account details and a download link for the MetaTrader 4 platform.
Good to know:
Identity check and documents to bring.
Even if you open a demo account (with virtual money), some serious brokers may ask you to verify your identity at the outset or when you switch to a real account.
This step, called KYC (Know Your Customeror "Know your customer"), is an essential legal obligation for regulated brokers. It aims to combat money laundering and fraud, and guarantee the security of funds.
Documents generally requested :
Official identification
Identity card (front and back)
Passport (pages with photo and signature)
Driving license (if accepted)
Recent proof of address (less than 3 months old)
Electricity, gas, water or Internet bill
Bank statement
Notice of tax assessment
Sometimes, a proof of payment method (if you make a real deposit afterwards)
Capture or partial photo of your credit card (masking certain digits)
Screenshot of your PayPal account or bank transfer used
How leverage works
Leverage allows you to control a position larger than your available capital. In other words, it acts as a multiplier of purchasing power.
Leverage example :
If you have €100 in your account and use a 1:100 leveryou can open a position equivalent to 10 000 € on the market.
But beware: the principle of leverage amplifies all :
Earnings ➜ You can win faster...
...but also losses ➜ You can lose your capital faster too.
Why trade with leverage?
Because markets like Forex move very little (often less than 1% per day).
Without leverage, the gains would be too small to be worthwhile in the short term.
Things to remember :
Leverage is a powerful toolbut also dangerous if used incorrectly. Always start with moderate leverage (e.g. 1:50 or 1:100) and learn to manage your risk before increasing it.
How to install MT4 on PC / Windows :
Download MT4 from your broker's website or directly from MetaTrader4.com
Starts installation by following the instructions: Accept the conditions, choose the installation folder, and let the installation finish.
Launch MT4 from the shortcut on your desktop
How to use MetaTrader 4 on Android :
Download MetaTrader 4 for Android from Google Play Store
Install the application on your phone
Discover the interface : It's touchscreen-friendly, with the same features as the PC version
Launch MT4 and click on "File" -> "Connect to trading account".
Find your broker in the list of servers
Enter your login details received by e-mail
Click on "Connect
If the connection is successful, you'll see your account information and connection status displayed as a "green" signal in the bottom right-hand corner of MT4.
Tutorial - How to open a trading account
Download our PDF guide to learn how to open a trading account with a broker, install Metatrader 4 and set up your demo account.
When you open MetaTrader 4 for the first time, here are the main areas you should look out for:
The main toolbar :
Located at the very top of the screen. It gives you a quick access to the most common functions:
Change chart type (bars, candlesticks, lines)
Change time unit (M1, M5, H1, D1, etc.)
Add technical indicators
Place an order quickly
Zoom in/out on graphics
Market Observer:
Usually located on the left of the screen, it displays the list of available instruments at your broker :
Currency pairs, indices, commodities, etc.
Real-time bid/ask prices
Spread (if enabled)
Swaps (if enabled)
Graphics area :
The central part of the interface, which displays the course graphics. This is where you do your technical analysis.
You can open several graphics at the same time
They can be customized (colors, chart type, indicators, etc.).
Each graphic can be reduced, moved or enlarged to suit your workspace.
Terminal :
Located at the bottom of the platform, it contains all your account and transaction information :
Balance, available capital, margin used
Open positions and pending orders
Trading history
Log of actions and error messages
1. Market Observer configuration :
L'market observer (Market Watch) is the window that displays available assets (currency pairs, indices, etc.) and their prices in real time.
➤ How do I open it if it doesn't appear?
Click on Display in the top menu
Then select Market Observer (or press Ctrl+M)
➤ Add the main pairs to watch out for:
Click right in the Market Observer on the pair you want to add
Choose "Chart Window
Recommended for beginners: EUR/USD
➤ Display useful columns :
Right-click again on the market observer
Choose "Columns" → "Show all
This allows you to see important information such as :
The spread the difference between the purchase and selling price (your cost of entry)
The swap fees or interest if you keep a position open overnight
2. Graph settings :
A well-configured chart helps you to better read price trends and avoid visual errors. Here's how to set it up, step by step:
➤ Open graph parameters :
Click right on the graphic
Select "Properties" (or F8 key)
➤ Choose contrasting, light colors :
In the "ColorsChoose a simple, legible visual style. For example :
Background white or light grey
Bullish candles (rising prices) : blue or green
Bearish candles (falling prices) : red
Bullish / bearish bar / price line / volumes : in contrast, but soft on the eye
The aim is to have an interface intuitivewithout overloading you visually.
➤ Switch to Japanese candlesticks :
You have three chart representation options in the main toolbar → Select "Candlestick chart
This type of representation is the most widely used in technical analysis.
In the next chapter how to interpret Japanese candles.
Save your custom template :
Once your graphic is perfectly configured :
Click right on the graphic
Go to "Model" → "Save model
Give it a personalized name
Click on Save
Apply this template to a new graphic :
On the open graph, do right click → Template → Choose your saved template
Your style is instantly applied, with all settings already made.
3. Screen layout :
Let themarket observer left (list of assets)
Visit graphics are at the heart
Visit terminal (balance, history, alerts) remains at the bottom
There's no need to modify this layout to get startedIt's great for learning.
You can adjust it later according to your preferences, and save it if necessary via :
"Window" → "Save layout".
Tutorial - how to use metatrader MT4
Download our PDF guide to configuring and customizing the MT4 trading platform. Learn how to use the software's basic tools, create a customized template and add charts.
→ Take your time to explore each menu and function
→ Use demo account only the first few weeks
→ Start by observing movements before trading
→ Write down your observations in a trading book
→ Don't modify the interface too much keep it simple at first
In the next chapter
In the next chapter of our trading course, we'll find out how to analyze a stock chart - the basis of any successful trading strategy.
The program
Progression
Downloadable resource
Refreshes the page once the form has been completed and validated,
to access the rest of your free trading course.
English 
Français 
简体中文