Basics

Custom Timeframes in Tradingview

Oct 27, 2024

TradingView is one of the most popular charting tools for traders worldwide, renowned for its flexibility and ease of use. While the default set of timeframes is quite comprehensive, there are times when traders need a specific timeframe that suits their strategy, such as an 8-minute or a 3-hour chart. Customizing timeframes can help you gain an edge by focusing precisely on the intervals most relevant to your trading approach. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of adding custom timeframes in TradingView to elevate your charting experience.

Note, that this option is not available in the free, "Basic" TradingView plan.

Timeframe Selection
Timeframe Selection

Step 1: Open the Chart Interface

  • First, navigate to your TradingView chart. This is where you'll be able to add and customize your preferred timeframes.

Step 2: Access Timeframe Options

  • On the top panel of your TradingView chart, locate the timeframe dropdown. By default, it displays options like 1M, 5M, 15M, 1H, etc. Click on the dropdown to reveal all available standard timeframes.

Step 3: Add a Custom Timeframe

  • Here you’ll find an option called “Add Custom Interval” or “Custom Timeframe” (depending on your interface version). Click on it.

Add Custom Interval
Add Custom Interval

A pop-up box will appear, prompting you to enter your custom timeframe. Here, you can input any value you need, like 8 minutes (8M)2 hours (2H), or even 45 seconds (45S) if you have a premium subscription. After entering your desired interval, click Add or Save to confirm.

To make future access convenient, you can star your custom interval. This will add it to the top of the timeframe dropdown for easy access, helping you to toggle between different charts without hassle.

Custom Indicators
Custom Indicators

Using Custom Timeframes in Indicators

Custom timeframes can also be used in indicators like the OHLC StatMap, which have input settings for timeframes. By applying a custom timeframe to such indicators, you can obtain even more tailored insights that match your trading strategy. For example, the OHLC StatMap can utilize custom intervals to show statistical high and low levels that are specifically relevant to your chosen timeframe, providing a more precise analysis that aligns with your unique market perspective.