How to Export Python (PyTorch + Sklearn) to ONNX and Use in MT5
Step-by-step tutorial, no fluff: you finish with two working ONNX models (one Sklearn Random Forest, one PyTorch LSTM), ready to be consumed in MT5 Expert Advisors. Prerequisite: Python 3.10+ and MT5 installed.
Python environment setup
# Essential libraries pip install MetaTrader5 numpy pandas scikit-learn # ONNX exporters pip install onnx onnxruntime onnxmltools skl2onnx # For PyTorch (CPU) pip install torch torchvision
Part 1 — Random Forest (Sklearn) → ONNX
Use case: classify next candle direction (up/down) based on lagged returns. Random Forest is lightweight, trains fast, works well as baseline.
Step 1: Collect MT5 data
import MetaTrader5 as mt5
import pandas as pd
mt5.initialize()
rates = mt5.copy_rates_from_pos("EURUSD", mt5.TIMEFRAME_H1, 0, 20000)
df = pd.DataFrame(rates)
df['time'] = pd.to_datetime(df['time'], unit='s')
df.to_csv("eurusd_h1.csv", index=False)
mt5.shutdown()
Step 2: Train and export Random Forest
import numpy as np
from sklearn.ensemble import RandomForestClassifier
from skl2onnx import convert_sklearn
from skl2onnx.common.data_types import FloatTensorType
X = np.load("X.npy") # shape (N, 10) - 10 lagged returns
y = np.load("y.npy") # 1 if next candle up, 0 otherwise
split = int(len(X) * 0.8)
model = RandomForestClassifier(n_estimators=200, max_depth=8, random_state=42)
model.fit(X[:split], y[:split])
print(f"Accuracy: {model.score(X[split:], y[split:]):.3f}")
# Export to ONNX
initial_type = [('input', FloatTensorType([None, 10]))]
onnx_model = convert_sklearn(model, initial_types=initial_type, target_opset=15)
with open("rf.onnx", "wb") as f:
f.write(onnx_model.SerializeToString())
Part 2 — LSTM (PyTorch) → ONNX
import torch
import torch.nn as nn
class LSTMTrader(nn.Module):
def __init__(self):
super().__init__()
self.lstm = nn.LSTM(1, 32, 2, batch_first=True, dropout=0.2)
self.fc = nn.Linear(32, 2)
def forward(self, x):
out, _ = self.lstm(x)
return self.fc(out[:, -1, :])
model = LSTMTrader()
# ... training loop ...
model.eval()
dummy_input = torch.randn(1, 10, 1)
torch.onnx.export(
model, dummy_input, "lstm.onnx",
input_names=['input'], output_names=['output'],
dynamic_axes={'input': {0: 'batch'}, 'output': {0: 'batch'}},
opset_version=15
)
Part 3 — Use in MT5 Expert Advisor
The .onnx files go to the MQL5\Files folder of your MT5 installation. In the EA, load via OnnxCreate:
long handle = OnnxCreate("rf.onnx", ONNX_DEFAULT);
const long input_shape[] = {1, 10};
const long output_shape[] = {1};
OnnxSetInputShape(handle, 0, input_shape);
OnnxSetOutputShape(handle, 0, output_shape);
matrix input(1, 10);
for(int i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
double c0 = iClose(_Symbol, PERIOD_CURRENT, i + 1);
double c1 = iClose(_Symbol, PERIOD_CURRENT, i + 2);
input[0][i] = (float)((c0 - c1) / c1);
}
vector output(1);
OnnxRun(handle, ONNX_DEFAULT, input, output);
int direction = (int)output[0];
Print("Prediction: ", direction == 1 ? "BUY" : "SELL");
Validation in Strategy Tester
Before going live, always backtest in MT5 Strategy Tester. Checklist: Profit factor > 1.5, max drawdown < 20%, 200+ trades on the sample, 30 days demo trading minimum, risk per trade ≤ 2%, stop loss always set.
Common troubleshooting
- 'Operator not supported' on export: adjust
opset_version(try 13, 14, 15, 17) - OnnxRun returns false: check shapes — MQL5 input must exactly match what was declared on export
- NaN or constant predictions: feature scaling. Normalise features in Python and replicate in MQL5
- Huge model: simplify. LSTM with hidden 32 is enough baseline
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