# Visual Alerts

AIMS Box MT5 can use visual chart states and MetaTrader alerts to draw attention to setups.

## Chart Visuals[​](#chart-visuals "Direct link to Chart Visuals")

The chart can show:

* Box shading.
* Signal levels.
* Break or setup states on the dashboard.

![AIMS Box MT5 showing a ready Setup 1 dashboard state with visible box zones and signal levels](/img/aims-box-advanced/aims-box-setup-1-signal.png)

Chart levels and dashboard states help you find setups, but they do not replace chart review.

## Dashboard Alert States[​](#dashboard-alert-states "Direct link to Dashboard Alert States")

The dashboard can show a last-signal state such as:

* `READY`
* `CLOSED`
* `BLOCKED`

Read the detail rows below the state:

* `Context`
* `Trade`
* `Filters`

These rows explain why the setup is ready, closed, or blocked.

## MetaTrader Alerts[​](#metatrader-alerts "Direct link to MetaTrader Alerts")

Current MT5 builds can include popup alert controls such as:

* **Alert Setup Ready**
* **Alert Live Break**
* **Alert Closed Breakout**

Start with setup-ready alerts only. Add live-break or closed-breakout alerts after you know which setup state you want to review.

Current MT4 builds focus on chart zones, signal levels, and the mini dashboard. If you are using MT4, follow the [MT4 Guide](/indicators/aims-box/docs/mt4-guide.md) and do not expect every MT5 alert input to be present.

## Avoid Alert Overload[​](#avoid-alert-overload "Direct link to Avoid Alert Overload")

Too many alerts can make the indicator harder to use.

Use this simple setup at first:

1. One chart.
2. Popup alerts only.
3. Boxes and signal levels visible.
4. Filters left on.
5. No extra indicators until you understand the AIMS Box states.

## When An Alert Appears[​](#when-an-alert-appears "Direct link to When An Alert Appears")

Do not react immediately just because an alert fired.

Check:

1. Is the candle closed?
2. Is price inside the box, breaking the box, or already beyond it?
3. Is the setup `READY`, `CLOSED`, or `BLOCKED`?
4. Do the filters agree?
5. Does the stop distance fit your risk plan?