The MACD on Webull Desktop sits in the sub-chart indicators; switch to advanced charts and add it from Indicators > Sub-chart.
Hunting for MACD on a Webull chart and coming up empty usually comes down to three things: you’re on a basic layout, you’re searching the wrong panel, or the sub-chart area is hidden. The good news: the fix takes a minute. This guide shows exactly where MACD lives on Webull Desktop, the steps to load it, and the small settings that often hide it from view.
Missing MACD In Webull Desktop: Quick Fixes
MACD is a “sub-chart” indicator by design. That means it sits under price, not on the candles. On Webull Desktop, it appears after you add it from the Indicators menu and make sure a sub-chart slot is visible. If you don’t see it right away, you’re likely on a simplified view or your sub-chart height is collapsed to zero.
Know Where MACD Lives
MACD plots a fast EMA, a slow EMA, and a signal line, plus a histogram. Webull’s help page describes the standard setup (12/26 EMAs with a 9-period signal line). If your layout shows only price and volume, MACD won’t appear until a sub-chart is active. See Webull’s MACD overview for the built-in definition and defaults.
Add MACD To A Chart (Desktop Step-By-Step)
- Open any symbol on Webull Desktop and switch to the advanced chart (full-screen or pop-out chart window).
- Click Indicators (often shown as a beaker/flask icon or the “Indicators” button in the chart toolbar).
- Pick Sub-chart indicators, then use the search box and type MACD.
- Click to add. If nothing shows, drag the divider under price to expand the sub-chart area.
- Optional: click the gear next to MACD to adjust fast/slow/signal periods.
Webull’s learn modules note that you can search indicators, mark favorites, and assign them to main vs. sub-charts. That search field is the fastest way to pull up MACD. See Webull Learn on customizing charts and indicators.
Why MACD Seems To Be Missing
When MACD doesn’t show up, it’s usually one of these:
You’re In A Simplified Or Basic View
The compact chart view hides the full Indicators menu. Switch to the advanced chart layout, then open the Indicators panel. Webull documents indicator access in its help and learning center sections.
The Wrong Indicator Category Is Selected
MACD is not a “Main Chart” overlay like a moving average. It’s a “Sub-chart” study. If you only add main-chart tools, nothing changes under price. Use the Sub-chart tab, then expand the panel if it’s collapsed. Webull’s indicator pages explain the difference and show MACD as a separate pane under price.
The Sub-Chart Panel Is Collapsed
Look for the horizontal divider below the candles. If it’s pushed all the way down, the sub-chart is effectively hidden. Grab the divider and drag up until the pane appears.
MACD Isn’t Favorited Yet
Favoriting makes MACD one click away. In the Indicators list, star MACD so it lands in “Frequently Used Indicators.” Webull’s learn article shows the star/favorites flow and the search box.
You’re Looking On Mobile Instructions
Mobile uses long-press and landscape gestures that don’t map to Desktop. If you follow a phone tutorial on a computer, you’ll miss the right menu. Webull’s mobile FAQ mentions long-press access; on Desktop you want the toolbar’s Indicators button.
Step-By-Step: A Clean MACD Setup That Always Works
1) Start From A Fresh Chart Window
Open a single-symbol chart in its own window. Set the timeframe you trade (1m, 5m, 1h, daily) so the MACD periods behave as you expect.
2) Open The Indicators Panel
Click Indicators. In the search field, type “macd”. Select MACD under Sub-chart. If your layout supports multiple sub-charts, MACD fills the first open slot.
3) Expand The Sub-Chart Area
If you still see nothing, drag the divider line up. Increase the height until the histogram and lines are easy to read.
4) Tweak Periods And Style
Open the MACD settings (gear icon). The standard inputs are Fast 12, Slow 26, Signal 9. That matches Webull’s help article and the classic calculation traders expect.
5) Save The Layout
Save the chart layout so MACD loads by default next time. Name the layout, then apply it to other watchlist tabs.
MACD Basics: What You’re Adding To The Chart
MACD compares two EMAs and smooths the result with a signal EMA. Crosses of the MACD line over the signal line hint at shifts in momentum; the histogram shows the distance between those lines. For background on settings, signals, and the histogram, see the Webull MACD page and this primer from Investopedia.
Common Gotchas That Hide MACD
- Volume Only Under Price: If the platform limits sub-charts to one slot and volume occupies it, remove volume or add another sub-chart slot, then add MACD.
- Template Overwrote Your Studies: Loading a new layout can clear prior studies. Re-apply the saved layout that includes MACD.
- Old App Build: Out-of-date builds miss features or show glitches. Update Webull Desktop from the official download page.
Make MACD Easier To Access Next Time
Favorite And Pin
Open the Indicators panel, search “macd,” click the star. This pushes MACD into your favorites so it shows near the top of the list. Webull’s learn article shows this favorites workflow.
Create A “Momentum” Layout
Build a layout that pairs MACD with RSI or a moving average so you don’t rebuild the stack each session. Webull’s education sections include articles on pairing studies, including MACD with RSI.
Reading MACD Without Second-Guessing It
MACD isn’t bounded like RSI, so readings float above and below zero. Many traders scan for three things: line crosses, zero-line crosses, and divergences between price and the MACD line. Those ideas are covered in Webull’s MACD primer and in independent education pages linked above. Use MACD in a trending market; in a choppy tape, whipsaws pile up.
Fine-Tune Inputs For Your Timeframe
Short-term traders sometimes tighten inputs to react faster. Long-term charts often stick with the classic 12/26/9. Any changes shift signal timing, so save variations as separate layouts.
Troubleshooting: If MACD Still Won’t Show
Reset Indicator Settings
Open Indicators > Manage or the gear for MACD and use Reset. If you edited periods to zero or hid lines, a reset restores defaults.
Check Sub-Chart Count
Some templates limit sub-charts. Increase the number of sub-charts in Chart Settings, then re-add MACD. Webull’s learn pages outline indicator placement between main and sub-charts.
Update Or Reinstall The App
Install the latest Webull Desktop build from the official page, then sign in and reload your layout. Glitches from stale versions often vanish after an update.
Verify You’re On Desktop Instructions
Desktop uses a toolbar and panels; phone uses long-press and landscape. If your guide mentions long-pressing, you’re on a mobile article. Switch to a Desktop tutorial or use Webull’s Desktop learn modules.
Quick Reference: Symptoms, Causes, Fixes
Use this one-screen cheat sheet when MACD won’t appear.
Symptom | Likely Cause | What To Do |
---|---|---|
No MACD after adding | Sub-chart collapsed | Drag divider up to reveal the pane |
Can’t find MACD in list | Wrong category | Pick Sub-chart, search “macd”, click add |
Favorites empty | Not starred | Open Indicators, star MACD to pin it |
Indicators missing after template | Layout overwrite | Reload saved layout with MACD |
Only volume under price | Single sub-chart slot | Add another slot or remove volume |
Indicators button not visible | Basic/compact view | Open advanced chart window |
MACD behaves oddly | Inputs changed | Reset to 12/26/9 in settings |
Smart Ways To Use MACD On Webull Desktop
Pair With A Trend Filter
Add a moving average on price and use MACD only in the direction of that trend. This trims whipsaws when the market chops sideways.
Watch The Zero Line
A cross above zero after a bullish signal often aligns with a stronger push. A drop below zero after a bearish cross can add conviction.
Avoid Reading It In Isolation
Combine MACD with price structure and risk rules. The built-in MACD page and independent primers underline that it’s a momentum tool, not a guarantee.
Final Checks Before You Give Up
- Advanced chart open
- Indicators panel > Sub-chart > MACD added
- Sub-chart area visible and tall enough
- Inputs reset to defaults, if needed
- App updated from Webull’s Desktop page
If those steps don’t surface it, start a fresh layout and add only price, volume, and MACD. Save that as a clean baseline for later templates. Webull’s help hub for indicators is the best place to cross-check steps specific to your build.
Helpful Resources
- Webull’s MACD explanation with default inputs: MACD overview.
- Indicator search, favorites, and placement: customizing charts and indicators.