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TradingView Script Download Guide

· 7 min read
Pineify Team
Pineify Team

Getting your own local copy of a Pine Script code is a game-changer for a serious trader. It lets you:

  • Peek under the hood to see exactly how an indicator works.
  • Adjust the settings to match your own comfort with risk.
  • Test the strategy on past market data or, where allowed, move the logic to another trading platform.
TradingView Script Download Guide

So, What is Pine Script?​

  • Pine Script® is TradingView's own programming language, built specifically for creating custom indicators and trading strategies.
  • All the coding happens right inside your browser in the Pine Editor—there's no software to download or install.

1. Your Download Options, Side-by-Side​

MethodWorks WithOutcomeSkill NeededTerms to Respect
“Add to Favorites” buttonPublic scriptsSaves to your TradingView cloud libraryNoneMust retain open-source license
Copy & Paste source codeOpen-source scriptsFull .pine file on your computerBasic text editingKeep author credits in header
Invite-only requestProtected scriptsAdds a compiled version; no source codeNoneCreator can revoke access
Export via browser DevToolsAny script you authoredText backup of your own codeIntermediatePersonal use only
PineConnector or API bridgeYour own scriptsJSON feed for an external algoAdvancedAPI rate limits

2. Step-by-Step: Grabbing the Code from a Public Indicator​

  1. Go to the indicator's page on TradingView and click “Apply to chart.”
  2. On the chart, look for and click the “Source Code” link (you'll only see this for open-source scripts).
  3. This opens the Pine Editor with the code ready to go. Just press Ctrl+A (Select All) and then Ctrl+C (Copy).
  4. Paste the code into a text editor like VS Code and save it as indicator_name.pine.
  5. Be sure to leave the comment block at the very top untouched. This is usually required to respect the open-source license.

If you're looking for more advanced Pine Script techniques, our guide on Getting Your Pine Script Entry Prices Right (It's Trickier Than You Think) can help you avoid common pitfalls when working with downloaded code.

3. How to Download Scripts You've Written Yourself​

  • In the Pine Editor, click the floppy-disk icon and then “Save as…” to store the latest version in your TradingView cloud.
  • To get a copy on your computer, click the three-dot menu and select “Export” (this option is only there for scripts you own).
  • Your code will open in a new browser tab. Simply right-click on the page and select “Save Page As” to download it as a .pine file.
Pineify Website

If you find yourself wanting to create custom indicators without the steep learning curve of Pine Script, you might want to explore Pineify. It's a visual editor that lets you build complex indicators and strategies through an intuitive interface rather than manual coding. You can combine multiple technical indicators, set custom conditions, and generate error-free Pine Script code automatically—all without needing to download anything or write a single line of code yourself.

4. Dealing with Invite-Only Indicators​

Scripts that are invite-only are locked down. You get a protected version, which means:

  • You can add them to your charts if the author gives you access.
  • You can't view or export the original source code.
  • You can sometimes mimic their chart outputs using Pine Script's security() function.
  • If you need to use the logic on another platform, you'd have to ask the author directly for a licensed version.

When working with different types of indicators, understanding tools like the Williams Percent Range Indicator: Master This Powerful TradingView Momentum Tool in 2025 can help you make better decisions about which scripts are worth pursuing for download and customization.

5. Smart Habits for Backing Up and Organizing Your Code​

  • Keep your scripts in sync with a GitHub repository to track every change you make.
  • Use the “Revision History” feature inside the Pine Editor to see what you changed and when.
  • Set a monthly reminder to back up your local .pine files. You can even use tools like wget or curl to automatically download your own scripts from TradingView.

6. A Quick Note on Staying Above Board​

  • Always credit the original author, especially if you modify and share an open-source script.
  • Never resell or redistribute a protected, invite-only script without the creator's explicit written permission.
  • Double-check with your broker to make sure they allow automated trading from third-party tools before you try to move a strategy elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Is there a browser extension that can download any script I see? I know it's tempting to want a one-click solution, but there isn't a safe or legitimate browser extension that can do this. TradingView has protections in place for a reason, and trying to bypass them with a shady tool is a fast way to get your account banned. It's just not worth the risk.

Can I automatically convert a Pine Script to MetaTrader's MQL?

The "Source Code" button is greyed out. What does that mean? When you see that, it means the indicator is private or invite-only. The author has chosen to restrict access. Your best bet is to politely contact the creator to ask about access, or you can try to find an open-source alternative that produces a similar trading signal.

Does exporting a script count against my Pine Script limit? Nope, not at all! This is a great relief for many. The script limits on your account only apply to the scripts you have actively saved in your TradingView library. Making a local backup by exporting the code doesn't affect your limit in any way.

Your Next Steps: A Simple Guide to Getting Started​

Alright, you've got the basics down. Here's a straightforward, step-by-step plan to put what you've learned into action. Think of it as your friendly to-do list.

  1. Get Your Free Account & Go Exploring: First, if you haven't already, create your free TradingView account. Once you're in, head straight to the "Scripts" section. This is your treasure chest, full of open-source indicators just waiting to be discovered.

  2. Choose and Save a Script: Find one public indicator that catches your eye. Copy its code and save it to your computer as a .pine file, just like we discussed in Section 2. It's like saving a recipe you want to try later.

  3. Start Your Backup on GitHub: Now, let's make sure your code is safe and version-controlled. Create a new repository on GitHub and name it something clear, like tradingview-scripts-backup. Make your first commit by adding that .pine file you just saved.

  4. Make It Your Own (The Fun Part!): This is where you start learning by doing. Take the script you saved and "fork" its logic—which is just a fancy way of saying, change one small thing. Try adjusting the length of a moving average or switching a color. Save this new version with a different name, paste it back into TradingView, and see how it behaves.

  5. Stay in the Loop: Pine Script gets updated from time to time. To make sure your saved scripts don't break, subscribe to TradingView's own changelog or update announcements. It's the easiest way to keep your code compatible and running smoothly.

If you're considering alternative platforms for your trading needs, our comparison of TradingView vs Webull: Which Trading Platform Should You Actually Choose in 2025? provides valuable insights into how script downloading and customization features compare across different platforms.