DMI

DMI compares positive and negative directional movement. SteadyEdge exposes +DI, -DI, and their signed spread as separate filter types.

What this is

- dmi_plus measures positive directional movement.

- dmi_minus measures negative directional movement.

- dmi_spread calculates +DI - -DI .

A positive spread means +DI is higher; a negative spread means -DI is higher. DMI describes direction balance, while ADX is better suited to trend strength.

When to use it

Use +DI or -DI to require a minimum directional reading. Use the spread to express direction relative to zero or to detect a new change in directional dominance.

Before you start

- All three filters default to di_length: 14 .

- +DI and -DI support above and below and default to value 20 .

- The spread supports above , below , cross_above , and cross_below and defaults to 0 .

- A positive spread does not prove that a trend is strong.

Step by step

Step 1: Choose the DMI form

Choose DMI +DI for upward movement, DMI -DI for downward movement, or DMI Spread when the relationship between them matters.

Step 2: Set DI Length

A shorter length reacts faster but changes direction more often. A longer length is steadier but later.

Step 3: Choose the operator

For spread, above 0 represents +DI dominance and below 0 represents -DI dominance. Crossing zero tests only the candle where dominance changes.

What you should see

The rule should pass only when the selected DMI series satisfies its condition. Add ADX if the setup also needs minimum trend strength.

Common mistakes

- treating +DI above -DI as proof of a durable uptrend

- using both +DI and spread when they express the same condition

- expecting a crossing rule to remain true after the crossing candle

- confusing direction with strength

Related articles

- Filters Reference

- ADX

- EMA Crossover