Pattern library.
Visual reference for all Elliott Wave patterns per Elliott Wave theory.
Elliott Wave patterns fall into two families: motive patterns (impulses and diagonals) that drive the trend in five waves, and corrective patterns (zigzags, flats, triangles and combinations) that move against it in three. This guide shows each one with the hard rules and Fibonacci proportions that confirm or invalidate it.
Motive patterns have five waves and carry the trend; corrective patterns have three and retrace it. Knowing which family you're in tells you whether the move is likely to continue or reverse.
The most common motive wave. 5 waves in the trend direction. Waves 1, 3, 5 are motive (blue); Waves 2, 4 are corrective (amber). Wave 3 is almost always the longest and strongest. Wave 4 must NOT enter Wave 1 price territory.
Limitations & how to use it well
- Pattern identification is subjective in real time — a developing flat and triangle can look alike until the final wave.
- Fibonacci proportions are tendencies, not guarantees — use them to set expectations, not exact entries.
- Always pair a pattern with its invalidation level so a wrong read is cheap to exit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between motive and corrective patterns?
Motive patterns (impulses and diagonals) move in the direction of the larger trend in five waves; corrective patterns (zigzags, flats, triangles, combinations) move against it in three waves.
How do I tell a zigzag from a flat?
A zigzag (5-3-5) is a sharp correction where wave B retraces only part of wave A; a flat (3-3-5) is sideways, with wave B retracing most or all of wave A before wave C completes the move.
What confirms or invalidates a pattern?
Each pattern has hard rules (e.g. an impulse's wave 4 cannot overlap wave 1) and typical Fibonacci proportions. Meeting the rules keeps the pattern valid; breaking a hard rule invalidates it and forces an alternate count.