How To Guides

NinjaTrader 8 Connection Guide for Prop Firm Traders

Learn how to connect NinjaTrader 8 for prop firm trading with our step-by-step guide. We cover connection setup and tips to ensure smooth performance for funded and evaluation accounts.

NinjaTrader 8 Connection Guide for Prop Firm Traders
NT8 Connection Guide

Overview

This guide covers the connection process for NinjaTrader 8 with various prop firms that CrossTrade users commonly work with. While the general process is similar across most firms, there are specific configuration differences that are important to understand.

General Requirements (All Firms)

  • NinjaTrader 8.1+ (latest version recommended)
  • Windows operating system
  • Stable internet connection (use a VPS if needed)
  • Active prop firm account

Universal Setup Steps

1. Create NinjaTrader Account

  1. Go to NinjaTrader.com and click "Sign Up"
  2. Enter your email and create account (don't use Google/Apple sign-in)
  3. Verify your email address
  4. Create username and password
  5. Download NinjaTrader Desktop from your account dashboard

2. Enable Multi-Provider Mode

  1. Open NinjaTrader Desktop
  2. Login with your NinjaTrader credentials
  3. Go to Tools > Options > General
  4. Check Multi-provider box
  5. Click Apply > OK
  6. Restart NinjaTrader (critical step)
enabling multi-provider mode in ninjatrader 8 settings
Multi-provider Mode

3. Configure Connection

  1. Go to Connections > Configure
  2. Select appropriate connection type from "Available" list
  3. Click Add to move to "Configured" section
  4. Enter your prop firm credentials
  5. Configure specific settings (see firm-specific details below)
ninjatrader 8 connections window with available data feed options
Establish Data Connection

Firm-Specific Connection Details

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This guide covers the most common prop firms used by CrossTrade users. Connection requirements may change, so always refer to the official prop firm documentation for the most current setup instructions.

Apex Trader Funding

Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage OR NinjaTrader (for Tradovate)

Rithmic Setup:

  • Download Apex Rithmic RTrader Pro
  • Login to RTrader Pro first with Apex credentials
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
  • System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"
  • Account Type: Simulation
  • Uncheck "Plug-in mode for market data"

Tradovate Setup:

  • First login to trader.tradovate.com with Apex Tradovate credentials
  • Sign all required agreements for data activation (wait up to 4 hours)
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
  • Account Type: Simulation
  • Enter your APEX_XXXX username and password

Guide Links:

Bulenox

Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage

Setup:

  • Download and setup Rithmic RTrader Pro
  • Login to RTrader Pro with Bulenox credentials
  • Accept Rithmic agreements
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
  • System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"
  • Uncheck "Plug-in mode for market data"
  • Rename connection to "Bulenox"
  • Disable Global Simulation Mode: Tools > Global Simulation Mode (uncheck)

Guide Link: Bulenox Connection Guide

Take Profit Trader

Connection Type: NinjaTrader (CQG) OR Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage

CQG Setup:

  • Select "NinjaTrader" connection
  • Account Type: Simulation
  • Enter Take Profit Trader CQG credentials

Rithmic Setup:

  • Download RTrader Pro
  • Connect to RTrader Pro first
  • Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
  • System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"

Note: Take Profit Trader offers both CQG and Rithmic data feeds. Choose based on your account type.

Guide Link: Take Profit Trader Connection Instructions

BluSky Trading Company

Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage

Setup:

  • Download Rithmic RTrader Pro
  • Login to RTrader Pro with BluSky credentials
  • Minimize RTrader Pro (keep running)
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
  • Enter BluSky credentials
  • System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"
  • Account Type: Simulation

Guide Link: BluSky Connection Guide

Earn2Trade

Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage

Setup:

  • Complete account setup in Earn2Trade dashboard (select exchanges)
  • Download RTrader Pro
  • Login to RTrader Pro with Rithmic credentials from E2T email
  • Ensure Market Data is OFF and Plugin mode is OFF in RTrader
  • Gateway: Chicago Area
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
  • System: "Rithmic Paper Trading - Chicago gateway"
  • Enter Rithmic credentials (not Earn2Trade login credentials)

Guide Link: Earn2Trade Rithmic Connection Guide

Tradeify

Connection Type: NinjaTrader (Tradovate)

Setup:

  • First login to trader.tradovate.com with Tradeify credentials
  • Sign Non-Professional Data Agreement (critical for live data)
  • Wait up to 15 minutes for data activation
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
  • Account Type: Simulation
  • Enter Tradify Tradovate credentials
  • Enable "multi provider" in NinjaTrader options if connection not visible

Guide Link: Tradify NinjaTrader Guide

My Funded Futures

Connection Type: NinjaTrader (Tradovate)

Setup:

  • Login to trader.tradovate.com with MFFU credentials
  • Sign live market data agreement
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
  • Enter MFFU credentials from dashboard
  • Account Type: Simulation
  • Connection should show green light when successful

Guide Link: My Funded Futures NinjaTrader Instructions

TradeDay

Connection Type: NinjaTrader (Tradovate/CQG)

Setup:

  • Login to Tradovate via TradeDay credentials first
  • Sign market data agreement form in Tradovate
  • Ensure Order Flow tools are enabled in Tradovate settings
  • In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
  • Account Type: Simulation (for evaluation) or Live (for funded accounts)
  • Enter TradeDay credentials

Guide Links:

Important Connection Notes

Data Feed Types

  • Rithmic: Most common for prop firms (Apex, Bulenox, BluSky, Earn2Trade)
  • Tradovate/CQG: Used by some firms (Apex Tradovate accounts, My Funded Futures, TradeDay, Tradeify)

License Requirements

  • NinjaTrader 8.1+: No license key required for most prop firm connections
  • NinjaTrader 8.0: May require importing license key from prop firm
  • Multi-Provider: Must be enabled to connect to prop firm accounts alongside personal accounts

Connection Limitations

  • Only ONE Rithmic connection can be active at a time
  • Multiple Tradovate connections can run simultaneously
  • To switch between Rithmic prop firms: Disconnect → Close NinjaTrader → Reopen → Connect to new firm

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Always start RTrader Pro before NinjaTrader (for Rithmic connections)
  2. Sign all data agreements in web platforms first
  3. Wait for data activation (can take hours; but usually only several minutes)
  4. Check firewall exceptions for NinjaTrader and prop firm software
  5. Restart NinjaTrader after enabling Multi-Provider mode
  6. Use exact credentials - avoid copying extra spaces

Connection Status 🟢

  • Green circle: Successfully connected and ready to trade
  • Yellow circle: Attempting connection or temporary issue
  • Red circle: Connection failed - check credentials and internet
  • No circle/Transparent: Completely disconnected
💡
BONUS: If you plan to trade with NT8, you should learn how to optimize it for the best experience... Read More

CrossTrade Integration

Once your prop firm account is connected to NinjaTrader 8, you can seamlessly integrate CrossTrade to send trading signals directly to your funded accounts. This allows you to:

  • Execute trades in NT8 from external platforms like TradingView
  • Manage multiple prop firm accounts efficiently
  • Establish account-based controls and safeguards using the NT Account Manager to dominate your prop evaluation

For CrossTrade setup with your connected prop firm accounts, check out our Set Up Guide

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