Where do I start with CrossTrade MCP?

Start with the client setup tutorial that matches your AI client of choice (ChatGPT, Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or Cursor), authenticate with mcp:read scope, and run the first read-only prompt to confirm CrossTrade MCP is reaching NinjaTrader 8 through the CrossTrade Add-On. Upgrade to mcp:trade only when a specific workflow needs writes.

Do I need to know how to code to use CrossTrade MCP?

No, for inspection workflows. Journal review, webhook diagnostics, copier diagnostics, and pre-trade briefs all run on natural-language prompts. NinjaScript authoring (vibe coding) does not require you to write C#; the agent drafts the code and CrossTrade MCP compiles and tests it.

How-to · Step-by-step · Verified

CrossTrade MCP How-To Guides for NinjaTrader 8

Practical, step-by-step tutorials for connecting AI agents to NinjaTrader 8 through CrossTrade MCP. Every guide shows screenshots, exact prompts, scope choices, troubleshooting tables, and a safety block. Start with the client you use, then layer on the workflows that pay off first.

Start with ChatGPT → Start with Claude

Connect an AI client

Choose your AI client

ChatGPT

For ChatGPT plans that support remote MCP connectors. OAuth-based, one server URL.

Connect ChatGPT to NinjaTrader 8 →

Claude Desktop

The original MCP client. Best for interactive trading sessions and journal review.

Connect Claude to NinjaTrader 8 →

Claude Code

CLI for NinjaScript authoring. Edits local files and calls MCP tools in one session.

Use Claude Code with NinjaTrader 8 →

Cursor

AI coding IDE with MCP support. Multi-file workspace for strategy drafts.

Use Cursor with NinjaTrader 8 →

Cline

Open AI coding assistant with MCP support.

Use Cline with NinjaTrader 8 →

Continue

Open-source IDE assistant with MCP support.

Use Continue with NinjaTrader 8 →

Authenticate

Authenticate CrossTrade MCP

OAuth 2.1 setup

One URL, one consent screen, no pasted bearer tokens. Dynamic client registration per RFC 7591.

Authenticate CrossTrade MCP →

Pick the right scope

mcp:read for inspection, mcp:trade for writes. The OAuth scope is the floor.

Choose mcp:read vs mcp:trade →

Revoke access

Immediate revocation from the CrossTrade AI Clients page.

Revoke AI client access →

Troubleshoot 401, 403, 408

The three most common errors and the fix for each.

Troubleshoot 401, 403, and 408 →

Start read-only

Run your first read-only AI trading agent

Read-only is where every trader should start. The OAuth scope makes write actions impossible. The workflows that pay off most are inspection-only anyway.

Vibe code NinjaScript

Vibe code, compile, and backtest in one conversation

The compile loop runs inside the chat. The agent calls real NT8 symbols, compiles in memory, repairs errors, writes the file with confirmation, and runs Strategy Analyzer.

Debug

Debug webhooks and trade copier events

Funded futures

Funded futures safety and rule-aware workflows

Funded futures rewards discipline. AI does not change that. CrossTrade MCP gives the agent the scope, state checks, and confirmation gates that make it safer to use, but the firm's rules are still binding.

Order management

Trade-enabled workflows with confirmation gates

Trade-enabled means the agent can place, cancel, or flatten. Every irreversible action should be restated and confirmed before the agent calls the tool.

Edge cases

Special environments

Pick a tutorial. Run it on Sim101 first.

Every guide is read-only first, confirmation-gated for writes, and rule-aware for funded accounts.

Connect ChatGPT → Connect Claude