Does NinjaTrader Have Automated Trading? Step-by-Step Guide to Easy Automation

Automated trading can feel like a blessing — allowing your strategies to run while you focus on other priorities. However, setting up automated trading in NinjaTrader can become overwhelming, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the correct approaches. The platform’s advanced features, complex synchronisation issues, hidden costs, and steep learning curve often leave users feeling stuck and frustrated. 

If you are wondering, “Does NinjaTrader have automated trading?” the answer is a definite yes — but succeeding with it requires proper guidance. In this article, we will explore NinjaTrader’s automation features, provide practical tips for success, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and guide you on how to get started, even if you are a complete beginner. 

By the end of this post, you will feel more confident about building and managing your own automated strategies without stress or confusion. We will walk you through everything you need to know, using plain and simple language. 

Automated Trading in NinjaTrader 

NinjaTrader absolutely supports automated trading and one of the main reasons why many traders choose NinjaTrader over other platforms. It offers powerful tools for both beginners and advanced users who want to automate their trading strategies easily and efficiently. Let’s take a closer look at what makes NinjaTrader a strong choice for automation. 

Overview of NinjaTrader’s Automation Capabilities 

NinjaTrader is built to handle everything from simple trade management to fully automated strategies. You can: 

• Create your own bots 
• Backtest strategies against historical data 
• Manage trades automatically without constant screen-watching 

Whether you want to automate a simple moving average crossover or a complex multi-indicator system, NinjaTrader gives you the tools you need. 

Built-in Automation Tools 

NinjaTrader provides three main automation tools: 

Tip: If you are new to automated trading, start with Strategy Builder. It is designed to be simple and user-friendly without needing any coding skills. 

Suggestion for Advanced Users: If you know a little programming, using NinjaScript unlocks deeper customisation and flexibility. 

Third-Party Integrations for Automation 

NinjaTrader does not limit you to its own tools. It supports integration with third-party applications to automate even more complex workflows. 

Popular options include: 

• CrossTrade.io: Use TradingView alerts to automatically execute trades in NinjaTrader 
• Other APIs: Connect external data feeds, trading signals, or automation engines 

Important Tip: Always test third-party connections in a simulation environment before trusting them with real money. 

Compatibility with External Platforms 

Many traders love using TradingView for charting and analysis. With tools like CrossTrade, you can set up TradingView alerts that send orders directly to NinjaTrader for execution. This approach gives you the best of both worlds by combining TradingView’s easy-to-use charting capabilities with NinjaTrader’s fast and reliable trade execution. 

Now that you know NinjaTrader supports automation, let's explore the different methods you can use to automate your trading strategy — even if you are just getting started! 

Different Methods for Automation in NinjaTrader 

1. Using NinjaScript Programming 

NinjaScript is NinjaTrader’s own programming language, based on C#. It is perfect if you want full control over your strategies. 

With NinjaScript, you can: 

• Code custom indicators 
• Build complex trading bots 
• Create unique entry and exit rules 

When is coding necessary in NinjaTrader? 

In NinjaTrader, coding becomes necessary in the following situations: 

• When you require features or functionalities that are not available through the standard options offered by the Strategy Builder. 
• When your trading strategy needs to respond to multiple complex conditions or utilise custom data inputs that basic tools cannot accommodate. 

Tip: Even basic C# skills can unlock a huge amount of power. If you plan to automate seriously, investing some time in learning NinjaScript is worth it. 

2. Strategy Builder (No-Code Option) 

If coding sounds scary, don’t worry! The Strategy Builder lets you create strategies without writing code. 

You simply: 

• Choose conditions (e.g., "price crosses moving average") 
• Set actions (e.g., "buy one contract") 
• Define stops and targets visually 

It’s an excellent starting point for beginners who want quick results. 

Pro Tip: Always backtest your Strategy Builder setup before using it live. 

3. Automated Trade Management (ATM) Strategies 

ATM strategies are another smart way to automate without coding. They focus on managing your trade after it’s placed, not deciding when to enter. 

You can: 

• Set fixed stops and targets 
• Add trailing stops to lock in profits 
• Automatically move stops to breakeven 

When should you use an ATM strategy instead of full automation? 

You should consider using an ATM (Advanced Trade Management) strategy instead of full automation in the following situations: 

• When you prefer to manually select your trade entries but still want your risk management — such as stop-loss and profit targets — to be handled automatically. 
• When the markets are moving very quickly, and you require instant placement of stops and targets to protect your position without delay. 

4. Third-Party Connections (e.g., TradingView Alerts) 

Want to use TradingView charts but execute trades in NinjaTrader? You can link TradingView alerts to NinjaTrader using services like CrossTrade. However, keep in mind: 

• There may be small delays (latency) between alert and execution. 
• Prices could change slightly between the two platforms. 

Suggestion: Use third-party connections for swing trading or longer time frames where slight delays don’t matter much. Now that you know the methods available, let's tackle some common reader questions before setting up your first automated strategy. 

Common Reader Queries Answered 

Before you launch into automated trading with NinjaTrader, it’s natural to have a few important questions. Let’s go through the most common ones and clear up any confusion. 

Can beginners automate trading on NinjaTrader without coding? 

Yes, absolutely! You do not need to be a programmer to automate trades. Using NinjaTrader’s Strategy Builder, you can: 

• Set entry and exit rules visually 
• Define stops and targets 
• Build complete strategies without writing a single line of code 

Tip: Start with simple strategies first. Build your confidence before trying advanced setups. 

How accurate is NinjaTrader’s backtesting for automated strategies? 

NinjaTrader’s backtesting is very accurate if set up properly. 

For the best results: 

• Use tick-by-tick data instead of just minute or daily data. 
• Account for slippage and commission costs during backtesting. 
• Avoid overfitting — test across different years and market conditions. 

Pro tip: Backtesting is great, but always follow it with a live Simulation Mode test before real trading. 

What is the best way to monitor an automated strategy while travelling? 

You have a few options: 

• Mobile alerts: NinjaTrader can send alerts to your email or phone. 
• Remote access: Use apps like Microsoft Remote Desktop to log into your home computer securely. 
• VPS hosting: Some traders rent a Virtual Private Server (VPS) so their NinjaTrader runs 24/7, even if their home internet goes down. 

Suggestion: Set up multiple alert types (email + SMS) for important issues like disconnections or errors. 

Can NinjaTrader run multiple automated strategies at the same time? 

Yes, it can! You can run several strategies together on different instruments (like one on gold, another on the S&P 500). 

Caution: If you apply multiple strategies to the same instrument (like two on EUR/USD), be careful. They might interfere with each other unless managed carefully. 

How to integrate TradingView signals with NinjaTrader? 

You can use services like CrossTrade.io. It works like this: 

• Create an alert in TradingView 
• CrossTrade picks it up 
• It automatically sends an order to NinjaTrader 

Important Tip: Expect a small delay between the TradingView alert and NinjaTrader order. Best suited for swing or daily trading, not fast scalping. 

Setting Up Your First Automated Strategy 

Now that you know the methods available in NinjaTrader, it’s time to talk about setting up your first automated strategy. But before you jump in, it’s important to avoid the common mistakes that many beginners make. Let’s go through it step-by-step. 

Synchronising Strategy with Live Positions 

One of the most confusing issues for new users is synchronisation. This happens when your live trading account and your strategy’s internal tracking do not match. Imagine your strategy thinks you have no trades open — but you actually have an open position. This mismatch can cause unexpected trades or even big losses. 

How to avoid it: 

• Always start your strategy when no live positions are open. 
• If you must start mid-session, manually sync your strategy with your real position. 

Tip: NinjaTrader will show a synchronisation warning when starting a strategy. Never ignore it. Always double-check. 

Choosing Between Simulation and Live Trading 

It’s exciting to watch your strategy make trades. But before you risk real money, always test in Simulation Mode. 

Simulation Mode Benefits: 

• No real money at risk 
• Test strategies under real market conditions 
• Identify errors without stress 

Once you are confident your strategy works correctly, then move it to live trading. 

Avoiding Overfitting When Backtesting 

Backtesting is a great tool, but it has a hidden danger called overfitting. Overfitting means building a strategy that performs perfectly in the past but badly in real trading. 

How to avoid overfitting: 

• Test your strategy over many years of historical data. 
• Use different types of markets (trending, sideways, volatile). 
• Avoid making too many tweaks just to fit past data. 

Tip: A simple, robust strategy usually performs better than a complex, overfitted one. 

Monitoring and Troubleshooting Your Strategy 

Even the best automated strategies need monitoring. 

Watch for: 

• Connection drops 
• Orders that do not fill 
• Strategy shutting down unexpectedly 

Tip: Set up email or mobile alerts in NinjaTrader so you get notified immediately if something goes wrong. 

Now that you know how to set up your strategy safely, let's talk about hidden costs and limitations you must know before going fully live. 

Hidden Costs and Limitations You Need to Know 

Before you go fully live with NinjaTrader’s automated trading, it’s important to understand the real costs involved. Many traders get caught off-guard because they assume everything is free — but that’s not the full story. 

NinjaTrader’s Pricing Model 

NinjaTrader offers three types of access: 

Important: You can build and test strategies for free. But to trade live with automation, you need either a lease or a lifetime licence. 

Tip: If you are starting out, try the lease option first. It’s lower risk and gives you full features without a big upfront cost. 

Other Hidden Costs 

Besides the licence fee, there are a few more things to budget for: 

• Brokerage commissions: Every live trade costs a fee. NinjaTrader Brokerage and others charge per trade. 
• Market data subscriptions: To access real-time data (futures, stocks, forex), you may need to pay monthly fees. 
• Third-party add-ons: Some custom indicators, strategy packs, or external tools cost extra. 

Limitations to Be Aware of 

• Learning Curve: Setting up automated strategies properly takes time and practice. 
• Upgrades and Compatibility: Sometimes NinjaTrader upgrades may need revalidation of your strategies. 
• Internet and Server Dependency: A stable internet connection is critical. Automation can fail if your connection drops. 

Now that you know the costs and limits, let’s move to advanced tips that will help you automate successfully and safely! 

Advanced Tips for Successful Automated Trading on NinjaTrader 

You now understand the tools, setup, and costs of automation. But to really succeed, you need more than just starting correctly — you need to run your strategies smartly and safely. Here are some advanced tips to help you stay ahead. 

Error Handling and Building Resilience 

Even the best strategy can face unexpected problems — internet outages, broker issues, or platform crashes. 

How to prepare: 

• Add error checks inside your NinjaScript code. 
• Build simple "heartbeat" functions to make sure your strategy is running. 
• Set up email or SMS alerts in NinjaTrader for critical failures. 

Tip: Always have a manual backup plan. Know how to close trades manually if needed. 

Strategy Persistence and Recovery After Crashes 

Sometimes NinjaTrader or your computer may crash. If your strategy does not "remember" what it was doing, you could lose track of open trades. 

Solution: 

• Use NinjaTrader’s strategy persistence features. 
• Save important variables so your strategy can reload properly after a restart. 

Suggestion: Test your strategy recovery setup in simulation before trusting it with real money. 

Adapting to Volatile Market Conditions 

Markets do not always behave the same way. A strategy that works in calm conditions may fail during news events or sudden volatility. 

How to stay flexible: 

• Test your strategy during high volatility periods (e.g., market openings, major news). 
• Build adjustable settings (e.g., wider stops when volatility increases). 
• Monitor live trades and be ready to pause automation if conditions become extreme. 

Performance Optimisation Tips 

Automation is only as good as the speed and efficiency of your platform. 

Ways to keep NinjaTrader running fast: 

• Close unnecessary charts or workspaces. 
• Optimise your NinjaScript code to reduce heavy calculations. 
• Use lightweight indicators when possible. 

Tip: Always reboot your platform daily if you are running multiple strategies — it helps keep performance smooth.

Custom Programming and Courses 

If you truly want to master automated trading with NinjaTrader, learning custom programming offered by Rize Capital is a game-changer. When you understand the basics and try out all the pre-built programs, customising your indicators and strategies becomes a necessity to step up in the game. So, for traders eager to go beyond simple automation, investing time in a NinjaScript programming course from Rize Capital can open up limitless possibilities. With even basic coding skills, you can design unique indicators, automate complex trading strategies, backtest ideas more precisely, and fine-tune your system for maximum performance. 

Final Thoughts: 

NinjaTrader fully supports automated trading through a wide range of powerful tools — from NinjaScript and Strategy Builder to ATM strategies and third-party integrations. But success is not just about switching automation on. It is about understanding how to manage synchronisation properly, handling errors smartly, and avoiding the mistakes that can lead to costly setbacks. 

Next step: Try for yourself and remember to follow the guidelines to avoid countering troubles while using the platform. Get enrolled in a course, and/or look for custom programming service where you will be helped by the experts to build your desired strategy, indicator, or tool.