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TakeProfitTrader NinjaTrader Guide: Complete Setup & Best Practices

Written by Paul

Published on

December 25, 2025

NinjaTrader 8 is the most popular platform among TakeProfitTrader users—roughly 40-50% of TPT traders use it. It's powerful, customizable, and supports advanced features like copy trading across multiple accounts. But the initial setup is confusing if you've never connected a prop firm account. This guide walks you through the entire process, from installation to your first live trade.

Why NinjaTrader Works Well with TPT

Advantages:

Full platform flexibility: Custom indicators, automated strategies, advanced order flow tools all supported
Rithmic integration: Direct connection to TPT's broker infrastructure (low latency, reliable execution)
Copy trading capable: Sync trades across your 5 TPT accounts with Strategy Sync or third-party tools
Professional-grade DOM: SuperDOM with depth-of-market, ladder trading, one-click execution
Market Replay: Practice on historical data before risking live capital in Test phase

Disadvantages:

Cost: $60/month lease or $995 lifetime license
Learning curve: More complex than Tradovate or TradingView for beginners
Rithmic data required: Additional $55/month (CME futures package)

Total monthly cost: $115/month (lease + data) or $55/month (after buying lifetime license).

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Step 1: Download & Install NinjaTrader 8

Go to ninjatrader.com/download
Download NinjaTrader 8 (latest version—8.1.3.1+ as of December 2024)
Install with default settings
Launch NinjaTrader 8

First launch: You'll be prompted to create a free NinjaTrader account (email + password). This is separate from TPT—it's just for accessing NinjaTrader's ecosystem.

Step 2: Get Your TPT Rithmic Credentials

Once you pass Test and activate PRO (or if you're ready to connect Test account):

Log into your TPT dashboard at takeprofittrader.com
Navigate to Accounts → Select your account
Click Connection Details or Rithmic Credentials
You'll see:
- Username: (format: TPT_YourAccountNumber)
- Password: (generated by TPT, usually random string)
- FCM: (Rithmic's clearing firm code, typically "Rithmic Paper Trading" for Test, "Apex Clearing" for PRO/PRO+)
- Server: (typically Rithmic 01 or Rithmic R | Trader Pro)

Copy these credentials exactly—you'll need them in Step 4.

Step 3: Purchase Rithmic Data Feed

If you haven't already:

In NinjaTrader 8, go to Tools → Options → Market Data
Click Subscribe to Market Data
Select Rithmic as provider
Choose CME Package ($55-$75/month depending on options)
Complete payment (credit card or PayPal)

Important: Data subscription is separate from platform license. You need BOTH to trade TPT accounts.

If you already have Rithmic data from another broker: You can usually use the same subscription. Rithmic data is user-based, not broker-specific.

Step 4: Connect TPT Account to NinjaTrader

In NinjaTrader 8, go to Tools → Options → Connections
Under Active connections, click Configure next to "Rithmic" (or click Add if Rithmic isn't listed)
Enter your TPT credentials:
- User: TPT_YourAccountNumber (from Step 2)
- Password: (from Step 2)
- FCM: Select the one TPT provided (Apex Clearing for PRO, Rithmic Paper for Test)
- Server: Rithmic R | Trader Pro (or whichever TPT specified)
Click OK
In the main Connections window, check the box next to Rithmic to activate
Click Connect

Success indicator: Bottom-left of NinjaTrader should show green "Connected" next to Rithmic. Your account balance should populate in the Account dropdown.

Step 5: Verify Account Balance & Positions

Click Account dropdown (top toolbar)
Select your TPT account (should show your account number)
Verify balance matches your TPT dashboard ($50K, $100K, etc.)
Check that Buying Power and Cash Value populate correctly

If balance shows $0 or "disconnected": Re-check credentials in Step 4. Most common error: wrong FCM or password typo.

Recommended NinjaTrader Settings for TPT

Risk Management Settings

TPT has specific rules (trailing drawdown, 5 PM flat rule, etc.). Configure NinjaTrader to help enforce these:

1. Enable Max Position Size Alerts:

Tools → Options → General → Check "Enable order quantity warnings"
Set max contracts to TPT's limit (6 ES for $50K, 8 for $100K, etc.)

2. Set Daily Loss Limits (Optional, for self-discipline):

Even though TPT removed daily loss limits in Jan 2025, you can self-impose one
Tools → Account Performance → Set "Max daily loss" to $500-$1,000 (self-protection)

3. Configure Auto-Flatten Before 5 PM:

Use NinjaTrader's ATM Strategy feature
Set auto-exit at 4:50 PM ET to avoid TPT's 5 PM liquidation rule
Strategies → ATM Strategy → Create new → Add "Time-based Exit" at 16:50 EST

Chart & DOM Setup

Best chart configuration for TPT traders:

Chart 1 (Main): ES or NQ, 5-minute bars, key indicators (EMA 9/21, VWAP, volume)

Chart 2 (Context): Same instrument, 15-minute or 1-hour for trend context

SuperDOM (Order Entry):

Right-click DOM → Properties → Enable "Show PnL"
Enable "Show unrealized PnL" (critical for PRO phase—you need to see real-time unrealized to track intraday drawdown)
Set default quantity to your standard size (1-2 ES for PRO, 2-3 for Test)

Chart Trader (if you prefer chart-based entry):

Right-click chart → Chart Trader → Enable
Set default quantity
Configure one-click buy/sell buttons

Display Your Drawdown in Real-Time

This is critical for PRO phase (intraday trailing).

How to track:

Tools → Account Performance → Select your TPT account
Monitor "Realized P&L" + "Unrealized P&L" = Total P&L
Your minimum balance = (Highest balance today - $3K drawdown)
Calculate manually or use custom indicator (some traders build NinjaScript indicators to display this on chart)

Pro tip: Some NinjaTrader users install custom indicators that show "Distance to Drawdown" in real-time on their chart. Search NinjaTrader forums or Discord for "TPT drawdown indicator."

Copy Trading Setup (Multiple TPT Accounts)

If you have 2+ TPT funded accounts, NinjaTrader's built-in Strategy Sync lets you copy trades.

How to set up:

Designate Master Account: Choose one TPT account as "master" (where you manually trade)
Connect Slave Accounts: Add your other TPT accounts as separate connections in Tools → Options → Connections
Enable Strategy Sync:
- Strategies → Strategy Sync → Add new sync
- Master account: Your primary TPT account
- Slave accounts: Your other TPT accounts
- Sync ratio: 1:1 (or adjust if account sizes differ—e.g., 2:1 if slave is $100K and master is $50K)
Test with 1 micro contract first: Execute a small trade on master, verify it copies to slaves correctly

Alternative: Third-party tools like Trade Copier (paid) or custom NinjaScript strategies offer more control (partial fills, different entry prices, etc.).

Common NinjaTrader + TPT Issues & Fixes

Issue #1: "Connection Lost" During Trading

Cause: Rithmic server disconnect (network issue, server maintenance, etc.)

Fix:

Tools → Options → Connections → Disconnect, wait 10 seconds, Reconnect
If recurring: Check your internet stability, consider using VPS (virtual private server) for trading

Issue #2: Orders Not Filling

Cause: Incorrect order type (limit orders too far from market) or exchange connectivity issue.

Fix:

Use market orders for guaranteed fills (accept slippage)
If using limit orders, place within 1-2 ticks of current bid/ask
Check NinjaTrader's Output window (Tools → Output) for error messages

Issue #3: Account Balance Not Updating

Cause: Rithmic data delay or connection issue with TPT's clearing firm.

Fix:

Disconnect and reconnect (Step 4 above)
Cross-reference balance with TPT dashboard—if dashboard shows correct balance but NT doesn't, it's a display issue (refresh by reconnecting)

Issue #4: Can't See TPT Account in Dropdown

Cause: Wrong FCM selected or credentials incorrect.

Fix:

Re-check TPT dashboard for exact FCM name (Apex Clearing vs Rithmic Paper—these are different)
Re-enter password (copy-paste to avoid typos)
Contact TPT support for updated credentials (sometimes they rotate passwords)

Issue #5: Market Replay Not Working with TPT Account

Cause: Market Replay uses simulated data, not live TPT accounts.

Fix: Disconnect from Rithmic, switch to "Sim101" account (NinjaTrader's built-in simulator), use Market Replay there. You can't replay on actual TPT accounts.

Best Practices for NinjaTrader + TPT

✅ Always check connection status before trading. Green "Connected" bottom-left = good. Red/yellow = don't trade until reconnected.

✅ Set price alerts near your drawdown threshold. NinjaTrader can alert you when balance drops within $500 of minimum—gives you time to close positions manually.

✅ Use ATM strategies for auto-management. Set profit targets and stop losses automatically—reduces emotional decision-making.

✅ Close all positions by 4:50 PM. TPT liquidates at 5 PM. NinjaTrader won't auto-close for you unless you configure ATM time-based exits.

✅ Enable "Show unrealized P&L" on SuperDOM. In PRO, unrealized moves affect your minimum balance in real-time. You need to see this.

✅ Back up your workspaces. File → Workspaces → Save. If NinjaTrader crashes or you switch computers, you can reload your exact chart/DOM setup.

✅ Test copy trading with micros first. Before copying 5 ES contracts across 5 accounts (50 ES total exposure), test with 1 micro to verify sync works correctly.

NinjaTrader Alternatives (When It's NOT the Right Choice)

Consider Tradovate instead if:

You can't afford $115/month ongoing costs
You're a beginner and NinjaTrader feels overwhelming
You trade simple setups (don't need custom indicators)

Consider Sierra Chart instead if:

You're an order flow specialist (Sierra's footprint tools are superior)
You want cheaper platform fees ($36/month vs $60)
You prioritize execution speed over pretty charts

Stick with NinjaTrader if:

You already own the lifetime license ($995 paid)
You run custom indicators or automated strategies
You're copy trading multiple accounts (NT's Strategy Sync is best-in-class)
You value the ecosystem (massive community, indicator marketplace, etc.)

The Bottom Line

NinjaTrader 8 is the gold standard for serious TPT traders. The setup takes 15-30 minutes, costs $115/month (or $55/month after lifetime license), and gives you professional-grade tools that Tradovate and TradingView can't match.

Follow the 5-step setup process above, configure your risk management settings, and you're ready to trade. If you're running multiple TPT accounts, NinjaTrader's copy trading capabilities are unmatched—one trade execution across 5 accounts in milliseconds.

The learning curve is real, but the control and customization pay off. Most traders who start with Tradovate eventually graduate to NinjaTrader once they're consistently profitable and scaling. Might as well skip the stepping stone and start with the platform you'll use long-term.