NinjaTrader 8 Chart Trader Basics
Chart Trader lets you place and manage trades directly from your chart. If the DOM feels too fast or too chaotic, Chart Trader gives you a calmer, visual way to execute. It’s slower than the DOM but far easier for beginners. This guide breaks down exactly how to use it without overcomplicating anything.
How to Open Chart Trader
On any chart:
- Click the Chart Trader button on the top toolbar
- Or press CTRL + T
You’ll see a trading panel appear on the right side of the chart. That’s Chart Trader.
Understanding the Chart Trader Panel
Chart Trader has a clean structure:
| Section | Function |
|---|---|
| Account | Select SIM, eval, or live account |
| Quantity | Number of contracts |
| Order Type | Market, Limit, Stop Market, Stop Limit |
| ATM Strategy | Attach stop/target brackets automatically |
| Buy/Sell Panel | Main execution buttons |
| Flatten/Close/Reverse | Emergency and fast-action buttons |
Placing Orders Directly on the Chart
You can click directly on the chart to place orders:
- Left-click above price → Sell Limit
- Left-click below price → Buy Limit
- Right-click above price → Buy Stop
- Right-click below price → Sell Stop
This is the cleanest way to enter visually. You can see the level you’re aiming for instead of typing numbers into a box like NinjaTrader 7 made everyone do.
Selecting Order Type in Chart Trader
The Order Type dropdown includes the main four:
- Market – fills immediately
- Limit – price must touch your limit
- Stop Market – used for breakout entries/stops
- Stop Limit – dangerous for exits, safe for entries
For stop-losses, always use Stop Market. Stop Limit on a stop-loss will eventually get you blown out.
Using ATM Strategies with Chart Trader
At the top of Chart Trader you’ll see an ATM Strategy dropdown. This is where you attach brackets.
An ATM strategy controls:
- Stop-loss placement
- Target placement
- Auto-breakeven behavior
- Auto-trail rules
- OCO link (One Cancels Other)
If you’re trading evaluations, never run Chart Trader with ATM set to “None.” Attach a bracket every time so you’re never naked in the market.
Managing Live Orders on the Chart
Once your order fills, you'll see:
- Your entry line
- Your stop-loss line
- Your target line(s)
You can drag any of these lines:
- Drag stop-loss to tighten risk
- Drag target to adjust profit
- CTRL + drag to edit size on multi-target ATMs
These updates fire instantly without reopening the Chart Trader menu.
Flatten, Close, Reverse
The bottom section gives you fast control tools:
- Flatten: kills the position and cancels orders
- Close: closes the position but leaves working orders (rarely use this)
- Reverse: flips your position instantly
If you're in trouble, hit Flatten. Don’t negotiate with price.
Common Chart Trader Mistakes
- Wrong account selected (SIM vs live vs eval)
- ATM set to None (you enter naked)
- Stop-limit used for exits (dangerous)
- Wrong instrument month (chart is dead)
- Dragging orders without realizing you moved them
Always do a pre-trade check before clicking anything.
Final Thoughts
Chart Trader is the easiest way to trade on NinjaTrader 8 if you want a visual, clean execution flow. It's slower than the DOM but far easier to learn. Once you master ATMs and basic chart interaction, Chart Trader becomes a powerful tool for both beginners and intermediate futures traders.