NinjaTrader Data Series Basics
The Data Series window controls the core behavior of every chart in NinjaTrader. Bar type, bar value, session template, candle colors, wick thickness, tick replay, days to load—it's all here. If you learn this window properly, your charts will load faster, look cleaner, and behave exactly how you want.
How to Open the Data Series Window
Right-click on any chart → Data Series…
This single window handles the majority of chart configuration.
Core Settings You Should Understand
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Instrument | ES, MNQ, CL, etc. |
| Type | Minute, Tick, Range, Volume, Renko, Heiken Ashi |
| Value | 5-minute, 1500-tick, 10-range, etc. |
| Trading Hours | RTH, ETH, 24/7 templates |
| Days to Load | Amount of history pulled |
| Tick Replay | Required for some indicators |
| Chart Color Options | Bar up/down, borders, wicks |
These settings control how the bars form and how the chart performs.
Selecting Bar Type
The “Type” dropdown is where you choose:
- Minute – time-based bars
- Tick – volume-based bars
- Range – movement-based bars
- Volume – contracts traded
- Renko – fixed-size brick charts
Most futures traders stick to:
- 1-minute
- 5-minute
- 1500-tick
- 10-range
Pick the bar type that matches your style. Don’t mix 20 different types in one workspace unless you like confusion.
Bar Value Explained
The “Value” field controls how big each bar is. Examples:
- 1-minute → value = 1
- 1500-tick → value = 1500
- 10-range → value = 10
Small values = more bars, more detail. Large values = slower bars, bigger swings.
Trading Hours Templates
This controls what session times the chart uses.
- Default 24/7 – continuous chart
- US Equities RTH – 9:30–16:00 ET only
- CME ETH – regular futures extended hours
Futures traders typically use CME ETH (the standard full session template).
If your chart looks like it’s missing data, the trading hours template is usually the reason.
Days to Load
This is exactly what it sounds like: how much historical data the chart loads.
- Too big = slow charts
- Too small = missing context
Good defaults:
- Minute charts: 30 days
- Tick charts: 5–10 days
- Range charts: 10–20 days
Tick charts load heavy data — don’t try to load 60 days of it unless you hate yourself.
Tick Replay
Tick Replay reconstructs bars tick-by-tick for indicators that depend on intrabar movement.
Important notes:
- Tick Replay slows down loading
- Not all indicators need it
- Only enable it if your indicator requires it
You can toggle it at the bottom of the Data Series window.
Candle and Bar Colors
Inside Data Series you can change:
- Bar Color Up
- Bar Color Down
- Candle Outline
- Wick Color
- Plot width and style
Most traders save a default style and reuse it across workspaces.
To learn chart templates, check out your chart templates article.
Performance Settings
At the bottom of the Data Series window:
- Load data based on (bars or days)
- Show session break
- Tick Replay
These impact chart speed more than anything else.
Final Thoughts
The Data Series window is where your chart starts. If you understand bar types, session templates, bar values, and performance settings, you’ll avoid 90% of chart problems that beginners run into. Master this window early and everything else gets easier.