Prop Firm Connection Guide
This guide covers the connection process for NinjaTrader 8 with various prop firms that CrossTrade users commonly work with. While the general process is similar across most firms, there are specific configuration differences that are important to understand.
General Requirements (All Firms)
Download NinjaTrader 8.1+
Stable internet connection (use a VPS if needed)
Active prop firm account (credentials emailed by Firm)
Enable Multi-Provider Mode
Open NinjaTrader Desktop
Login with your NinjaTrader credentials
Go to Tools > Options > General
Check Multi-provider box
Click Apply > OK
Restart NinjaTrader (critical step)
Configure Data Connection
Go to Connections > Configure
Select appropriate connection type from "Available" list
Click Add to move to "Configured" section
Enter your prop firm credentials
Configure specific settings (see firm-specific details below)
Firm-Specific Connection Details
Apex Trader Funding
Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage OR NinjaTrader (for Tradovate)
Rithmic Setup:
Download Apex Rithmic RTrader Pro
Login to RTrader Pro first with Apex credentials
In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"
Account Type: Simulation
Uncheck "Plug-in mode for market data"
Tradovate Setup:
First login to trader.tradovate.com with Apex Tradovate credentials
Sign all required agreements for data activation (wait up to 4 hours)
In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
Account Type: Simulation
Enter your APEX_XXXX username and password
Guide Links:
Bulenox
Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage
Setup:
Download and setup Rithmic RTrader Pro
Login to RTrader Pro with Bulenox credentials
Accept Rithmic agreements
In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"
Uncheck "Plug-in mode for market data"
Rename connection to "Bulenox"
Disable Global Simulation Mode: Tools > Global Simulation Mode (uncheck)
Guide Link: Bulenox Connection Guide
Take Profit Trader
Connection Type: NinjaTrader (CQG) OR Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage
CQG Setup:
Select "NinjaTrader" connection
Account Type: Simulation
Enter Take Profit Trader CQG credentials
Rithmic Setup:
Download RTrader Pro
Connect to RTrader Pro first
Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"
Note: Take Profit Trader offers both CQG and Rithmic data feeds. Choose based on your account type.
Guide Link: Take Profit Trader Connection Instructions
BluSky Trading Company
Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage
Setup:
Download Rithmic RTrader Pro
Login to RTrader Pro with BluSky credentials
Minimize RTrader Pro (keep running)
In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
Enter BluSky credentials
System: "Rithmic Paper Trading (Chicago)"
Account Type: Simulation
Guide Link: BluSky Connection Guide
Earn2Trade
Connection Type: Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage
Setup:
Complete account setup in Earn2Trade dashboard (select exchanges)
Download RTrader Pro
Login to RTrader Pro with Rithmic credentials from E2T email
Ensure Market Data is OFF and Plugin mode is OFF in RTrader
Gateway: Chicago Area
In NinjaTrader: Select "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage"
System: "Rithmic Paper Trading - Chicago gateway"
Enter Rithmic credentials (not Earn2Trade login credentials)
Guide Link: Earn2Trade Rithmic Connection Guide
Tradeify
Connection Type: NinjaTrader (Tradovate)
Setup:
First login to trader.tradovate.com with Tradeify credentials
Sign Non-Professional Data Agreement (critical for live data)
Wait up to 15 minutes for data activation
In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
Account Type: Simulation
Enter Tradeify Tradovate credentials
Enable "multi provider" in NinjaTrader options if connection not visible
Guide Link: Tradeify NinjaTrader Guide
My Funded Futures
Connection Type: NinjaTrader (Tradovate)
Setup:
Login to trader.tradovate.com with MFFU credentials
Sign live market data agreement
In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
Enter MFFU credentials from dashboard
Account Type: Simulation
Connection should show green light when successful
Guide Link: My Funded Futures NinjaTrader Instructions
TradeDay
Connection Type: NinjaTrader (Tradovate/CQG)
Setup:
Login to Tradovate via TradeDay credentials first
Sign market data agreement form in Tradovate
Ensure Order Flow tools are enabled in Tradovate settings
In NinjaTrader: Select "NinjaTrader"
Account Type: Simulation (for evaluation) or Live (for funded accounts)
Enter TradeDay credentials
Guide Links:
Important Connection Notes
Data Feed Types
Rithmic: Most common for prop firms (Apex, Bulenox, BluSky, Earn2Trade)
Tradovate/CQG: Used by some firms (Apex Tradovate accounts, My Funded Futures, TradeDay, Tradeify)
License Requirements
NinjaTrader 8.1+: No license key required for most prop firm connections
NinjaTrader 8.0: May require importing license key from prop firm
Multi-Provider: Must be enabled to connect to prop firm accounts alongside personal accounts
Connection Limitations
Only ONE Rithmic connection can be active at a time
Multiple Tradovate connections can run simultaneously
To switch between Rithmic prop firms: Disconnect → Close NinjaTrader → Reopen → Connect to new firm
Troubleshooting Tips
Always start RTrader Pro before NinjaTrader (for Rithmic connections)
Sign all data agreements in web platforms first
Wait for data activation (can take hours; but usually only several minutes)
Check firewall exceptions for NinjaTrader and prop firm software
Restart NinjaTrader after enabling Multi-Provider mode
Use exact credentials - avoid copying extra spaces
Connection Status 🟢
Green circle: Successfully connected and ready to trade
Yellow circle: Attempting connection or temporary issue
Red circle: Connection failed - check credentials and internet
No circle/Transparent: Completely disconnected
Last updated