# 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) <a href="#general-requirements-all-firms" id="general-requirements-all-firms"></a>

* Download [NinjaTrader 8.1+](https://support.ninjatrader.com/s/article/NinjaTrader-Desktop-Installation-Guide?language=en_US)
* Stable internet connection (use a [VPS](https://docs.crosstrade.io/getting-started/vps-connection-guide) if needed)
* Active prop firm account (credentials emailed by Firm)

## &#x20;Enable Multi-Provider Mode <a href="#universal-setup-steps" id="universal-setup-steps"></a>

1. Open NinjaTrader Desktop
2. Login with your NinjaTrader credentials
3. Go to **Tools > Options > General**
4. Check **Multi-provider** box
5. Click **Apply > OK**
6. **Restart NinjaTrader** (critical step)

<figure><img src="https://993090024-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FI6t5LesvaGZE6r1KML4v%2Fuploads%2FgiqaExsLmtowBc68lxxG%2Fmult-provider-mode.png?alt=media&#x26;token=889d8c4c-61cf-4619-a80b-7c0780168512" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Configure Data Connection <a href="#id-3-configure-connection" id="id-3-configure-connection"></a>

1. Go to **Connections > Configure**
2. Select appropriate connection type from "Available" list
3. Click **Add** to move to "Configured" section
4. Enter your prop firm credentials
5. Configure specific settings (see firm-specific details below)

<figure><img src="https://993090024-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FI6t5LesvaGZE6r1KML4v%2Fuploads%2F7pxDI1pggSstEYSVLcfQ%2Fchose-ninjatrader-data-feed-connection-1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3a71f948-226b-48b3-b121-e583dadf120f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Firm-Specific Connection Details <a href="#firm-specific-connection-details" id="firm-specific-connection-details"></a>

{% hint style="info" %}
🛑 *This guide covers the most common prop firms used by CrossTrade users. Connection requirements may change, so always refer to the official prop firm documentation for the most current setup instructions.*
{% endhint %}

### Apex Trader Funding <a href="#apex-trader-funding" id="apex-trader-funding"></a>

**Connection Type:** Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage OR NinjaTrader (for Tradovate)

**Rithmic Setup:**

* Download [Apex Rithmic RTrader Pro](https://apextraderfunding.com/rtrader?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)
* 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](https://trader.tradovate.com/?ref=crosstrade.io/blog) 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:**

* [Rithmic Connection Guide](https://support.apextraderfunding.com/hc/en-us/articles/13397375485851-Connection-Guide-for-Rithmic-Using-NinjaTrader-8-1-X-X?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)
* [Tradovate Connection Guide](https://support.apextraderfunding.com/hc/en-us/articles/13602416481819-How-To-Set-up-NinjaTrader-8-1-With-Tradovate-Accounts?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

### Bulenox <a href="#bulenox" id="bulenox"></a>

**Connection Type:** Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage

**Setup:**

* Download and setup [Rithmic RTrader Pro](http://yyy3.rithmic.com/?page_id=16\&ref=crosstrade.io/blog)
* 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](https://bulenox.com/help/connection/?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

### Take Profit Trader <a href="#take-profit-trader" id="take-profit-trader"></a>

**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](https://takeprofittraderhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/15135936007709-Connection-Instructions?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

### BluSky Trading Company <a href="#blusky-trading-company" id="blusky-trading-company"></a>

**Connection Type:** Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage

**Setup:**

* Download [Rithmic RTrader Pro](http://yyy3.rithmic.com/?page_id=16\&ref=crosstrade.io/blog)
* 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](https://help.blusky.pro/en/articles/10167334-blusky-connection-guide?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

### Earn2Trade <a href="#earn2trade" id="earn2trade"></a>

**Connection Type:** Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage

**Setup:**

* Complete account setup in [Earn2Trade dashboard](https://earn2trade.com/?ref=crosstrade.io/blog) (select exchanges)
* Download [RTrader Pro](http://yyy3.rithmic.com/?page_id=16\&ref=crosstrade.io/blog)
* 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](https://help.earn2trade.com/en/articles/4473826-how-to-connect-rithmic-to-ninjatrader?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

### Tradeify <a href="#tradeify" id="tradeify"></a>

**Connection Type:** NinjaTrader (Tradovate)

**Setup:**

* First login to [trader.tradovate.com](https://trader.tradovate.com/?ref=crosstrade.io/blog) 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](https://help.tradeify.co/en/articles/10468305-how-do-i-trade-with-ninjatrader?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

### My Funded Futures <a href="#my-funded-futures" id="my-funded-futures"></a>

**Connection Type:** NinjaTrader (Tradovate)

**Setup:**

* Login to [trader.tradovate.com](https://trader.tradovate.com/?ref=crosstrade.io/blog) 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](https://help.myfundedfutures.com/en/articles/10082979-ninjatrader-login-instructions?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

### TradeDay <a href="#tradeday" id="tradeday"></a>

**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:**

* [TradeDay NinjaTrader Help](https://tradeday.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/articles/103000025471-ninjatrader-help?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)
* [TradeDay NinjaTrader Support](https://tradeday.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/articles/103000018873-do-you-support-ninjatrader-?ref=crosstrade.io/blog)

***

## Important Connection Notes <a href="#important-connection-notes" id="important-connection-notes"></a>

#### Data Feed Types <a href="#data-feed-types" id="data-feed-types"></a>

* **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 <a href="#license-requirements" id="license-requirements"></a>

* **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 <a href="#connection-limitations" id="connection-limitations"></a>

* **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 <a href="#troubleshooting-tips" id="troubleshooting-tips"></a>

1. **Always start RTrader Pro before NinjaTrader** (for Rithmic connections)
2. **Sign all data agreements** in web platforms first
3. **Wait for data activation** (can take hours; but usually only several minutes)
4. **Check firewall exceptions** for NinjaTrader and prop firm software
5. **Restart NinjaTrader** after enabling Multi-Provider mode
6. **Use exact credentials** - avoid copying extra spaces

#### Connection Status 🟢 <a href="#connection-status-f0-9f-9f-a2" id="connection-status-f0-9f-9f-a2"></a>

* **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

{% hint style="info" %}
💡BONUS: If you plan to trade with NT8, you should learn how to optimize it for the best experience... [Read More](https://crosstrade.io/blog/how-to-optimize-ninjatrader-8/)
{% endhint %}