How to Add a Strategy in NinjaTrader 8 (Control Center & Chart Methods)

This step‑by‑step guide shows two reliable ways to add an automated trading strategy in NinjaTrader 8: via the Control Center (Strategies tab) and directly on a chart. We’ll use the Reversal automated strategy and its templates as an example, but the process is the same for most strategies.

Before you start, make sure the strategy and any templates are imported. If not, see: How to Install Automated Strategy in NinjaTrader 8?

Table of Contents 🔗

Method #1: Add a Strategy from the Control Center (Strategies Tab) 🔗

Use this when you want a central view of all strategies across instruments and accounts.

  1. Open Control Center → go to the Strategies tab, then right‑click and choose New Strategy….

NinjaTrader 8 Control Center – open Strategies tab and create new strategy

  1. Select the Reversal automated trading strategy you previously imported, then click Load templates.

Select Reversal strategy and load templates in NinjaTrader 8

  1. Choose the template you want to try. Templates auto‑fill the correct parameters for a specific market/timeframe.

Example template used here: MNQ 15 MIN BARS (#112).

Choosing a Reversal strategy template in NinjaTrader 8

  1. Confirm Data Series matches the template. For MNQ 15 MIN BARS (#112) set: Instrument: MNQ, Type: Minute, Value: 15, Days to load: at least 10. Select your Account, then click OK.

Confirm data series settings and select account for strategy in NinjaTrader 8

Your strategy is now added. You’ll see it listed in the Strategies tab.

Strategy added and visible in the NinjaTrader 8 Strategies tab

How to add a strategy in NinjaTrader 8 Control Center (video)

Short walkthrough of adding a strategy from the Control Center.

Method #2: Add a Strategy Directly on a Chart 🔗

Use this when you want to monitor signals, entries, and performance on the chart and manage the strategy visually.

  1. On your chart, open the Strategies panel by clicking the Strategies button.

Open the Strategies panel from a NinjaTrader 8 chart

  1. Select Reversal and import/load your strategy templates.

Select Reversal and load templates on a chart in NinjaTrader 8

Example template here: NQ 15 MIN BARS (#122).

Choose the NQ 15 MIN BARS (#122) template

  1. Choose your Account and click Enable to turn the strategy on.

Enable strategy on a NinjaTrader 8 chart

  1. Set the Data Series to match the template: for NQ 15 MIN BARS (#122) use Instrument: NQ, Type: Minute, Value: 15, Days to load: 30 (minimum 10).

Open Data Series from the chart to configure instrument and timeframe

Set NQ 15 minute bars and days to load for the strategy data series

If the strategy is enabled and configured correctly, you’ll see the strategy label at the top of the chart and historical trades plotted.

Strategy label and historical trades visible on a NinjaTrader 8 chart

The strategy also appears in your Control Center Strategies tab automatically.

Added chart strategy listed in Control Center Strategies tab

To verify the strategy is active and study its history, open the Trading Performance window from the Control Center, or use the chart’s performance tools. Here’s a quick clip on accessing historical performance:

Accessing historical strategy performance in NinjaTrader 8

Video: Add a Trading Strategy to a Chart in NinjaTrader 8

Template & Data Series Checklist 🔗

  • Template loaded: parameters match your market and timeframe.
  • Data Series: instrument, bar type, value (e.g., 15‑minute), and Days to load (≥10) aligned with the template notes.
  • Account selected: start in Sim or evaluation first.
  • Trading Hours: session template (RTH vs ETH) matches your method.
  • Commissions: set realistic commission/slippage so performance mirrors live.

Troubleshooting & Tips 🔗

  • No trades after enabling? Many strategies wait for specific conditions. Give it a few bars; check session template and data series.
  • Template looks wrong? Re‑load the template and re‑check Data Series. Timeframe mismatches are the #1 cause of odd results.
  • Strategy disabled due to error: open the Log tab for details; verify license activation and required inputs.
  • Performance doesn’t match Analyzer? Align commissions, slippage, and trading hours; ensure live data and historical data sources match.
  • Switching accounts? Disable first, change the Account, then re‑enable to avoid orphaned orders.

FAQ 🔗

Where do I get the Reversal strategy and its templates?
From the product page: Market Reversal Auto‑Trader (NT8). Install the strategy, then import templates.

Can I add multiple strategies to the same chart?
Yes, but keep risk simple while testing—start with one per chart, then scale up.

How many days of data should I load?
At least 10 days (30 recommended for 15‑minute templates) unless the template specifies otherwise.

Why don’t I see immediate entries after enabling?
Entries are rule‑based; the strategy must see its setup. Historical plots appear instantly, but real‑time entries occur only when signals trigger.

Where do I change commissions?
Control Center → Accounts Tab → Right Click → Edit Account → Commission (select commission template).

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