Ready to take your trading to the next level? If you’re using Topstep to grow your trading career and you love the tools on NinjaTrader, then you’re in luck. You can link them together! This guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step. It’s simple, fun, and only takes a few minutes. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
Before we start, gather the following:
- A Topstep Funded or Combine Account
- The NinjaTrader platform installed on your computer
- Your Rithmic credentials (These let NinjaTrader access your Topstep account)
- Some coffee or tea (optional, but recommended!)
Have everything? Great! Let’s get linking.
Step 1: Know Your Tools
Topstep is a trading platform that helps you qualify for a funded futures trading account. Once you pass their evaluation, they let you trade real money. Cool, right?
NinjaTrader, on the other hand, is a powerful charting and trading software. If you’re into chart patterns, indicators, and fast order execution, NinjaTrader is your best friend.
To trade live (or sim) through Topstep using NinjaTrader, we’ll connect both with Rithmic. Don’t worry! It’s easier than it sounds.
Step 2: Check if You’re Funded
To link your accounts successfully, you either need to be in a Topstep Combine or already have a Funded Account. Both options give you access to a unique login on the Rithmic system.
Once you are in, Topstep sends you your Rithmic ID and password. This is your golden ticket to connect with NinjaTrader!
Step 3: Download NinjaTrader
If you haven’t already, go to the official NinjaTrader website and download their latest platform. The setup is easy:
- Visit ninjatrader.com
- Click “Download” (choose Windows version)
- Follow the installer instructions
Install it just like any other software. Once installed, you’re good to go!
Step 4: Install Rithmic Plug-in (Very Important!)
NinjaTrader doesn’t come with Rithmic support out of the box. You’ll need to add it. Here’s how:
- In NinjaTrader, go to Tools > Options.
- Find the section for market data.
- Make sure “Rithmic” is listed as a connection option.
- If you don’t see it, you’ll need to download the Rithmic Bridge for NinjaTrader.
Once it’s installed, restart NinjaTrader to activate it.
Step 5: Create a New Rithmic Connection
You’re now ready to plug your Topstep account into NinjaTrader.
- Open NinjaTrader.
- Go to Connections > Configure.
- Under “Available,” click on Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage (or just “Rithmic,” depending on your version).
- Click “Add.”
Now fill out the account info:
- Connection name: Anything you like! We recommend “Topstep.”
- Username / Password: Use the Rithmic ID and password you received from Topstep.
- System: Choose “Rithmic Paper Trading – Chicago,” unless Topstep instructs otherwise.
- Plug-in mode: Leave it set to default (“NinjaTrader”).
Save your settings and exit the window. You’re all set to connect!
Step 6: Connect and Test It
Now for the exciting part. Go to:
- Connections in the Control Center
- Click your new “Topstep” connection
It might take a few seconds to establish the link. Once it does, the connection light turns green. Magic!
NinjaTrader will now start receiving market data. Try opening a chart. Place a test order in Sim mode to check everything works.
Step 7: Customize Your Workspace
You don’t want to waste time every day setting up charts. Let’s make NinjaTrader feel like home:
- Create different tabs for instruments like ES, NQ, or CL
- Add your favorite indicators
- Set up hotkeys or ATM strategies
- Use multiple monitors? Make it a command center!
Once you’re done, save your workspace under Workspaces > Save As.
Common Questions (and Real Answers)
Q: What if NinjaTrader says “login failed”?
A: Triple check your Rithmic username and password from Topstep. They are case-sensitive!
Q: I don’t see any data on my charts?
A: Make sure you’re connected (green light). Also, confirm the instrument is active and available on your account.
Q: Can I trade live now?
A: Only if your Topstep account is funded. If you’re in the Combine stage, you’re still sim trading.
Tips to Make the Most of It
Now your accounts are linked, let’s make the most of it!
- Use NinjaTrader’s alert system to stay on top of things
- Record your trades using the built-in Trade Performance tracking
- Backtest new strategies in the Sim environment
- Try NinjaTrader’s market replay feature to relive your best (or worst) days
One Last Thing – Practice!
Getting used to the NinjaTrader interface takes a little time. But don’t worry. Topstep’s Combine gives you space to practice without putting real capital at risk. Try different orders. Learn the tools. When you’re confident, you’ll be ready for funded trading!
Final Thoughts
Linking your Topstep account to NinjaTrader is a game-changer. It gives you access to professional-grade charts, live data feeds, and blazing-fast trading tools—all while staying inside Topstep’s structured support system.
Remember, every master trader started just where you are. Stay curious. Test ideas. And most importantly… have fun!
Happy trading and may the markets be ever in your favor!