It’s easy to import a NinjaTrader strategy or indicator. Popular places for finding a new strategy or indicator include the NinjaTrader forums, Big Mike’s Trading and passing files amongst friends.
The first step is to go to the Control Center, the main screen in NinjaTrader. Click on File, then select Utilities. A new menu will fly out to the right. Select the top option, which is Import NinjaScript.
A screenshot from the NinjaTrader Control Center. Client File, Utilities, Import NinjaScript to bring a new strategy or indicator into NinjaTrader.
Zip Files
Once selected, the program asks you to locate a zip file. You’re probably used to programs using their own funny extensions. MetaTrader, for example, uses .mq4 files for its strategies.
NinjaTrader sticks to using .zip files for both a strategy and indicator. The process to import a NinjaTrader strategy is exactly the same as an indicator.
Select the zip file wherever you saved it. The desktop is always a safe place to download files. If you downloaded an indicator but aren’t sure where you put it, then check the downloads folder. You can find that in C:\Users\YOUR USER NAME\Downloads\. Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome all download files to this folder as part of their default settings.
The nice thing about NinjaTrader using zip files is that you don’t see all sorts of funny looking icons. The disadvantage is that it’s impossible to tell whether the file is an NT7 strategy or indicator, or if it’s something entirely different.
If you see a zip file and can’t tell whether or not it belongs to NinjaTrader, the simplest way to find out is to open the file. Double click it.
Exported NinjaTrader zip files contain Info.xml and potentially two folders: Indicator and/or Strategy
When the folder opens, you should see a file called Info.xml. The number of folders that you’ll see depends on the file type. If the zip file only contains an indicator, then only the Indicator folder appears. A zip file containing a strategy will more than likely show both the Indicator and Strategy folders.
Conclusion
Common errors that pop up when importing files are compile errors. Read through that article if you get stuck trying to import a new file.
If you run into any frustrating errors during the process, then please leave a comment on the blog below. I’d be glad to help you out.
I am trying to import a zip file whcih is an indiacotr for trading. it is called protrader PETD Fastx64.dll. After importing in Ninjascript i am not able to find this file in ninja trader? i went to see in indiactor column but it is not there. help me out to find this file.
Thanks.
It may be intentionally hidden. Vendors don’t have to show the files inside of NT7.
when i try to import i get pop-up that says: Import failed Says: EMASlopeSystem.zip is likely corrupt and can’t be imported: Could not find part of the path ‘C:\Users\mitch\Documents\NinjaTrader 7\cache’.
Your file is corrupt. I know you were hoping for a more helpful answer than that, but the file isn’t what it purports to be.
thanks. . I am having similar problem with indicator I downloaded from Ninjatrader Unplugged. The indicator imported with no problem. Then I used it for a week and it disappeared today. I tried to download again and I got the same corrupt message.
Hello, I’m trying to import a flag file into the ninjarader, but a following message is showing up.
Import archive file warning
You have custom ninjascript files on your PC that have programming errors. These errors must be resolved before you can import a ninjascript archive file.
As the following image shows.
http://prntscr.com/djlbnd
Thanks if you can help, I’m waiting, thanks.
It doesn’t have anything to do with the file. One of your existing indicators or strategies has a programming error, which prevents NinjaTrader from compiling them. You need to fix that before you’re allowed to import any new indicators or strategies.
i imported successfully my strategy but how do i activate it? i right click on the chart and the option “strategy” is not active. so when i click on it, nothing happen
what shall i do?
thanks
alex
You can also use the strategy tab from the main window.
i did that…i even run a strategy performance historic data but it produce no results. and in the chart still not possible to select strategies. hummm
i run historic performance also on the sample atm strategy ( it comes default with NT) and also there no result…100 days 1 minute time frame. nothing:-(
You’re not allowed to backtest ATM strategies in NinjaTrader.
no idea what shall i do then…i run the imported strategy at 100 days ..no result..
thank you anyway for your help
ciao
alex
Hello,
how to create a vendor license for the ninja trader 8 .i have followed vendor license management guide stil am not able to create the license. am a developer. i have done below steps.
1.downloaded vendor license zip file from the NT8 Management guide .
2.imported vendor license zip file into control center.
3. From the window export ninjascript add->all types ….to select the indicator here i stuck.indicator is blank.
4. where should i write the code for vendor license like vendor name,url ,module. please tell me it should i write in vendor license zip file .cs here are i need to create any other program.
5. in my ninjascript is generated code will be in partial class. how to resolve this one.
6. send the feedback or reply any vidieo related to this issue…how to create the vendor license for the ninja trader 8 indicator.
If you post to the NinjaTrader forum, they’ll give you free coding support.
after importing when i am going to edit strategy section there’s nothing
There’s no strategy or the strategy is blank?
Check the Logs from the NinjaTrader command screen. You’ll likely find an item highlighted in red that explains the hiccup.