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.
