Order Entry and Different Methods in NinjaTrader 8 (2026)

NinjaTrader 8 Order Entry Methods

The following are different ways to do your order entry in NinjaTrader 8. Master the following methods to make the most use out of your NinjaTrader 8 platform.

There are a few different ways to place orders in NinjaTrader 8:

The Basic Entry window
Through the SuperDOM (Dynamic)
The FX Board for forex traders
The Chart Trader
By the use of actions with alerts

As you can see there are many ways in NinjaTrader 8 for Order Entry ways. The best way is going to be what works for you and that's what we're going to help you explore today. If you trade from the Chart Trader, it can help to overlay a chart in NinjaTrader so you can watch a related instrument while placing orders.

The Basic Entry Window

Most Basic Way to Enter Orders in NinjaTrader 8

This is a very easy way to place a trade, although I imagine for most once you get more popular with the NinjaTrader 8 platform you will be using the order entry window less and less in favor of other methods discussed below.

Live Order Entry Window:

This is what a Live order entry screen will look like. If you're on a simulation account you will see a grey background.

Basic Entry order entry screen with Limit type, CHFJPY instrument, DAY TIF and ATM Strategy set to None

Simulation Order Entry Window:

If you have a grey screen you are most likely entering your trades into a simulation account. You can change the account number in the bottom left of this Basic Entry window. By setting this to a simulator or live account you will see the backgrounds change color. If the Basic Entry window or account list is not responding as expected, our guide on troubleshooting NinjaTrader 8 issues walks through common fixes step by step.

Depending on the type of order you might be hitting the Buy Mkt or the Buy button etc. So this is considered a basic understanding of how you would enter an order through NinjaTrader 8 using the Basic Entry window.

How to Place an Order in the Order Entry Window?

Select your Account
Enter the Type of order (limit, market, MIT) etc
Fill out any other optional data like the limit or stop, ATM Strategy etc..
Hit the Buy / Sell button that matches your order type

The SuperDOM

Popular with future traders for order entry

The SuperDOM as a popular way for futures traders to manage orders and positions in a very visual way. It looks like a ladder of price and you see price going up or down with buy and sell prices on each side.

Dynamic SuperDOM:

The price rows are dynamic and will change and update as price moves. There is a Hold button that will let you freeze price but the price ladder will move in a Dynamic SuperDOM. If you place orders from charts instead of the ladder, learning to change NinjaTrader bar types lets you view price as Renko, range or tick bars.

How to place an order through the SuperDOM?

Select your Account
Enter the Quantity
Fill out the Instrument, TIF or ATM Strategy etc..
Select the Market button at the bottom under the sell or buy buttons, OR Select the price which will put in your limit orders.

The FX Board

A popular way for FX traders to enter orders with a single click

This is a very easy way to place a trade, although I imagine for most once you get more popular with the NinjaTrader 8 platfrom you will be using the order entry window less and less in favor of other methods discussed below.

FX Board for NinjaTader 8

How to place an order in the FX Board with NinjaTrader 8?

The FX Board is a one click easy way to place orders into the FX markets. Each panel has a little door with an arrow in the top right. Clicking on this provides you with more options

Select your Account in the top left of the board
Select the quantity of you FX orders by typing in the contract size
Click the door with the arrow (you'll only have to do this once) to make sure all your advanced settings are the way you expect them to be.
Hit the Buy / Sell button

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different order entry methods in NinjaTrader 8?

NinjaTrader 8 offers several order entry methods including the Basic Entry window, the SuperDOM (Dynamic), the FX Board for forex traders, the Chart Trader, and placing orders through actions with alerts. Each method is suited to different trading styles, so the best approach depends on your personal workflow and the markets you trade.

What is the difference between a live and simulation order entry window?

In NinjaTrader 8, a live order entry window displays a colored background, while a simulation order entry window shows a grey background. You can switch between live and simulation accounts by changing the account number in the bottom left of the Basic Entry window, and the background color will update accordingly.

How do I place a limit order using the SuperDOM?

To place a limit order on the SuperDOM, select your account, enter the quantity, and fill out the instrument, TIF, or ATM Strategy details. Instead of clicking the Market button at the bottom, click directly on a specific price level on the price ladder, which will place your limit order at that price.

What is the fastest way to enter an order for forex trading in NinjaTrader 8?

The FX Board is designed as a one-click order entry method specifically for forex traders in NinjaTrader 8. Simply select your account, type in your contract size, configure your advanced settings through the door-with-arrow icon, and hit the Buy or Sell button to execute your trade instantly.

What order types are available in the Basic Entry window?

The Basic Entry window in NinjaTrader 8 supports multiple order types including limit orders, market orders, and MIT (Market If Touched) orders. You can also configure optional fields such as stop levels and ATM Strategies before hitting the corresponding Buy or Sell button to submit your order.