How to Update NinjaTrader 8 and What 8.1.3 Changed

NinjaTrader 8.1.3.0 is out the door - and some important changes that affects stability.

In this video here, we summarize all of the bugs that were fixed or features that we feel is most important and worthy of your time.

NinjaTrader 8.1.3.0 New Version and Release

Do you like these? Give us a big thumbs up on the video page and help support future releases.

Example of Some of the Bugs Fixed

Each time we put out one of these release videos, we summarize everything so you don't have too. Here is an example below:

Trailing Stops in WebTrader Didn't Match to Desktop

This seems to have only effected the adjustment moves that were made in a trailing stop. The bug #11979 corrected this so that they match up which is always good for consistency reasons.

"Target Filled" Sound File was Missing

This sound file is now being shipped (Bug #11989). Obviously this would be really important when it comes to alerting yourself, so good that this is fixed...

How to Get Alerted to New Release Videos?

Simple, just subscribe to our youtube channel and hit the bell so you will be alerted to each video that comes out. This will be the best way to get notified (and the quickest) for when a new release drops. From time to time, we notify our users via our newsletter with some other xabcd trading updates, but this is not as quick as the youtube video notifications.

How Soon After A Release Do We Publish Them?

As an official NinjaTrader Vendor, we get early access to new releases. So before they are made public, we're able to go through them and submit our feedback to see if anything could be changed or to report regressions. This is when we build our videos and get them ready, so as soon as they drop a new release, we can publish our video.

Typically NinjaTrader will publish a new release and wait around 3 days before making it a general announcement through the platfrom. This is probably just in case they need to publish any quick hotfixes. So if you want to get alerted to new releases before the official annoucement, you'll want to subscribe to our channel.

How Can You View Past Release Videos?

We have been doing these since the release of 8.0.7.1... that is a long time! Below you will find links to each video of every release:

8.0.7.1
8.0.8.0
8.0.9.0
8.0.10.0
8.0.11.0
8.0.12.0
8.0.15.0
8.0.16.0
8.0.17.0
8.0.18.0
8.0.19.0
8.0.20.0
8.0.21.0
8.0.22.0
8.0.23.0
8.0.24.0
8.0.25.0
8.0.26.0
8.0.27.0
8.1.1.1
8.1.2.0
8.1.3.0

Is NinjaTrader free to use?

NinjaTrader offers a free version that includes advanced charting, market analysis tools, and simulated trading capabilities. However, to trade live markets, you'll need to either lease or purchase a license, with plans starting at $49 per month or a one-time lifetime purchase of $1,099. Free users can still access real-time market data and practice strategies using the platform's built-in simulation mode.

Is NinjaTrader good for beginners?

NinjaTrader can be suitable for beginners, especially because it offers a free simulation mode that allows new traders to practice without risking real money. The platform provides extensive educational resources, webinars, and a supportive community forum. However, its advanced features and interface may feel overwhelming at first compared to simpler platforms, so beginners should expect a moderate learning curve.

What markets can you trade on NinjaTrader?

NinjaTrader primarily supports trading in futures and forex markets, with access to popular instruments like E-mini S&P 500, crude oil, gold, and major currency pairs. The platform also supports equities and options trading through connected brokerage accounts. NinjaTrader's own brokerage service specializes in futures trading and offers competitive commissions starting as low as $0.09 per micro contract.

How does NinjaTrader compare to TradingView?

NinjaTrader is best suited for active futures traders who need advanced order execution, automated strategy development, and direct brokerage integration, while TradingView excels as a cloud-based charting and social networking platform for traders across all markets. NinjaTrader is a desktop-based application offering deeper customization through C# programming, whereas TradingView is browser-based and uses Pine Script for custom indicators. Many traders use TradingView for analysis and charting while executing trades through NinjaTrader's brokerage.

Can you automate trading strategies with NinjaTrader?

Yes, NinjaTrader offers robust automated trading capabilities through its NinjaScript programming language, which is based on C#. Traders can build, backtest, and deploy fully automated strategies that execute trades without manual intervention. The platform also includes a Strategy Builder tool that allows users to create basic automated strategies without any coding knowledge, making algorithmic trading accessible to non-programmers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NinjaTrader have a mobile app?

NinjaTrader is primarily a desktop-based application, but it does offer WebTrader, a browser-based interface that can be accessed from mobile devices. WebTrader provides basic order management and trade execution, though it lacks the full feature set of the desktop platform. For full charting, automated strategies, and advanced customization, the desktop version is required.

How often does NinjaTrader release updates?

NinjaTrader releases updates periodically, with each NinjaTrader 8 update addressing bug fixes, stability improvements, and new features. Based on the history of NinjaTrader release notes going back to version 8.0.7.1, the platform has published over 20 updates throughout its lifecycle. After publishing a new release, NinjaTrader typically waits around 3 days before making a general announcement through the platform, likely to allow time for any quick hotfixes.

What programming language does NinjaTrader use for custom indicators?

NinjaTrader uses NinjaScript, a programming language based on C#, for building custom indicators, strategies, and automated trading systems. This allows for deep customization and robust strategy development directly within the platform. For those without coding experience, NinjaTrader also includes a Strategy Builder tool that enables users to create basic automated strategies without writing any code.

Is NinjaTrader a broker or just a platform?

NinjaTrader functions as both a trading platform and a brokerage. Its own brokerage service specializes in futures trading and offers competitive commissions starting as low as $0.09 per micro contract. Traders can also connect the NinjaTrader platform to other supported brokerage accounts for trading equities, options, and forex.

How do I find out about NinjaTrader bug fixes and new releases?

One of the fastest ways to learn about NinjaTrader bug fixes is to subscribe to vendor YouTube channels that cover each release, as official NinjaTrader vendors get early access and can publish summaries before the general platform announcement. NinjaTrader itself also publishes release notes with each update detailing resolved issues, such as trailing stop discrepancies and missing sound files. Subscribing to these channels and enabling notifications will alert you as soon as a new release drops.