NinjaTrader allows traders to enter and manage positions from desktop, web, and mobile platforms. Whether you’re placing a Market Order, Limit Order, or Stop Order, the process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps.
This guide covers how to open and close trades across all supported devices.
Understanding Trade Entries
Before placing a trade, it’s important to understand the two basic directions:
Buy (Long Position)
A Buy order is used when you expect the market to move higher.
If the market rises after your entry, the position generates profit.
Sell (Short Position)
A Sell order is used when you expect the market to move lower.
If the market falls after your entry, the position generates profit.
Placing a Trade on NinjaTrader Desktop
Step 1: Log In and Connect
Launch NinjaTrader and connect to your trading account.
Step 2: Open a Trading Window
You can place trades from:
Chart Trader
SuperDOM
Order Entry Window
Step 3: Select an Instrument
Choose the futures contract you want to trade.
Examples include:
NQ
MNQ
ES
MES
CL
Step 4: Select an Order Type
Choose the order type that fits your strategy:
Market Order
Limit Order
Stop Order
Step 5: Configure Your Trade
Enter:
Quantity (contracts)
Entry price (if applicable)
Stop Loss (optional)
Take Profit (optional)
Step 6: Submit the Order
Click:
Buy Market to open a long position
Sell Market to open a short position
Confirm the order and wait for execution.
Closing a Trade on NinjaTrader Desktop
Step 1: Open the Positions Window
Navigate to the Positions tab in the Control Center.
Step 2: Select the Position
Locate the trade you want to close.
Step 3: Exit the Position
Right-click the position and select Close Position.
The trade will be exited immediately at the current market price.
Placing a Trade on NinjaTrader Web
Step 1: Log In
Access NinjaTrader Web through your browser and sign in.
Step 2: Open a Trading Panel
Open either:
Chart Trading
DOM (Depth of Market)
Step 3: Select Your Instrument
Choose the futures contract you want to trade.
Step 4: Configure Your Order
Specify:
Buy or Sell direction
Quantity
Order Type
Entry price (if required)
Step 5: Submit the Trade
Click Buy or Sell and confirm the order.
Closing a Trade on NinjaTrader Web
Step 1: Open Positions
Navigate to the Open Positions section.
Step 2: Select the Position
Locate the active trade.
Step 3: Close the Position
Click Close to exit the trade.
Placing a Trade on the NinjaTrader Mobile App
Step 1: Open the App
Launch the NinjaTrader mobile application and log in.
Step 2: Select an Instrument
Choose the market you wish to trade from your watchlist.
Step 3: Enter Order Details
Configure:
Buy or Sell direction
Quantity
Order Type
Price (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit the Order
Tap Buy or Sell and confirm the trade.
Closing a Trade on the NinjaTrader Mobile App
Step 1: Open Positions
Navigate to the Open Positions section.
Step 2: Select the Trade
Choose the position you wish to close.
Step 3: Exit the Position
Tap Close Position and confirm.
Your trade will be closed immediately.
Common Order Types
Market Order
Executes immediately at the best available market price.
Limit Order
Executes only at your specified price or better.
Stop Order
Activates once the market reaches a specified price level.
Understanding these order types can help improve trade execution and risk management.
Best Practices Before Entering a Trade
✓ Verify the selected instrument.
✓ Double-check contract quantity.
✓ Confirm Buy or Sell direction.
✓ Review Stop Loss and Take Profit levels.
✓ Ensure your position size aligns with your risk management plan.
Need Assistance?
If you have questions about entering or closing trades in NinjaTrader, the AquaFutures Support Team is available to assist you.