How to Set Up NinjaTrader & Connect Your PonoTrading Indicators

NinjaTrader Desktop is one of the easiest ways to get started with charting, backtesting, and sim trading. The best part: free NinjaTrader access does not require a brokerage account. You can create an account, download NinjaTrader 8, and start using the platform for charting and simulation without funding anything.

This guide walks you through the full NinjaTrader setup process step by step, then shows you how to connect your PonoTrading account so your NinjaTrader indicators are ready to install.

If you're still deciding which tools you need, check out our NinjaTrader indicators or compare plans on our pricing page.

Part 1: Create Your Free NinjaTrader Account

To get started, go directly to the official registration page:

account.ninjatrader.com/register

Then follow these steps:

Click Get Started or Sign Up.

Enter your email address, or use Google / Apple sign-up if you prefer.

Check your inbox for the confirmation email and click the verification link.

Create your NinjaTrader username and password.

Agree to the Terms and Conditions.

Finish setup and access your NinjaTrader Account Dashboard.

This gives you a free NinjaTrader account you can use to download the platform and start working inside NinjaTrader 8.

Part 2: Download NinjaTrader Desktop

Once your account is active, log in here:

account.ninjatrader.com

From the dashboard:

Look for the Download button on the bottom-left area of the Home page.

Click Download.

On the Desktop Application Download page, click Download under the most recent release.

Save the installer file, usually named NinjaTrader.install.exe.

This is the official NinjaTrader download path. Always use the account dashboard so you're installing the latest supported version of NinjaTrader 8.

Part 3: Install the Software

After the installer finishes downloading:

Run the installer file.

Follow the on-screen installation steps.

The default install path is typically C:\Program Files\NinjaTrader 8.

Launch NinjaTrader from your desktop shortcut or the Start menu.

That completes the basic NinjaTrader setup process.

Part 4: Getting Started in the Platform

As soon as you log in, you can start using the platform in Simulation mode (Sim101) for risk-free practice.

Here's what's included:

Simulation trading right away, with no live account required

A free 14-day trial of real-time market data

Ongoing access to charting, backtesting, and sim trading even after the trial ends

For most traders, that makes NinjaTrader 8 a solid environment for learning the platform, testing trading indicators, and practicing execution before going live.

Part 5: Connect Your PonoTrading Indicators

Once NinjaTrader is installed, the next step is linking the right email address inside your PonoTrading account.

In the sidebar, find the NinjaTrader section.

Enter the email address associated with your NinjaTrader account.

Click Save.

Your licensed PonoTrading indicators will appear in the dashboard for download.

In NinjaTrader, go to Tools → Import → NinjaScript Add-On and import the downloaded .zip files.

If you have not picked a plan yet, you can review your options on our pricing page.

Important Tips

Keep these points in mind during setup:

Always download NinjaTrader directly from the official Account Dashboard

NinjaTrader Desktop runs on Windows, so check system requirements before installing

Never download the installer from third-party websites

PonoTrading NinjaTrader indicators currently require NinjaTrader 8

How to Set Up NinjaTrader & Connect Your PonoTrading Indicators