Frequently Asked Questions

NinjaTrader is a professional desktop trading platform known for advanced charting, DOM tools, and strategy development with C#. It offers powerful backtesting and is ideal for traders who want deep customization and professional-grade tools. However, it requires a Windows PC and has a steeper learning curve.

Tradovate is a modern, cloud-based platform accessible via web browser and mobile apps. It offers low commissions ($0.79/contract for micros), built-in REST API, and convenience. However, it has more basic DOM features and occasional reliability concerns during high volatility.

Best Solution: Many traders use both together - accessing Tradovate accounts through NinjaTrader 8 Desktop to get Tradovate's low costs with NinjaTrader's powerful tools. For TradingView automation, PickMyTrade works seamlessly with both platforms.

Yes! Since NinjaTrader acquired Tradovate, there's native integration between the platforms. You can log into your Tradovate account directly through NinjaTrader 8 Desktop. This gives you:

• Tradovate's low commission rates ($0.79/contract for micros)
• NinjaTrader's professional charting and DOM tools
• Advanced order management and execution
• Custom strategy development capabilities

Simply download NinjaTrader 8, select Tradovate as your broker, and enter your credentials. This combination is popular among serious futures traders who want affordability with professional tools.

Tradovate is generally more beginner-friendly due to its modern, intuitive web interface that works on any device. No installation required, and the UI is cleaner with less overwhelming options. The low minimum deposit and micro contracts (MES, MNQ) make it accessible for new traders.

NinjaTrader has more features but can be intimidating initially. It requires Windows installation and has a steeper learning curve. However, its simulation mode is excellent for practice.

Recommendation for Beginners: Start with Tradovate's web platform to learn the basics, then graduate to NinjaTrader Desktop as you need more advanced tools. Use PickMyTrade to automate your strategies from TradingView without coding complexity.

Yes, NinjaTrader fully supports Rithmic connectivity for ultra-low latency execution and professional-grade data feeds. Many prop traders and high-frequency scalpers prefer Rithmic through NinjaTrader for its speed and stability.

Tradovate uses its own infrastructure (not Rithmic) but still offers sub-second execution speeds suitable for most retail and algo traders. Tradovate's API is simpler to work with than Rithmic's more complex enterprise setup.

If you need Rithmic specifically, NinjaTrader is your choice. For most automated traders, Tradovate's infrastructure is more than sufficient. Both work with PickMyTrade for TradingView webhook automation.

Use PickMyTrade - a no-code webhook automation service. Setup takes 5 minutes:

Step 1: Sign up at PickMyTrade (5-day free trial, no card required)
Step 2: Connect your broker (NinjaTrader or Tradovate) under Connections
Step 3: Copy your unique webhook URL
Step 4: Paste it into your TradingView alert's webhook field
Step 5: Specify trade parameters (symbol, side, size, SL/TP) in the alert message

When your TradingView alert fires, PickMyTrade instantly executes the trade in your connected account - typically under 1 second. No programming, no API keys, no complexity. Works with all futures contracts including MES, MNQ, ES, NQ, and more.

Tradovate offers REST API and WebSocket endpoints for automated trading. API Access Costs:

• Free Plan: API add-on costs ~$29.99/month
• Monthly Plan ($99+/month): API included
• Lifetime Membership ($1,499 one-time): API included

Additional Requirements:
• CME market data subscriptions ($4-12/month per symbol)
• Programming knowledge (Python, JavaScript, etc.)

Simpler Alternative: Instead of dealing with API complexity, use PickMyTrade to automate via TradingView webhooks with no coding required. More cost-effective for most traders.

With PickMyTrade's webhook integration, the typical execution flow is:

• TradingView Alert Fires: ~50-200ms
• PickMyTrade Processing: ~100-300ms
• Tradovate Execution: ~200-500ms
• Total Time: Usually under 1 second from alert to fill

This is fast enough for day trading and scalping strategies. Professional high-frequency traders using direct API connections report similar sub-second speeds with Tradovate's REST API.

Factors affecting speed: Your internet connection, TradingView server load, market liquidity, and whether you're using limit or market orders. PickMyTrade's infrastructure is optimized for minimal latency.

For Tradovate: Yes, you can build Python bots using Tradovate's REST API. The API supports Python, Node.js, Java, and other languages. You'll need the API add-on ($29.99/month or included with paid plans) and CME data subscriptions. Execution speeds are sub-second, making it suitable for algorithmic trading.

For NinjaTrader: NinjaTrader uses C# for strategy development, not Python natively. However, you can use Python with NinjaTrader through third-party bridges or by building external applications that communicate with NT.

Easier Alternative: Instead of coding bots from scratch, use TradingView's Pine Script for strategy logic and PickMyTrade to execute automatically - no Python required. This approach is faster to develop and maintain.

NinjaTrader does not have native webhook functionality built-in like TradingView does. However, you can achieve webhook-like automation through:

1. PickMyTrade: Connect your NinjaTrader-connected brokerage account to receive TradingView webhooks. Works with NinjaTrader connected to supported brokers.

2. Custom C# Strategies: Develop strategies within NinjaTrader that can receive external HTTP requests, though this requires programming knowledge.

3. Third-party Tools: Various automation tools bridge TradingView webhooks to NinjaTrader, though PickMyTrade is the most user-friendly option requiring zero coding.

For most traders, using PickMyTrade provides the simplest webhook automation experience with NinjaTrader accounts.

Tradovate Costs:
• Commission: ~$0.79/contract round-trip (micros on free plan)
• Platform Fee: $0 (free plan) or $99-299/month (monthly plans)
• Lifetime Membership: $1,499 one-time (lowest commissions)
• API Access: $29.99/month (or included with paid plans)
• Market Data: $4-12/month per CME symbol
• Exchange Fees: Standard CME fees per contract

NinjaTrader Costs:
• Software License: Free (with supported brokers) or $999-1,599 lifetime
• Commission: Varies by broker (typically $0.50-1.50/contract)
• Market Data: Depends on broker, typically $50-100/month
• No API fees (built-in for strategy development)

For Automation: Add PickMyTrade ($19-49/month) for TradingView webhook automation with either platform.

The Tradovate lifetime membership pays for itself if you trade actively. Here's the math:

Benefits:
• Lowest per-contract commissions (savings of ~$0.20-0.40 per round-trip)
• API access included (saves $29.99/month = $360/year)
• No monthly platform fees

Break-even Analysis:
If you save $0.30/contract and trade 1,000 contracts/year:
$0.30 × 1,000 = $300/year in commission savings
Plus $360/year API savings = $660/year total savings
Break-even in ~2.3 years

Worth it if: You trade 1,000+ contracts annually, plan to trade for 2+ years, or are a full-time trader
Skip if: New trader, part-time, trading through prop firms, or low volume

Tradovate is generally transparent about costs, but traders should be aware of all fees:

Disclosed Fees:
• Per-contract commissions (clearly stated per plan)
• CME market data subscriptions (required for live trading)
• Exchange and clearing fees (standard CME fees)
• API add-on fee (if on free plan)

Less Obvious Costs:
• Withdrawal fees (may apply depending on method)
• Inactivity fees (check current policy)
• Additional exchange fees for certain products

Most users report no surprise charges. As one Reddit user summarized: "You pay for data, commissions, and sometimes withdrawals — no surprises." Always review Tradovate's current fee schedule before opening an account.

PickMyTrade offers flexible pricing for TradingView automation:

Free Trial: 5 days, no credit card required - test everything risk-free

Paid Plans: Typically $19-49/month depending on features needed
• Unlimited alerts and trades
• All futures contracts supported
• Risk management tools included
• Auto-rollover and contract mapping
• 24/7 support

Cost Comparison: Tradovate's API alone costs $29.99/month plus requires coding skills. PickMyTrade costs less, requires zero coding, and works with TradingView's superior charting and strategy builder.

For most traders, PickMyTrade is more cost-effective than direct API development and maintenance.

CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) charges fees for real-time market data subscriptions. These fees are required for live trading with futures contracts, even micro contracts.

Typical CME Data Fees:
• E-mini & Micro E-mini (ES, NQ, YM, RTY): $4-7/month per symbol
• Energy Products (CL, NG): $9-12/month
• Agriculture Products: $9-12/month
• Bundled packages: $50-100+/month for multiple symbols

These fees apply whether you use Tradovate, NinjaTrader, or any other platform. They're charged by the exchange, not your broker.

Simulation Trading: You can practice with delayed data or simulation mode for free, but live trading requires real-time data subscriptions.

Setting up TradingView to Tradovate automation takes about 5 minutes:

Step 1: Create PickMyTrade Account
Visit PickMyTrade and sign up (5-day free trial, no card required)

Step 2: Connect Tradovate
• Go to Connections → Add Broker → Tradovate
• Enter your Tradovate username and password
• Choose Live or Demo account
• Click Connect

Step 3: Get Webhook URL
Copy your unique PickMyTrade webhook URL from the dashboard

Step 4: Setup TradingView Alert
• Create alert on your TradingView chart
• Paste webhook URL in "Webhook URL" field
• In message, specify: symbol, action (buy/sell), quantity, SL/TP
• Save alert

Step 5: Test
Test with a small position in demo mode first. Execution typically under 1 second.

Yes! Both Tradovate and PickMyTrade support paper trading (simulation mode):

For Tradovate:
• Free simulation accounts available
• Same features as live accounts
• Real-time data (with data subscriptions) or delayed data
• Perfect for testing strategies risk-free

With PickMyTrade:
• Connect to your Tradovate demo account
• Test webhook automation with virtual money
• Verify order logic, position sizing, SL/TP execution
• Practice until confident, then switch to live

Highly Recommended: Always test new strategies in simulation mode for at least 1-2 weeks before risking real capital. This helps identify bugs in your alert logic and builds confidence in your system.

Common issues and solutions:

1. Webhook URL Incorrect
• Double-check the webhook URL is copied correctly from PickMyTrade
• No extra spaces or characters

2. Alert Message Format
• Ensure your alert message follows PickMyTrade's format requirements
• Check symbol naming (e.g., "MES" vs "MESU24")
• Verify action is specified ("buy" or "sell")

3. Account Connection
• Verify Tradovate account is connected and active in PickMyTrade
• Check credentials haven't expired
• Ensure sufficient buying power

4. Trading Hours
• Check if you have trading hour restrictions set
• Verify the market is open for your contract

5. Risk Limits
• Check if daily loss limits or position size limits are blocking trades

Check PickMyTrade's execution log for detailed error messages. Their 24/7 support can help troubleshoot specific issues.

Yes, you need at least TradingView Pro ($14.95/month) to use webhook functionality for automation. TradingView's free plan does not support webhooks.

TradingView Plans Comparison:
• Free: No webhooks, alerts only notify you
• Pro ($14.95/mo): Webhook support, 20 server-side alerts
• Pro+ ($29.95/mo): 100 server-side alerts
• Premium ($59.95/mo): 400 server-side alerts

Recommendation: Start with TradingView Pro. If you run multiple strategies needing many simultaneous alerts, upgrade to Pro+ or Premium. The webhook feature is essential for automated execution through PickMyTrade.

Total Cost for Automation: TradingView Pro ($15) + PickMyTrade ($19-49) = $34-64/month for complete no-code automation.

Yes! You can run multiple strategies simultaneously using PickMyTrade:

How it Works:
• Connect one Tradovate account to PickMyTrade
• Create separate TradingView alerts for each strategy
• All alerts use the same webhook URL
• Differentiate strategies using different symbols or alert naming

Example Setup:
• Strategy A: MES scalping on 5-minute chart
• Strategy B: MNQ swing trading on 1-hour chart
• Strategy C: ES trend following on daily chart

All three can execute independently to the same account. PickMyTrade handles order routing and execution for each strategy.

Risk Management: Set appropriate position sizing and daily loss limits to prevent multiple strategies from over-leveraging your account.

Yes! PickMyTrade fully supports all CME futures contracts including micro futures:

Supported Micro Contracts:
• MES (Micro E-mini S&P 500)
• MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100)
• MYM (Micro E-mini Dow)
• M2K (Micro E-mini Russell 2000)
• MCL (Micro Crude Oil)
• MGC (Micro Gold)

Smart Contract Mapping:
PickMyTrade includes intelligent contract mapping - you can set rules to automatically convert between micro and mini contracts based on your account size or preferences.

Auto-Rollover:
Automatic futures contract rollover ensures your automation continues seamlessly when contracts expire. No manual intervention needed.

Tradovate's DOM (Depth of Market):
• Basic ladder interface with order entry
• Shows bid/ask depth and volume
• One-click trading capabilities
• Clean, modern design but minimal features
• Suitable for casual traders and basic order flow

NinjaTrader's DOM:
• Professional-grade SuperDOM with advanced features
• Customizable columns, colors, and layout
• Volume profile, time and sales integration
• Advanced order types (OCO, OSO, bracket orders)
• Market depth visualization
• Hotkey configuration for rapid execution

Best Practice: Use Tradovate account through NinjaTrader 8 Desktop to get both low commissions and professional DOM tools. This combination is popular among serious scalpers and order flow traders.

Yes! PickMyTrade supports automatic stop-loss (SL) and take-profit (TP) order placement:

How to Set SL/TP:
In your TradingView alert message, specify:
• stoploss: 4950 (specific price)
• stoploss_offset: 10 (10 points from entry)
• takeprofit: 5000 (specific price)
• takeprofit_offset: 20 (20 points from entry)

Example Alert Message:
{"symbol": "MES", "action": "buy", "quantity": 1, "stoploss_offset": 10, "takeprofit_offset": 20}

When your entry order fills, PickMyTrade automatically places bracket orders for your stop-loss and take-profit at the specified levels. This ensures every trade has predefined risk management without manual intervention.

Yes, PickMyTrade supports trailing stop functionality for protecting profits while letting winning trades run:

Trailing Stop Options:
• Set trailing offset in points/ticks
• Activate after specific profit threshold
• Adjust trail distance dynamically

Example Configuration:
{"trailing_stop": true, "trail_offset": 5, "trail_trigger": 10}

This activates a trailing stop 5 points behind price once the position is 10 points in profit. The stop automatically adjusts as price moves favorably, locking in gains.

Trailing stops are managed server-side by PickMyTrade, so they continue working even if your internet connection drops or your computer shuts down.

Yes! PickMyTrade includes automatic futures rollover functionality:

How Auto-Rollover Works:
• PickMyTrade monitors contract expiration dates
• Automatically switches to the next contract month before expiry
• Your TradingView strategies continue executing seamlessly
• No need to manually update alert symbols

Example:
If you're trading MESU24 (September 2024 micro E-mini S&P), PickMyTrade will automatically roll to MESZ24 (December 2024) before expiration.

Configuration:
You can set rollover timing (e.g., 5 days before expiry, on first notice day, etc.) and receive notifications when rollovers occur.

This feature is essential for algorithmic traders running long-term strategies without constant manual monitoring.

Yes! PickMyTrade includes comprehensive risk management features:

Custom Trading Hours:
• Set specific hours when automation is active (e.g., 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET)
• Different schedules for different strategies
• Avoid overnight sessions if desired

News Filter:
• Blackout windows around major news events
• Automatic trading pause 30/60/90 minutes before/after scheduled reports
• FOMC, NFP, CPI, JOLTS, etc. automatically detected

Other Risk Controls:
• Daily loss limits (stop all trading after X loss)
• Maximum position size limits
• Maximum number of trades per day
• Weekend/holiday trading blocks

These features protect your account from unexpected volatility and help enforce disciplined trading rules automatically.

Tradovate's reliability has mixed reviews from the trading community:

Positives:
• Sub-second API execution speeds (typically 200-800ms)
• Generally stable for retail trading volumes
• Good uptime during normal market conditions
• Responsive order fills

Concerns:
• Occasional platform freezes during high volatility
• Some users report delayed or missing stop orders
• Outages during U.S. market hours (rare but documented)
• Customer support response times during issues

Recommendation:
Tradovate works well for most automated traders, but serious professionals should maintain a backup broker or platform for mission-critical trading. Many traders combine Tradovate's low costs with NinjaTrader's stability for redundancy.

Always test extensively in simulation mode before going live.

PickMyTrade maintains enterprise-grade infrastructure with multiple safeguards:

Infrastructure:
• Cloud-based with 99.9% uptime SLA
• Redundant servers across multiple data centers
• Automatic failover to backup systems
• Real-time monitoring and alerts

If Service is Down:
• Existing open positions remain in your broker account (PickMyTrade doesn't control them)
• Stop-loss and take-profit orders already placed remain active
• New TradingView alerts won't execute until service resumes
• You can always manually manage positions through Tradovate or NinjaTrader directly

Best Practice:
Monitor your open positions through your broker's platform. PickMyTrade is a middleware service - your broker (Tradovate/NinjaTrader) maintains your positions independently.

PickMyTrade provides multiple monitoring tools:

Dashboard Features:
• Live execution log showing all webhook triggers
• Real-time position tracking
• P&L monitoring (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Alert history with timestamps
• Error logs for failed executions

Notifications:
• Email alerts for trade executions
• SMS notifications (premium plans)
• Discord/Telegram integration
• Push notifications via mobile app

Broker Integration:
• Always monitor through your Tradovate/NinjaTrader platform as primary source
• PickMyTrade dashboard is secondary confirmation
• Mobile apps for both brokers available

Many traders keep their broker platform open on a second monitor for real-time position management alongside automated execution.

Tradovate customer support receives mixed reviews:

Common Complaints:
• Long response times during trading hours (when needed most)
• Limited live assistance availability
• Some users report frustration during platform issues
• Email-heavy support rather than phone

Positives:
• Helpful knowledge base and documentation
• Active community forums
• Chat support available (though wait times vary)
• Good support for account setup and technical questions

Tip:
For critical trading issues, having alternative platforms ready is wise. PickMyTrade offers 24/7 support specifically for webhook automation issues, which can help troubleshoot integration problems quickly.

Yes, having a backup is highly recommended for serious traders, especially those trading full-time or with significant capital:

Why You Need Backup:
• Platform outages can happen with any broker
• API connectivity issues
• Account-specific technical problems
• Ability to exit positions if primary broker fails

Recommended Backup Options:
• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) - extremely reliable, industry standard
• NinjaTrader with multiple broker connections
• TradeStation for automated strategies
• Keep backup funded with minimum capital for emergency exits

PickMyTrade Advantage:
PickMyTrade supports multiple brokers, so you can connect both primary and backup accounts. Configure failover rules or run strategies simultaneously across multiple accounts for redundancy.

Learn more about broker options at PickMyTrade's broker integrations.

Yes! PickMyTrade works seamlessly with both NinjaTrader and Tradovate, plus many other brokers:

Supported Platforms:
• Tradovate (direct integration)
• NinjaTrader (with supported broker connections)
• Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
• TradeStation
• Rithmic
• TradeLocker
• And more...

You can even connect multiple broker accounts simultaneously and route different TradingView strategies to different accounts. For example:
• MES scalping strategy → Tradovate (low commissions)
• ES swing strategy → Interactive Brokers (reliability)
• Backtested strategies → NinjaTrader (advanced tools)

Visit PickMyTrade's broker page to see all supported platforms.

PickMyTrade vs DIY API Bot:

PickMyTrade Advantages:
• No Coding Required: Visual setup in minutes vs weeks of development
• Lower Cost: $19-49/month vs Tradovate API $29.99 + dev time
• Maintenance-Free: No code updates when APIs change
• Built-in Features: Auto-rollover, contract mapping, risk management included
• 24/7 Support: Expert help when you need it
• Multi-Broker: Switch brokers without recoding
• TradingView Integration: Leverage Pine Script instead of Python/JavaScript

DIY Bot Advantages:
• Complete customization
• No dependency on third-party service
• Potentially lower latency (microseconds matter for HFT)

Verdict: Unless you're a professional developer doing high-frequency trading, PickMyTrade saves massive time and delivers better ROI for most traders.

Yes, PickMyTrade works with prop firm accounts, but check your prop firm's automation policy first:

Compatible Prop Firms:
Most prop firms allow automation if their broker is supported by PickMyTrade. Common prop firms using Tradovate or Rithmic:
• TopstepTrader (Tradovate)
• Earn2Trade (various brokers)
• Leeloo Trading (Rithmic/Tradovate)
• Apex Trader Funding (Rithmic)

Important Considerations:
• Verify your prop firm allows automated trading
• Some firms require disclosure of automation tools
• Respect daily loss limits and trading hour restrictions
• Configure PickMyTrade's risk management to match prop firm rules

Advantage: PickMyTrade's risk management features help ensure compliance with prop firm rules, reducing risk of rule violations that could disqualify your funded account.

Yes, PickMyTrade implements enterprise-grade security measures:

Security Features:
• Encryption: All credentials encrypted at rest and in transit (AES-256)
• OAuth Where Available: Uses broker OAuth tokens instead of passwords when supported
• No Trading Access: PickMyTrade only executes orders, cannot withdraw funds
• 2FA Support: Two-factor authentication for your PickMyTrade account
• SOC 2 Compliant: Audited security infrastructure
• Limited Permissions: Only trading permissions, no account management access

What PickMyTrade CANNOT Do:
• Withdraw money from your broker account
• Change account settings
• Access personal information beyond trading

Your credentials are stored securely and only used to execute trades you authorize through TradingView alerts. Many institutional traders and prop firms use similar middleware services.

Yes, PickMyTrade offers flexible subscription terms:

Subscription Details:
• Free Trial: 5 days, no credit card required
• Monthly Plans: Cancel anytime, no long-term commitment
• No Cancellation Fees: Cancel with one click from dashboard
• Immediate Effect: Cancellation takes effect at end of billing period
• No Lock-in: Use month-to-month as needed

What Happens After Cancellation:
• Webhooks stop executing new alerts
• Existing positions remain in your broker account
• You retain access to historical data and logs
• Can reactivate anytime without losing configuration

Many traders use PickMyTrade seasonally - active during trading months, paused during vacation or strategy development periods.