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NinjaTrader 8 MCP Server
Trade, read positions and control charts in a running NinjaTrader 8 desktop through a NinjaScript Add-On
7GitHub stars
11popularity score
nt8-mcp
NinjaScript development loop for NinjaTrader 8: compile, inspect charts, read output and backtest
By Tristan (individual) Python Local · stdio Developer toolsFinance and payments
23 popularity score ★ 31
Connect your client
Local (from source)
Add in one click
Opens the app, which asks before it adds the server.
Or add it by command or config
FirstTerminal
git clone https://github.com/tbraman-dev/nt8-mcp
pip install -e nt8-mcp/server
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File nt8-mcp\scripts\install-addon.ps1Claude CodeTerminal
claude mcp add nt8 -- nt8-mcpClaude Desktopclaude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"nt8": {
"command": "nt8-mcp",
"args": []
}
}
}Cursor~/.cursor/mcp.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"nt8": {
"command": "nt8-mcp",
"args": []
}
}
}VS Code.vscode/mcp.json
{
"servers": {
"nt8": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "nt8-mcp",
"args": []
}
}
}Codex~/.codex/config.toml
[mcp_servers.nt8]
command = "nt8-mcp"
args = []Gemini CLITerminal
gemini mcp add --scope user nt8 nt8-mcpSettings 5
NT8BRIDGE_URL |
Optional: Address of the NT8Bridge AddOn. |
|---|---|
NT8_MCP_REQUIRE_PUSHED |
Optional: Set to 1 to make nt_install refuse files that are not committed and pushed in git. |
| Set together: sim desk | |
NT8MCP_LOCK_FILE |
Optional: Path of the lock file the Sim desk writes check. |
NT8MCP_DESK_LEGS |
Optional: Path of desk_legs.json, the expected legs read by nt_desk_status. The AddOn reads its own copy of this setting from NinjaTrader's environment for the grid allowlist. |
NT8MCP_DECISIONS_DIR |
Optional: Folder of per-leg decision CSVs. |
What it does
nt8-mcp connects an MCP client to a running NinjaTrader 8 desktop so an assistant can work on NinjaScript indicators and strategies itself. It has two parts: a Python stdio server and an AddOn (NT8Bridge) compiled into NinjaTrader, which listens on localhost:7891 and exposes charts, the compiler, output, logs, backtests, data stores and accounts.
With it an assistant can compile-check files offline against your Custom project, compile through NinjaTrader's own compiler without the Editor open, reload the assembly, read plot values, drawing anchors and bars off a chart, read Print() output, take screenshots, run headless backtests on the Backtest account, and run grid optimisation, walk-forward tests and PDF reports. It can also look up the real signatures of NinjaTrader types, lint NinjaScript and check local data coverage. Since 1.6.0 it can also open the NinjaScript Editor and switch, open, close or save workspaces without any dialog.
It is aimed at development rather than trading and is read-only unless you arm it. An empty orders.enabled file arms order entry, ATM strategies, strategies-on-Sim, the Sim desk repairs and replay controls, all limited to Simulator and Playback accounts and each needing a dry run and a confirm string used within 30 seconds. The desk writes, which now include disabling grid rows one by one or from a list, also check a local lock file that names the caller. A separate ops.enabled file, ignored after 24 hours, arms a reduce-only flatten. It is not affiliated with NinjaTrader, LLC.
From the code at v1.6.0: the server registers 96 tools spread over 23 tools_* modules, though one README paragraph still says 89. Each call to the AddOn times out after 5 seconds unless the tool sets a longer deadline (server/nt8_mcp/app.py). The NinjaTrader folder is always taken as Documents\NinjaTrader 8 under the user's home, with no setting to move it, and the server works with both the 1.x and 2.x releases of the mcp Python package.
What it needs
| Runtime | Python 3.10+ |
|---|---|
| Runs on | Windows |
| NinjaTrader 8 | FreeA free Simulator install is enough for the development tools; no broker account or data subscription needed |
| Also |
|
Tested by its maker on NinjaTrader 8.1.8.2. Install the NT8Bridge AddOn with scripts\install-addon.ps1 and compile it once (F5 in the NinjaScript Editor). The optional extras parquet and report (pip install -e ".[parquet,report]") bring the packages nt_nrd_export and nt_report's PDF need.
Limits
- Limit Not on PyPI. It is installed from a clone of the repository with pip install -e.
- Platform Windows only, with the NinjaTrader 8 desktop running. The AddOn binds NinjaTrader internals by name, so an NT8 update can break features.
- Not covered Order entry reaches Simulator and Playback accounts only. Live, funded and broker-demo accounts are refused.
- Size cap Orders are capped at 10 contracts, 20 working orders per account and 60 submits a minute by default; config can raise these to 100, 100 and 600.
- Limit nt_reload_assembly is refused while a live order-routing connection is up.
- Size cap nt_optimize refuses more than 200 parameter combinations by default.
- Limit nt_data_download needs a real data connection and no open positions or orders outside the Backtest account. Ranges over 10 days need big=True.
- Not covered nt_grid_enable and nt_grid_disable are refused unless desk_legs.json exists and lists the row's strategy, account and instrument.
- Not covered nt_workspace_close is refused for the only open workspace and for one that holds an enabled or running strategy.
- Limit It never connects or disconnects the Playback connection, which must already be Connected for replay control.
Not on PyPI; installed from a clone. Order entry never reaches live, funded or broker-demo accounts, and caps orders at 10 contracts, 20 working orders per account and 60 submits per minute by default (config can raise them to 100/100/600). nt_reload_assembly is refused while a live order-routing connection is up. It never connects or disconnects the Playback connection. nt_optimize refuses above 200 combinations by default. nt_data_download needs a real data connection and no open positions or orders outside the Backtest account; ranges over 10 days need big=True. The AddOn binds NinjaTrader internals by name, so an NT8 update can break features.
Who it suits
NinjaScript developers on Windows who want an assistant to write, compile, check on a chart and backtest indicators and strategies without copying errors and screenshots by hand. It runs fully on your machine and is read-only by default. If you want an assistant to trade a real account, its own README points to ozmnf4/ninjatrader-mcp, anfs-pain/ninjatrader-mcp or NinjaTrader's official server (Tradovate cloud API), since this one only places orders on Simulator and Playback accounts. Not usable on macOS or Linux.
Tools 60 of 96
32 only read, 27 change things, 1 can delete or overwrite. A ? marks an optional parameter.
nt_health- Report AddOn and NinjaTrader versions, connections, open chart count and any blocking dialog
nt_windows- List open NinjaTrader windows with title, kind and position
nt_charts- List open charts with instrument, period and indicators
nt_chart_state- Return the full state of one chart
chart?: string nt_bars- Return the last n OHLCV bars of a chart (50 by default)
chart?: stringn?: integer nt_indicators- Return a chart's indicators, their inputs and recent plot values
chart?: stringname?: stringn?: integer nt_drawings- List drawing objects on a chart with tag, type, owner and anchors
chart?: string nt_chart_reloadchanges- Reload NinjaScript on one chart
chart?: string nt_account- Read cash, P&L, positions and orders for one or all accounts
name?: string nt_bridge_log- Tail the AddOn's own request and error log
n?: integer nt_screenshot- Capture a chart window as a PNG
chart?: string nt_status- Check whether the running build is older than the source files on disk
nt_chart_indicator_addchanges- Add an indicator to a chart and read the chart back
indicator: stringchart?: stringinputs?: objectpanel?: integer nt_chart_indicator_removechanges- Remove an indicator it added, or any one with force=True
chart?: stringindicator?: stringindex?: integerforce?: boolean nt_chart_set_serieschanges- Change a chart's instrument or bar period
chart?: stringinstrument?: stringbars_period?: objectrestore?: boolean nt_chart_scroll_tochanges- Scroll a chart to a given time
time: stringchart?: string nt_trade_shot- Scroll to one backtest trade's entry and screenshot it
run_id: stringtrade_index: integerchart?: string nt_compilechanges- Compile the NinjaScript tree with NinjaTrader's compiler and return structured errors
timeout_s?: integer nt_reload_assemblychanges- Compile and swap the running assembly at once; refused while a live order connection is up
timeout_s?: integer nt_compile_f5changes- Fallback that presses F5 in the NinjaScript Editor and waits for the rebuild
timeout_s?: integer nt_editor_openchanges- Open the NinjaScript Editor window so nt_compile_f5 can run; does nothing if one is open
nt_output- Read NinjaScript Print() output from the AddOn's buffer
since?: integern?: integertab?: integercontains?: string nt_log- Read NinjaTrader's own event log, filtered by level, name or text
since?: integern?: integerlevel?: stringname?: stringcontains?: string nt_strategies- List strategies available to backtest with their inputs
nt_backtestchanges- Run a headless backtest on the Backtest account and return summary and trades
strategy: stringchart?: stringfrom_date?: stringto_date?: stringtick_replay?: booleaninputs?: objectinstrument?: stringbars_period?: objectwait_s?: integertemplate?: stringfill_resolution?: stringfill_resolution_type?: stringfill_resolution_value?: integerslippage_ticks?: numbercommission_template?: stringinclude_commission?: booleanfill_limit_on_touch?: booleaninclude_trade_history?: booleanmax_trades?: integersave_run?: boolean nt_match- Compare NinjaTrader trades with a reference trade list and give a pass or fail
reference_csv: stringnt8_trades?: stringbacktest?: objectbacktest_id?: stringrun_id?: stringcolumns?: objectnt8_columns?: objectexit_map?: objectfrom_date?: stringto_date?: stringtick_size?: numberprice_tol_ticks?: numberentry_tol_min?: numbernt8_time_shift_min?: integersession_start?: stringbars_csv?: stringbars_time_is_close?: booleanbars_chart?: stringbars_n?: integernews_minutes?: array nt_optimizechanges- Grid-search strategy parameters over backtests, capped at 200 combinations by default
strategy: stringparams: objectchart?: stringinstrument?: stringbars_period?: objectfrom_date?: stringto_date?: stringtick_replay?: booleaninputs?: objectfill_resolution?: stringfill_resolution_type?: stringfill_resolution_value?: integerslippage_ticks?: numbercommission_template?: stringinclude_commission?: booleanfill_limit_on_touch?: booleanfitness?: stringtop_n?: integermin_trades?: integermax_combos?: integer nt_walkforwardchanges- Run an anchored or rolling walk-forward of optimize plus out-of-sample tests
strategy: stringparams: objecttrain_days?: integertest_days?: integeranchored?: booleanfrom_date?: stringto_date?: stringchart?: stringinstrument?: stringbars_period?: objecttick_replay?: booleaninputs?: objectfill_resolution?: stringfill_resolution_type?: stringfill_resolution_value?: integerslippage_ticks?: numbercommission_template?: stringinclude_commission?: booleanfill_limit_on_touch?: booleanfitness?: string nt_analyze- Break down a run's trades by month, weekday, hour, side, drawdown and streaks
run_id?: stringtrades?: array nt_runs- List saved backtest runs from the run registry
limit?: integerstrategy?: string nt_reportchanges- Build stats and an optional one-page PDF for a finished backtest
id?: stringstatus_doc?: objectpdf_path?: string nt_api_search- Search loaded NinjaTrader assemblies for types and members by keyword
query: stringlimit?: integer nt_api- Show the real signatures of one NinjaTrader type
type_name: stringmember?: string nt_data_coverage- Show which days of tick, minute, day and replay data are stored locally
instrument: stringkind?: stringfrom_date?: stringto_date?: string nt_data_probe- Find how far back the connected provider serves an instrument
instrument: stringkind?: stringwait_s?: integer nt_nrd_exportchanges- Decode Market Replay .nrd files to Parquet offline
instrument_glob: stringout_dir: stringlevels?: arrayforce?: booleanreplay_dir?: string nt_data_downloadchanges- Download missing historical data from the connected provider into NinjaTrader's store
instrument: stringfrom_date: stringto_date: stringkinds?: arraytypes?: arrayoverwrite?: booleanbig?: boolean nt_connections- List configured connections and why each last dropped
n?: integersince?: integer nt_executions- List real fills on one account
account: stringfrom_date?: stringto_date?: stringinstrument?: stringn?: integer nt_performance- Compute round-trip trades and metrics from an account's fills
account: stringfrom_date?: stringto_date?: stringinstrument?: stringn?: integer nt_workspace- Show the loaded workspace and every window with each chart's indicators and strategies
nt_strategies_running- Read the Control Center Strategies grid
materialize?: boolean nt_window_shot- Capture any NinjaTrader window as a PNG without bringing it forward
window?: stringchart?: stringhwnd?: integerpath?: string nt_workspace_switchchanges- Make an already open workspace the active one
name: string nt_workspace_openchanges- Open a workspace file from NinjaTrader's workspaces folder
name: stringactivate?: boolean nt_workspace_closechanges- Close an open workspace and answer its save prompt; refused while it holds an enabled strategy
name: stringsave?: boolean nt_workspace_save_asdeletes- Save an open workspace under a new name; replaces an existing file only with overwrite=True
name: stringnew_name: stringoverwrite?: boolean nt_playback- Report the Market Replay connection's state
instrument?: stringcoverage?: booleanbudget_s?: integer nt_check- Compile-check .cs files against the Custom project in a scratch folder
files?: array nt_installchanges- Copy .cs files into the right Custom subfolder
files: array nt_install_addonchanges- Install or update the NT8Bridge AddOn files
nt_lint- Scan NinjaScript files for known hazards
paths: arrayrules?: array nt_order_submitchanges- Place one order on a Simulator or Playback account after a dry run and confirm (opt-in)
account: stringinstrument: stringaction: stringorder_type: stringquantity: integerlimit_price?: numberstop_price?: numbertif?: stringconfirm?: stringissued_at?: number nt_order_bracketchanges- Place an entry with stop and targets on a Simulator or Playback account (opt-in)
account: stringinstrument: stringaction: stringorder_type: stringquantity: integerlimit_price?: numberstop_price?: numberstop_loss_price?: numberstop_loss_ticks?: integertargets?: arraytif?: stringconfirm?: stringissued_at?: number nt_strategy_startchanges- Enable a strategy on a Simulator or Playback account (opt-in)
strategy: stringaccount: stringinstrument: stringbars_period: objectinputs?: objectdays_to_load?: integerbreak_at_eod?: booleantrading_hours?: stringconfirm?: stringissued_at?: number nt_flattenchanges- Cancel orders and flatten positions on one account (opt-in ops module)
account: stringinstrument?: stringconfirm?: stringissued_at?: number nt_reconcile- Pair a backtest's trades with a replay run's fills
backtest_id?: stringbacktest_run_id?: stringbacktest_trades?: arrayplayback_run_id?: stringplayback_executions?: arraytolerance_ticks?: numbertolerance_seconds?: numbertick_size?: number nt_lockchanges- Take, renew or release the local lock file the Sim desk writes check for
caller: stringminutes?: numberrelease?: boolean nt_grid_disablechanges- Disable one allowlisted Strategies grid row without removing it or flattening (opt-in)
caller: stringstrategy_id: stringaccount: stringconfirm?: stringissued_at?: number nt_grid_disable_allchanges- Disable a list of grid rows under one plan and one confirm (opt-in)
caller: stringids: arrayconfirm?: stringissued_at?: number