To copy trades in NinjaTrader 8, install a trade copier add-on such as Replikanto, set the leader account you trade on, switch on the follower accounts with their sizing, and test with small trades. Replikanto runs inside NinjaTrader 8.1.6 or later, so a NinjaTrader VPS from QuantVPS keeps copying when your own PC is off. What you need:
- NinjaTrader Setup: Update NinjaTrader 8, connect to your broker, and enable automated trading.
- Trade Copier Software: Choose software with fast execution, position scaling, and error handling.
Key Steps:
- Install and configure the trade copier software.
- Set up master and follower accounts with proper risk controls.
- Test the setup by placing small trades to ensure accurate replication.
Advanced Options:
- Multi-instrument trading
- ATM strategy integration
- Position size management
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Required Setup Components
Trade copying depends on the proper integration of several critical tools.
NinjaTrader Platform Setup
Start by updating NinjaTrader 8, connecting it to your broker, and enabling automated trading. Ensure you have:
- An active connection to your broker
- Valid trading account credentials with market data access
- Permissions for automated trading
Once the platform is ready, choose the right trade copier software.
Trade Copier Software Selection
When picking trade copier software, look for features like:
- Fast execution to align trades across accounts
- Automatic scaling for trade positions
- Reliable error handling
- Built-in risk management tools
After selecting the software, you'll need a VPS to keep the system running smoothly.
VPS Requirements
A VPS keeps trade copying running when your own PC is off. Plan on at least 4 cores and 8GB of RAM for copying, which QuantVPS's VPS Lite ($59.99 a month) covers. For more accounts and charts, the VPS Pro plan ($99.99 a month, prices checked on 10 Oct 2026) offers:
- 6 CPU cores for handling multiple accounts
- 16GB of RAM for active charts and processes
- 150GB of NVMe storage
- 1Gbps+ network connection for fast data transfer
- Windows Server 2022, 2019 or 2025 for full compatibility
- Dual monitor support for better oversight (VPS Pro and higher)
Setup Instructions
Software Installation Steps
This walkthrough uses Replikanto, a trade copier add-on that runs inside NinjaTrader 8, as the example; other copiers follow a similar flow. Replikanto needs NinjaTrader 8.1.6 or later and a Replikanto license on each computer that runs it.
- Download Replikanto: after buying a license or starting the 7-day trial, download the Replikanto .zip file from your FlowBots downloads page.
- Import it: in the NinjaTrader Control Center, go to Tools > Import > NinjaScript, select the .zip file and press Import. Restart NinjaTrader when the import finishes.
- If the import fails: NinjaTrader blocks imports when other NinjaScript files on the PC have errors. FlowBots' workaround is to close NinjaTrader, copy Replikanto.dll and the pt-PT folder into Documents\NinjaTrader 8\bin\Custom\, then restart NinjaTrader.
- Open the copier: go to Control Center > New > FlowBots > Replikanto.
Choose the Leader, Followers and Sizing
Replikanto copies trades from one leader account to the follower accounts you switch on. FlowBots' leader account guide lists the steps:
- Select the Leader Account in the Replikanto window. This must be the account you place orders on, because Replikanto only copies trades from the account set as leader.
- Select the instrument in the tab. One tab copies one instrument, so open another tab (the + button) for each extra instrument or leader.
- Turn on each follower by clicking its light in the Follower Accounts list (green is on, grey is off).
- Choose a Method for each follower: Exact Quantity (same number of contracts as the leader), Ratio (the leader's quantity times the follower's ratio) or Pre Allocation (the follower's own fixed quantity).
ATM Strategy Handling
Turn on ATM Copy for a follower if you want it to run the leader's ATM strategy for its exits, instead of copying the leader's exit orders. FlowBots' ATM Copy guide says the same ATM strategy, with the same name and settings, must exist in every NinjaTrader that runs a follower. ATM Copy only applies to trades placed in NinjaTrader Desktop with an ATM strategy.
For a closer look at the tool's features, see the Replikanto article linked above. If you want the copier on a server that stays on, QuantVPS also has a trade copier VPS page with plans sized for it.
After installation, proceed to configure your NinjaTrader accounts.
Account Setup Guide
Once the software is installed, set up your NinjaTrader accounts for smooth trade copying:
| NinjaTrader setting | Where to set it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Control Center > Connections: connect every leader and follower connection | Replikanto only lists accounts from a live connection |
| Multi-provider | Control Center > Tools > Settings, then restart | Needed when the leader and followers use more than one broker |
| Global Simulation Mode | Turn it off when copying live or funded accounts | With it on, Replikanto follower accounts are not visible |
| ATM strategy templates | Same name and settings in every NinjaTrader that runs a follower | Required for ATM Copy |
Start by configuring your master account, followed by the follower accounts. Use these specific guidelines: Topstep accounts are an exception. For those, check the Topstep trade-copying setup instead. For new accounts, Topstep's help center says: "TopstepX™ is the only available trading platform." NinjaTrader copiers therefore don't apply to those accounts.
- Decide which account is the leader: the one you place orders on.
- Confirm every follower account shows in the Control Center Accounts tab with an active connection.
- Set position size ratios that align with each account’s capital.
- Adjust risk management settings to suit individual accounts.
Testing Your Setup
After completing the installation and account setup, test the trade copier to ensure it works as expected:
- Place small test trades to confirm positions are copied accurately.
- Watch for delays between the leader's fill and each follower's order.
- Check that stop-loss and take-profit levels are mirrored correctly.
- Verify that position sizes align with your configured ratios.
A simple way to test is by placing a market order on the master account. Confirm that the order is copied to all follower accounts within 1-2 seconds. Be sure to review both entry and exit executions to ensure the trades are fully replicated.
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Advanced Settings
Once you've set up your basic trade copying, you can fine-tune the process with advanced settings to improve efficiency.
Multi-Instrument Trading
Set up mappings for each trading instrument to enable simultaneous copying of trades across multiple instruments.
ATM Strategy Setup
Fine-tune your ATM strategies to ensure smooth trade replication.
| ATM Feature | Function | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| ATM Strategy Integration | Copies ATM setups and adjusts trade sizes | Maintains consistent risk management across accounts |
| Order Flow Synchronization | Handles trade entries and exits automatically | Minimizes delays in execution |
Position Size Management
Proper position sizing is crucial for managing risk effectively.
| Order Type | Capability | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Split Orders | Divides large positions into smaller ones | Matches account-specific limits |
| Partial Fills | Handles incomplete orders efficiently | Ensures position accuracy |
| Size Ratios | Adjusts trade volumes precisely | Keeps risk balanced across accounts |
Make sure your VPS resources are sufficient to handle your account and chart load. These advanced settings help streamline and optimize your copy trading setup.
Summary and Best Practices
Setup Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your trade copying setup is properly configured:
| Component | Required Configuration | Verification Step |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Setup | NinjaTrader latest version | Verify installation and updates |
| VPS Resources | Minimum 4 cores, 8GB RAM | Monitor system performance |
| Connections | Every leader and follower connected | Check the Accounts tab in the Control Center |
| Leader and followers | Leader set, followers on, Method chosen | Place a small Sim trade and compare positions |
| Global Simulation Mode | Off for live and funded accounts | Followers appear in Replikanto |
A reliable VPS is crucial for trade copying. QuantVPS's VPS Lite plan (4 cores, 8GB RAM) meets the minimum in the checklist, and the VPS Pro plan offers 6 cores and 16GB RAM, making it suitable for managing multiple charts efficiently.
Once your setup is verified, consider these tips to further boost trade copying performance.
Performance Tips
After ensuring your setup is correct, focus on these strategies to improve system efficiency:
-
System Resource Management
Keep your system running smoothly by:- Using a 1Gbps or faster dedicated network
- Opting for NVMe storage for quicker data handling
- Performing regular updates and maintenance
-
Risk Control Practices
Protect your trades by:- Setting position size limits for each copied trade
- Defining maximum drawdown limits
- Enabling automated stop-loss features
-
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance
Keep your setup in top shape by:- Checking trade execution latency
- Reviewing copying accuracy daily
- Confirming every follower connection stays connected
- Scheduling routine system checks
Regular testing and monitoring can help you catch and fix problems before they disrupt your trading operations.
Checking your NinjaTrader copy group each day
Use the checklist above before each session: confirm every follower account is connected and shows the right size multiplier. The guide suggests at least 4 cores and 8GB of RAM for copying; QuantVPS's Lite plan matches that and Pro doubles the memory to 16GB. NinjaTrader VPS plans for copiers arrive with NinjaTrader preinstalled.
