How to Set Up NinjaTrader 8 for TopStep
Connect NinjaTrader 8 to your TopStep account and configure the platform for TopStep's trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) rules. This guide covers connection, verification, and recommended risk settings.
This page is for traders who already chose TopStep and need to translate the firm's rule model into a safer NinjaTrader 8 workspace.
It matters most if you use templates, alerts, ATM strategies, or copied chart layouts that could accidentally ignore TopStep's trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) and daily-loss logic.
- --Confirm the account balance and server connection match the firm dashboard before assuming the platform is configured correctly.
- --Check that your default size, flattening rules, and alerts respect TopStep's daily loss and holding restrictions.
- --Re-check the live rule page on the same day you trade, because platform setup can stay correct while the firm changes a policy window or restriction.
Create your TopStep account
Sign up at https://www.topstep.com and purchase your evaluation. You will receive login credentials and a data feed connection string via email.
Download and install NinjaTrader 8
Download NinjaTrader 8 from the official website. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.
Add the data feed connection
Open NinjaTrader 8 and navigate to Connections or Data Feed settings. Add a new connection using the server address, username, and password from TopStep.
Log in and verify
Connect to the data feed and verify market data is streaming. Check that your account balance matches your TopStep dashboard.
Configure risk settings
Set position size defaults, max order quantity, and any ATM strategies to prevent accidental oversizing that could breach TopStep rules.
- --Set a daily loss alert at 1.6% (80% of TopStep's 2% limit) so you stop trading before the hard cap.
- --Enable end-of-day position flattening if possible. Trailing drawdown resets at session close, so flat positions reduce overnight risk.
- --TopStep does NOT allow overnight holding. Set an auto-flatten or reminder 5 minutes before market close.
- --Weekend holding is not allowed. Close all positions before the Friday session ends.
- --Consistency rule: No single day > 50% of total profit. Track daily P&L in a spreadsheet to stay compliant.
- --Save your workspace template after configuring so you can restore it quickly if settings are lost.
| Drawdown Type | Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day) |
| Max Drawdown | 3% |
| Daily Loss Limit | 2% |
| Overnight Holding | Not allowed |
| Weekend Holding | Not allowed |
| News Trading | allowed |
Check a trade against TopStep's rules. Sign in to save results and unlock the full verdict list.