What You Need Before You Start

• NinjaTrader 8 installed and running.
• AFT8.NinjaTrader installed (AFT8 add-in for NT8).
• AFT.Desktop installed and logged in (required to sync licenses, updated files, and settings to your PC).
• ATS Desktop Apps (recommended all-in-one installer path that includes Workspaces 1 as part of the install bundle).
• Correct workspace stage for your goal (manual → hybrid → automated).

Download the official installers from the ATS downloads hub and then install in a clean sequence:

1. Install/Update NinjaTrader 8 (follow NinjaTrader’s official installer flow).
2. Install ATS Desktop Apps (recommended for default installs).
3. Install AFT8.NinjaTrader.
4. Install and run AFT.Desktop to sync licenses/workspaces/settings.
5. Install additional Workspaces 2–5 if your access level includes them.

Tip: If Windows Defender SmartScreen blocks a newly updated workspace installer, verify the installer path
and proceed only if it’s the official installer from the ATS downloads source.

AFT8 Architecture (Why Market Analyzer Matters)

AFT8 hybrid algos are designed to operate inside NinjaTrader via Market Analyzer.
You control and configure behavior using:

• Market Analyzer columns (AFT Algo Entry and AFT Trade Manager modules)
• Market Analyzer templates and saved workspaces
• Algo Controllers (the control panel that commands the rows/columns)

This is the reason many “classic strategy expectations” don’t apply. Your first job is to ensure the workspace
loads the correct Market Analyzer components and the controllers are visible and populated.

The Two Settings That Break Most Automated Trading Setups

Most automation issues come from time settings and contract symbology.
Fix these early so your sessions, filters, and instrument lookups behave correctly.

1) Time / Region Settings

• Windows: Region = United States, Language = English (United States).
• TimeZone: Central US is commonly recommended; some traders use Eastern if troubleshooting date-time issues.
• NinjaTrader: Language = English, TimeZone = Central (or Eastern if required for your environment).

2) Contract Symbology (Critical)

In NinjaTrader, set Symbology: Numeric. This is called out as critical for AFT8 compatibility.

Choose the Right Workspace Stage

AFT8 workspaces are staged so you can progress from manual skill-building to hybrid and then to more advanced modes.
The key practical rule for automation is:
automated entry requires Workspace 2 or higher (or an equivalent workspace that includes the AFT Algo module).

• Workspace 1: Manual entry with automated exits (best for day traders learning trade management).
• Workspace 2: Hybrid automated entry + exits (common starting point for day traders and prop evals).
• Workspaces 3–4: Additional hybrid variants (including MTF in Workspace 4).
• Workspace 5: VIP baselines for pure automated trading plus hybrid chart algos.

Best practice: Start in Workspace 1 to validate platform stability and exits, then move to Workspace 2+ once you
can confidently control AutoStart, account selection, and controller state.

First Run Checklist (Day Trader Friendly)

Step 1 — Confirm the AFT8 Control Surface Is Loaded

• Open a turnkey workspace (Workspace 1 for training, Workspace 2 for automated entry).
• Confirm Market Analyzer includes the AFT columns/modules.
• Confirm the Algo Controllers are visible and populated with rows.

Step 2 — Use AutoStart as a Safety Switch

Turnkey workspaces can auto-start and can trade automatically once NinjaTrader is connected.
Before you go live, learn how to control AutoStart.

1. Open the workspace.
2. In Market Analyzer, right-click → Columns.
3. Select the AFT Algo Column.
4. Find TradeEntryAutoStart and set it:
   • OFF while you validate instruments, accounts, filters, and session timing.
   • ON only when you are ready to allow automated entries.
5. Save the template under a new name and save the workspace under a new name (so updates don’t overwrite your changes).

Step 3 — Paper Trade / Sim First

Run your first sessions in Sim (or demo) to confirm:

• Signals appear as expected
• Trades place when conditions are valid
• Exits and trade management work correctly
• Time filters and max trade limits behave the way you expect

Prop Trader Setup (Evaluation & Funded Accounts)

Step 1 — License & Sync (Non-Negotiable)

For live or prop firm trading, you must have the correct AFT8 license and your PC must be synced.
Keep AFT.Desktop logged in and confirm you accepted the EULA inside AFT.Desktop so NinjaTrader can see your license.

Step 2 — Account Hygiene (Avoid the #1 Prop Mistake)

Many workspaces default to Sim101. Before you trade evaluation/live:

• Open Market Analyzer and change the account in all relevant columns/modules to your evaluation/funded account.
• Save the workspace under a new name.
• Confirm the controller state is set intentionally (don’t let auto-start surprise you).

Step 3 — Controller State = Your “Kill Switch”

AFT8 can start with NinjaTrader and trade automatically if you don’t set the Algo Entry Controller to a safe state.
Make it a habit: connect → verify → then enable trading.

10-Second Quick Check (Most Issues Are Solved Here)

If AFT8 is running but no trades are being taken, these are the most common causes:

• Wrong workspace stage: automated entry generally needs Workspace 2+.
• AFT Algo module missing from the workspace/Market Analyzer template.
• AutoStart / Long / Short states are OFF, or semi-auto “one shot” has stopped trading.
• Max trades/session reached (common for day and prop traders).
• Time/session filters are blocking entries or exits.
• Contract rollover/expiry protection is preventing trading (roll your contracts forward in NT8 database management).
• Wrong account selected (Sim101 vs evaluation vs funded).
• Wrong license for live trading or license not synced (AFT.Desktop not logged in / EULA not accepted).
• Data lag filter is detected and trading is paused.
• Prerequisites not applied (timezone/region/symbology).

If you’re stuck, the fastest recovery method is:
close the workspace → open Workspace 2 or 3 → confirm it trades with filters off → add filters back one-by-one.

Best Practices for Day Traders & Prop Traders

1) Treat AFT.Desktop Sync as Pre-Flight

Before every session: open AFT.Desktop, confirm you’re logged in, confirm EULA accepted, and confirm licenses synced.
If NinjaTrader was already running, refresh/restart after syncing if needed.

2) Use “Automation Level” as a Risk Control

Start conservative (AutoStart OFF, controller paused), then increase automation only when the session context,
account selection, and filters are verified.

3) Don’t Assume Classic Strategy Analyzer Workflow

AFT8 hybrid algos are Market Analyzer-based. For hybrid systems, official guidance emphasizes replay/paper/live
operation for statistics rather than classic Strategy Analyzer optimization.

Official Resources

• ATS Downloads hub (AFT.Desktop, AFT8.NinjaTrader, ATS Desktop Apps)
• AFT8 prerequisites & recommended settings (timezone/region + Numeric symbology)
• AFT.Desktop login & license sync steps
• Workspaces 1–5 installers and stage descriptions
• Enable live/prop trading checklist
• AutoStart setup procedure
• No trades taken diagnostic guide