how to install ninjatrader on mac

Introduction

Installing NinjaTrader on a Mac is a little more complex than installing it on a Windows PC because NinjaTrader is primarily designed for Windows. However, with the use of virtualization software or compatibility layers, you can run NinjaTrader on your Mac. In this guide, I’ll walk you through two main methods to accomplish this: using a virtual machine to run Windows on your Mac or using Wine to run Windows programs directly in macOS.

Method 1: Using a Virtual Machine

One of the most reliable methods to run NinjaTrader on a Mac is by creating a Windows virtual environment using virtual machine software. Two popular virtual machine options for Mac users are Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion.

Step 1: Choose Your Virtual Machine Software

Select between Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or any other virtual machine software you prefer that is compatible with macOS.

Step 2: Install the Virtual Machine Software

Download and install your chosen virtual machine software on your Mac by following the installation instructions provided by the software.

Step 3: Install Windows in the Virtual Machine

Once the software is installed, you will need to install a copy of Windows. Here’s how you can do it for Parallels Desktop:

1. Open Parallels Desktop.
2. Click “File” -> “New” to create a new virtual machine.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows. You will need a valid Windows installation media or .iso file, and a license to activate it.

Step 4: Install NinjaTrader

After installing Windows on your virtual machine:

1. Start your Windows virtual machine.
2. Use the Windows web browser to navigate to the NinjaTrader website.
3. Download the latest version of NinjaTrader.
4. Run the NinjaTrader installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Step 5: Run NinjaTrader on Your Mac

Launch NinjaTrader from within your Windows virtual environment, anytime you need to use it.

Method 2: Using Wine or CrossOver

Wine is a free and open-source compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on macOS. CrossOver is a commercial product built on Wine that offers better support and ease of use. The following steps are generalized and might vary based on updates to Wine or CrossOver.

Step 1: Install Wine or CrossOver

Download and install Wine or CrossOver from their respective websites. If you’re using Wine, you may need to install additional packages like WineBottler.

Step 2: Configure Wine or CrossOver

Run Wine or CrossOver for the first time to set up a “Wine prefix”, which is essentially a virtual Windows environment.

Step 3: Install NinjaTrader

With Wine or CrossOver:

1. Download the NinjaTrader installation file from its website.
2. Right-click the installer, choose “Open With”, and select Wine or CrossOver.
3. Follow the prompts to install NinjaTrader within the Wine environment.

Step 4: Run NinjaTrader

Once installed, you should be able to run NinjaTrader by finding it in your applications menu or by right-clicking the .exe file and opening it with Wine or CrossOver.

Considerations

Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks. Virtual machines provide a smoother experience but require more system resources. Wine and CrossOver have less overhead but may not support all features or might require troubleshooting for complex programs like NinjaTrader.

Conclusion

Even though NinjaTrader isn’t natively supported on macOS, by following these step-by-step instructions, you can set up a working environment on your Mac to run NinjaTrader for your trading needs. Always ensure your virtual machine or compatibility layer software is up to date and that you meet the necessary system requirements to avoid any performance issues.