Mac Version

[reynoldsn]

I'm considering getting a MacBook Air and I understand NinjaTrader runs on a mac.
I currently use the desktop version on my Dell laptop.
Is there much of a difference between the Mac and Windows desktop versions? Specifically, are NinjaScript strategies cross platform?

Also, I have a lifetime license - can I use it on a Mac?

[bltdavid]

NinjaTrader does not run natively on a Mac.

The NinjaTrader desktop software requires
Microsoft Windows and the .NET Framework.

These are both facts, and neither will probably
be changing any time soon.

-=o=-

That being said...
If you want to install VM software on your Mac,
and have that VM software run Windows, then
inside that VM running Windows, you can install
NinjaTrader.

So, using it on a Mac means having a powerful
enough Mac to run some kind of VM software,
installing Windows as the guest OS, and then
install NT8.

Yes, people do this, but, let's be clear, you're
dealing with NT8 running on Microsoft Windows
(with all its quirks) running inside a VM running
inside a window running on your Mac.

The point is, you've done nothing to get away
from Windows -- you're still running the Windows
desktop version of NT8 and still having to deal
with knowing/running Windows -- you're now
just doing all of this inside a window running
on your Mac.

Sounds easier to just buy a Windows PC and
dedicate its use to only running NinjaTrader.

But, like I said, with a powerful enough Mac,
it can be, and has been done.

Just my 2˘.

[bltdavid]

I'm considering getting a MacBook Air and I understand NinjaTrader runs on a mac.
I currently use the desktop version on my Dell laptop.
Is there much of a difference between the Mac and Windows desktop versions? Specifically, are NinjaScript strategies cross platform?

You are mistaken.

There is no such thing as a Mac desktop version of NinjaTrader.

[NinjaTrader_ChristopherJ]

Hello reynoldsn,

Thank you for posting.

It is possible to trade with the NinjaTrader Web platform from a Mac using any browser. To access the NinjaTrader Web platform, go to your NinjaTrader Account Dashboard and click "Trade" on the left-hand panel.

As mentioned the NinjaTader Desktop app relies on the .NET Framework to operate which is only available on Windows Operating Systems and does not run on the Mac Operating System.

While we do not officially support running NinjaTrader Desktop on a Mac, we have had many clients run NinjaTrader on Mac hardware using Windows virtualization programs.

Below are specific installation instructions for running Windows on your Mac via Parallels and VMWare Fusion, two of the more common Windows virtualization programs. Please note that Windows is sold separately from Parallels and VMWare. For additional setup assistance or questions regarding Parallels or VMWare, please reach out to their support teams directly.

Mac Installation - Configuring NinjaTrader for Parallels

When installing NinjaTrader on a Mac using Parallels users will need to ensure that the following steps have been taken prior to the installation of NinjaTrader.

1. Start Parallels and select your virtual machine
2. Press the "Configure" button on the top
3. Under "Options", select "Sharing"
4. Uncheck "Share Mac" under "Share Mac User Folders with Windows"
5. Press "OK" and start the virtual machine

Mac Installation - Configuring NinjaTrader for VMWare Fusion:

When configuring NinjaTrader on a Mac running VMWare, users will need to ensure that the following steps have been taken prior to the installation of NinjaTrader.

1. Start VMWare and select your virtual machine
2. Press the "Settings" button on the bottom
3. Under "System Settings", select "Sharing"
4. Uncheck "Documents" from the "Mirrored Folders" list
5. Close the "Settings" window and start the virtual machine

Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.

[reynoldsn]

Thank you, Christopher.

What is the intended use of the web version of NinjaTrader? (I have always used the desktop version.)
If I understand, the web version does not copy all the functionality of the desktop version, correct?
For example, I cannot run my strategies on the web version.
And while we're on the subject, what is the intended use of the mobile version?

[NinjaTrader_ChristopherJ]

Correct functionality will vary when comparing NinjaTader Desktop, web and mobile applications and NinjaScript strategies made for NinjaTrader Desktop would not be compatible with the web version. The Mobile version will allow to you access your account view charts and submit orders. Below are a couple of helpful links and videos if you are interested in using the web/mobile platforms:

Mobile Platform Walkthrough

Web Platform Walkthrough

We have also included a link to all of the Help Center articles we have published for web and mobile below.

Web/Mobile Help Center

[Mindset]

I moved over to Apple in 2022 and so wish I had done it years before. I have never had a crash.
I used NT8 on a mac in 2024 for a year using VM Fusion. It ran flawlessly and unlike the windows native version - never fell over ( unless it was my coding errors ) I know, it's like it should be lol.
I genuinely think NT should consider how to get their software onto an Apple natively - I would jump over in a heartbeat but I understand it might not be high on their priority list.
I went back to Windows when I moved country ( the company didn't allow me to use a Mac) and this year I will buy an Apple as Windows is in my opinion just bloatware now.

[poeds]

Hello Mindset
What did you think about the overhead of windows on the mac, was it sluggish or making the cpu work hard or any comment you would like to make? Does in run windows ARM or 86?
Very interested in your opinions.
Tia

[backtester831]

I'm considering getting a MacBook Air and I understand NinjaTrader runs on a mac.
I currently use the desktop version on my Dell laptop.
Is there much of a difference between the Mac and Windows desktop versions? Specifically, are NinjaScript strategies cross platform?

Also, I have a lifetime license - can I use it on a Mac?

I use NinjaMobileTrader VPS for running the desktop version of NinjaTrader with my Mac. The pros are it was very easy to setup and NinjaScript strategies can be left running on it all the time, even when my Mac is off, the strategies are still running so it's great for overnight trading without the problem of internet loss disabling the strategies.