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LEVEL 1 · Futures & NinjaTrader Basics · LESSON 03

Your First NinjaTrader Chart

Create a chart and identify its instrument, interval, data series, and trading-hours template.

Written lesson
A study log only, not a skill check.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Create a chart and check Data Series, interval, style, and Trading Hours.

BEFORE YOU START

You only need to recognize an instrument name and a chart interval. This lesson uses a blank observation chart, not an account or order workflow.

IN ONE SENTENCE

A chart is a view of data assembled from several choices, including the instrument, data series, chart type, and time range. Understanding those inputs makes it easier to compare what you see on screen.

Basic concepts

Tick and pointExplain

A Tick is the smallest permitted price increment for a contract. A point usually means a full one-point price move. Tick size and dollar value vary by contract.

Data seriesExplain

The instrument, interval, and historical range that a chart uses as its input.

Trading-hours templateExplain

A schedule that defines how chart data is grouped into sessions. Changing it can change where an intraday study resets.

Software walkthrough

Menu placement may vary by platform version. Use the current official guide when a label differs.

  1. 01

    Step 01

    In the Control Center, select New > Chart. The official workflow opens the Data Series window.

    Check: Confirm chart title, time axis, and Data Series match the inputs.

  2. 02

    Step 02

    In Data Series, select an instrument, then set the period type, value, and historical loading range.

    Check: Confirm chart title, time axis, and Data Series match the inputs.

  3. 03

    Step 03

    Review the Trading Hours template and chart time zone, and record the Session boundaries they define. Field names can vary slightly by version.

    Check: Confirm chart title, time axis, and Data Series match the inputs.

  4. 04

    Step 04

    Confirm to open the chart, then check the instrument and interval in its title, the time axis, and the price scale.

    Check: Confirm chart title, time axis, and Data Series match the inputs.

  5. 05

    Step 05

    If the chart is blank, return to Data Series and check the instrument, date range, and session template before investigating indicators or styling.

    Check: Confirm chart title, time axis, and Data Series match the inputs.

Concept diagram

Concept illustration for education; it contains no live or historical market data.

Study scenario

Before comparing intervals for one instrument, match the Session template and time zone.

Different data settings can produce different chart views. Keep the inputs consistent when comparing charts.

Common mistakes

  • Issue: A blank chart or missing history.

    Check the input, version, session, data, or setting that controls this behavior.

  • Issue: Attributing every difference to interval.

    Check the input, version, session, data, or setting that controls this behavior.

Targeted troubleshooting

  1. 01

    Blank chart: check the instrument, chart date range, and Trading Hours template; also verify that the requested historical data is available.

  2. 02

    The time axis does not match the expected session: check the chart time zone and Trading Hours template, which define the displayed session boundaries.

  3. 03

    An interval is missing: review the Period type and value in Data Series. Field placement can vary by software version.

Lesson summary

  1. 01

    New > Chart creates a chart.

  2. 02

    Data Series controls core inputs.

  3. 03

    Session settings affect intraday boundaries.

PRACTICE EXERCISE

Create a 5-minute observation chart and record instrument, interval, and Session template.

Use static, historical, or browser-local sample data only.

PRACTICE FEEDBACK

What should you align before comparing two intraday charts?

Choose one answer

A self-check helps you review this lesson. It does not certify skill or affect your completion record.

FAQ

Should I add indicators before the first chart loads?

No. First confirm the base price chart works and record its instrument, interval, and session. Add indicators one at a time so differences are easier to diagnose.

Why do two charts with the same interval look different?

Compare the instrument, data source, time zone, Trading Hours, historical range, and bar type. Matching intervals alone does not make the inputs equivalent.

OFFICIAL REFERENCES

Checked against public documentation

Source review: 2026-10-09

This lesson paraphrases official material. Check the installed version for current interface details.

Education note

Software and market education only. No direction signals, live order instructions, or performance claims.

Trademark and independence

NinjaTrader® is a registered trademark of NinjaTrader Group, LLC. No NinjaTrader company has any affiliation with the owner, developer, or provider of the products or services described herein, or any interest, ownership or otherwise, in any such product or service, or endorses, recommends or approves any such product or service.