With NinjaTrader, it's possible to build custom drawing tools that monitor mouse location and clicks in relation to price bars. This unlocks unlimited possibilities in the creation of new drawing tools. We can also track mouse events within an indicator. Below are a few practical applications.
Mouse Hover Logic
Display extra information about a bar only when the user rolls their mouse over it. For example, mark signal bars with arrows and hide additional details until hover — removing chart clutter while keeping information accessible.
Mouse Click Logic
Create mini buttons directly on the chart for adjusting indicator details on the fly. Toggle features, change parameters, or trigger actions without opening the indicator's properties dialogue.
Unlimited Possibilities
Be as creative as you want. Literally anything is possible when it comes to indicator or drawing tool development — bring us your idea and we'll find a way to build it.
How Custom Drawing Tools Work in NinjaTrader
In NinjaTrader Desktop, drawing tools are written in NinjaScript, just like indicators and strategies. Once a custom drawing tool is imported, it is drawn on the chart with the mouse like the built-in tools, and it can read the prices and times of the points you click. That opens up ideas such as:
- A measuring tool that labels the distance between two clicks in ticks, points or price.
- A zone or level that keeps extending to the right until price comes back to it.
- A shape that shows extra details only while your mouse hovers over it.
What to Send With Your Request
- How many clicks the tool takes, and what each click marks.
- What it draws and labels, and whether anything extends or updates as new bars arrive.
- The settings you want to control, such as colors, line widths and text size.
- A sketch or a marked-up chart screenshot of the finished result.
Does it have to be a drawing tool?
Not always. We can also track mouse events inside an indicator, for example to show bar details on hover or to add small buttons on the chart. Describe what you want to happen and we will suggest the right approach.
Installing Your Finished Tool
Custom NinjaScript delivered as an add-on file is installed the same way as any other NinjaScript add-on: in NinjaTrader's Control Center, go to Tools > Import > NinjaScript Add-On, select the file and follow the prompts. Our install guide walks through each step and what to do if an import shows an error.
Ready to Start?
Use the chat button in the bottom right corner of any page to describe your project, or visit Request a Quote. Quotes are free. Please read the Programming Terms of Service before you submit: custom programming invoices are non-refundable, so ask any questions before paying, and all custom work is backed by a one-year bug fix guarantee.