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Plugins in cTrader

Plugins are extensions that enhance the cTrader platform with new tools, services and interface elements. They allow traders to customise the application by integrating external content, interactive panels or entirely new features directly into the trading environment.

Plugin ideas

  • AI-powered assisstants
  • Trade and risk calculators
  • Pattern recognition trainers
  • Market news panels
  • Technical analysis widgets
  • Embedded video services
  • Embedded financial resources
  • Custom analytic dashboards
  • Forex cross-rate tools
  • Trade calculators

While indicators analyse price data and cBots automate strategies, plugins focus on enhancing the user experience by bringing in new features and bridging the gap between cTrader and external systems.

Plugin lifecycle

The flowchart below outlines key processes in a plugin lifecycle, from creation to user adoption. 

graph TB
  B([Where will the plugin run?]);

  B ==> D([All apps]);
  B ==> C([Desktop apps]);

  D ==> H([Create a web app<br>using HTML, CSS, <br>JS, plugin SDK]);
  H ==> I([Deploy the web app]);
  I ==> J([Build the plugin using<br> the website URL]);

  C ==> E([Create a plugin <br>using Algo API]);
  E ==> F([Write C# or Python code]);
  F ==> G([Build the plugin<br> in the code editor]);

  J ==> K([Enable and test<br> the plugin locally]);
  G ==> K;

  K ==> L([Publish the plugin<br> in cTrader Store]);

  K -.-> X([Distribute the plugin<br> via other channels]);

  L ==> O([Traders install and <br>use the plugin]);
  X ==> O;

All apps

  1. Create a web app using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and plugin SDK methods, or ask AI for assistance.
  2. Deploy the web app on any hosting provider and obtain a website URL.
  3. Build the plugin based on the website URL using the builder in cTrader Web, Windows or Mac.

  4. Enable and test the web-based plugin thoroughly. Once finished, publish the plugin in cTrader Store.

    Note

    You can also distribute the plugin via Invite to your invited traders.

  5. Traders install the plugin in cTrader Store, then use the plugin in cTrader applications.

Desktop apps

  1. Create a native plugin using the algo creation wizard in cTrader Windows or Mac. Write C# or Python code using Algo API.
  2. Build the plugin in the code editor available in cTrader Windows or Mac.

  3. Enable and test the plugin thoroughly. Once finished, publish the plugin in cTrader Store.

    Note

    You can also distribute the plugin via Invite to your invited traders or export a plugin .algo file and share it directly.

  4. Traders install the plugin in cTrader Store, then use the plugin in cTrader Windows and Mac.

    Note

    Native plugins may also be installed via .algo files opened in cTrader apps.

UI integration

You can code a plugin to display its content in any supported UI areas. For example, a plugin can display content in the bottom sheet of symbol overview and across tabs of the Trade app in cTrader Mobile. Another plugin may add a panel in ASP and within a separate window simultaneously in cTrader Web, Windows and Mac.

While plugins created using the plugin SDK execute trades directly, plugins created using Algo API require explicit user permission before performing trade operations. When such a plugin first attempts to trade, cTrader prompts users with a confirmation message. If granted permission, the plugin can place orders or manage positions; if not, it continues to run without trading capability. This design ensures plugins can extend cTrader functionality without compromising user security.

Plugins are not tied to charts or market data unless explicitly coded to use them. Their primary strength lies in extending the cTrader user interface and enabling interaction with both internal and external systems. Plugins cannot be backtested, optimised or made to run in the cloud. They always operate locally on devices and in real time.

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