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Installing cTrader Algos

After attaining an algo from a third-party developer, you may need to install and use it quickly to avoid missing out on profitable market opportunities.

Fortunately, cTrader allows you to install and use new algos in just three actions as described below.

Receive and Download the Algo File

There are several different ways you could use to attain an .algo file for the algorithm you would like to use. For example, you could visit the 'cBots' section, the 'Indicators' section, or the 'Plugins' section in the official cTrader portal, search the available algorithms and find something that interests you.

Alternatively, you could also receive .algo files directly from developers via messengers (e.g., Telegram), file transfer services, or email. As long as these files come from trusted third parties, downloading them should pose no risks to your trading activities or your cTrader instance.

Launch the Algo File

To add a new algo to cTrader, simply click on the file you have just downloaded. In the bottom-right corner, you should see a notification alerting you to the fact that an algo installation is currently in progress.

What happens next depends on the type of algo you have installed.

  • If it is a cBot, you should see the 'Start cBot' window allowing you to immediately launch the bot. cTrader will automatically switch to the 'Automate' app.
  • If it is an indicator, it will be automatically added to the currently active chart with default parameters. cTrader will automatically switch to the 'Trade' app.
  • If it is a plugin, it will automatically be added to the cTrader UI. If the plugin requires elevated access rights, you should see a warning alerting you to this fact.

Note

If you have enabled syncronisation, the new algo will automatically be uploaded to the Cloud with you as its owner.

Managing the New Algo

At this point, you can freely switch to the 'Automate' application in cTrader and search for the newly installed algorithm in the corresponding tab. You will be able to perform all usual actions with it including creating new instances (for cBots only) and attaching indicators to new trading charts.

Source Code

Depending on how the algorithm was built by its original developer, you may or may not see its source code in the code editor window. Note that gaining access to the algorithm source code is impossible unless it is allowed by the developer.

Using Plugins

As plugins have can only ever have one active instance, using them is a bit different compared to cBots and indicators. When you launch a new plugin from an .algo file, the instance will be automatically added to all areas of the cTrader UI that its developer has chosen to display it in. If you want to stop an installed plugin from being displayed, go to the 'Settings' window, switch to the 'Plugin' section and click on the switch next to the plugin name. If you want to delete an installed plugin, click on the 'bin' icon.