NinjaTrader SuperDOM: How to Use the Depth of Market Order Entry Window

## What Is the NinjaTrader SuperDOM? The SuperDOM (Super Depth of Market) is NinjaTrader 8's dedicated order entry and market depth window. It combines three functions in one interface: 1. **Market depth (DOM)** — Shows the bid-ask ladder with the number of contracts resting at each price level 2. **Order entry** — Click directly on price levels to place limit orders; use buttons for market orders 3. **Position tracking** — Displays your current position, average entry price, unrealized P&L, and working orders in real time The SuperDOM is distinct from the chart trader (order entry directly on charts) and the standard Order Entry window. For active day traders, the SuperDOM is generally the fastest way to enter, adjust, and exit positions precisely. ## Opening the SuperDOM To open the SuperDOM in NinjaTrader 8: - From the Control Center: *New → SuperDOM* - Or right-click in any existing chart and select *Orders → Open SuperDOM* Once open, select your instrument (e.g., ES 12-25, NQ 12-25) and account in the instrument and account dropdowns at the top of the window. ## Understanding the SuperDOM Layout The SuperDOM displays a price ladder in the center. The layout from left to right typically shows: | Column | Description | |--------|-------------| | Sell Qty | Your working sell limit orders at each price | | Ask Size | Market depth — contracts resting at each ask price | | Price | Current price levels, centered on last trade | | Bid Size | Market depth — contracts resting at each bid price | | Buy Qty | Your working buy limit orders at each price | The current inside bid and ask are highlighted in the center. The ladder scrolls automatically with price movement, keeping the market in the center of the window. ## Placing Orders in the SuperDOM **Limit orders:** Click directly on the price level where you want your order. A left-click in the Buy Qty column places a buy limit at that price. A left-click in the Sell Qty column places a sell limit. Your order appears as a number in the column with a colored bracket indicating it's working. **Market orders:** Use the BUY and SELL buttons at the top of the SuperDOM. These submit market orders for the quantity shown in the quantity field. **Stop orders:** Stop orders (for entering on breakouts or placing stop losses) can be configured through right-click context menus on the ladder or via ATM strategy templates that auto-place stops upon entry. **Modifying working orders:** Drag your working order (displayed as a number) up or down the ladder to change the price. Right-click on a working order for additional options (cancel, change quantity, OCO grouping). ## Integrating ATM Strategies with SuperDOM The most powerful SuperDOM workflow uses ATM (Automated Trade Management) strategies, which automatically place stop loss and profit target orders when you enter a position. **Setting up ATM in SuperDOM:** In the top portion of the SuperDOM, there is an ATM Strategy dropdown. Select your pre-configured ATM template. When you click BUY or click a buy limit level with ATM enabled, NinjaTrader automatically: 1. Fills your entry order 2. Places a stop loss (buy stop or sell stop, depending on direction) 3. Places one or more profit targets **Example ATM template for ES:** - 1 contract - Stop: 6 ticks ($75 risk) - Target 1: 8 ticks ($100, move stop to breakeven) - Target 2: 16 ticks ($200) This setup turns a two-click entry (confirm size + click price) into a fully bracketed trade with predetermined risk parameters. ## SuperDOM Settings You Should Configure **Order quantity:** Set in the quantity field at the top. Change this before placing orders. A common mistake is placing an order at the wrong size because the quantity wasn't updated before clicking. **Price ladder steps:** Right-click on the SuperDOM and select "Properties" to configure tick steps and how many price levels display. **Auto-center:** Keeps the ladder centered on the current price. Recommended on — without it, fast markets can push the price off screen while you're trying to execute. **Highlight current position:** Colors your current position entry price clearly in the ladder. Essential for multi-contract positions to see your average entry. **Columns displayed:** Customize which columns appear. Traders who don't use DOM depth for analysis can remove ask size and bid size columns to focus purely on order entry functionality. ## SuperDOM vs. Chart Trader: Which Should You Use? | Feature | SuperDOM | Chart Trader | |---------|----------|--------------| | Order speed | Fastest | Fast | | Visual clarity | Best for price ladder | Best for chart context | | DOM depth visible | Yes | No | | ATM integration | Full | Full | | Best for | Scalpers, precise entry | Swing entries with chart context | Many active ES/NQ traders run both simultaneously — the chart for setup identification and the SuperDOM for precise execution once the setup is confirmed. ## Common SuperDOM Mistakes **Clicking the wrong column:** Clicking in the Ask Size column instead of the Buy Qty column doesn't place an order — it just selects the row. Know exactly where to click before going live. **Wrong account selected:** With multiple accounts, always verify the account dropdown before placing any order. A live order in the wrong funded account can cause a drawdown violation. **ATM not set:** Entering without an ATM template means no automatic stop loss. If you forget to manually place a stop after entry, a fast adverse move can cause much larger losses than intended. **Forgetting to cancel working orders:** If you enter a limit order that doesn't fill and then move to a different trade setup, the old limit order remains working. Always sweep working orders (use "Cancel All" button) before pivoting to a different trade. ## SuperDOM and Prop Firm Trading For prop firm accounts, the SuperDOM is the recommended execution method because it provides the clearest visibility into working orders and position status. When your funded account has strict daily loss limits, knowing exactly what is working and what is flat is critical. The SuperDOM displays this state more clearly than chart-based order entry. The single most important workflow habit: after every trade, confirm the SuperDOM shows flat position (0 contracts, $0 unrealized P&L) before stepping away from the screen. Ghost positions — partial fills or ATM errors that leave a fraction of a contract open — are rare but can silently accumulate losses or violate settlement window rules.