Prop firm platforms and bridges
Which execution platform each prop firm runs on, which bridge reaches which platform, and why that decides whether a coded strategy can run at all.
Execution platforms
- Tradovate — The default multi-firm platform. Every major futures firm except Topstep.
- Rithmic — Not a platform — the execution and data layer under NinjaTrader, Quantower and Sierra Chart.
- ProjectX — Topstep-exclusive since February 2026, shipping as TopstepX.
- NinjaTrader — The desktop option, with native NinjaScript automation and no bridge required.
Automation bridges
- TradersPost — TradingView to Tradovate and ProjectX. Cloud-hosted, no VPS. Not Rithmic.
- PineConnector — TradingView to MT4 and MT5, so forex firms only. VPS required since the Cloud sunset.
What connects to what
| Bridge | Tradovate | Rithmic | ProjectX | MT4 / MT5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TradersPost | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| PickMyTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| TradeSyncer | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Traders Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PineConnector | No | No | No | Yes |
The row that catches people is TradersPost and Rithmic. TradersPost is the most common TradingView bridge for futures and it does not reach Rithmic — so a firm running only on Rithmic cannot be automated with it. That is a decision to make before buying an evaluation, not after.
Why the platform belongs on the checklist
Two events in 2026 moved platforms from a detail to a risk. ProjectX went exclusive to Topstep at the end of February, and six firms had to rebuild their execution layer within weeks. NinjaTrader Group ended its partnership with Alpha Futures on 12 July, closing Premium accounts and stalling payouts. In both cases no rule in any firm's rulebook changed — a supplier relationship did, and the traders carried it.
FAQ
Which platform does my prop firm use?
Almost every major futures firm runs on Tradovate, with Rithmic as an option at several. Topstep is the exception: it runs TopstepX, built on ProjectX, which went firm-exclusive in February 2026. Forex firms run MetaTrader.
Which bridge works with which platform?
TradersPost reaches Tradovate and ProjectX only. PickMyTrade, TradeSyncer and Traders Connect also reach Rithmic. PineConnector is MetaTrader only. A firm on Rithmic cannot be automated with TradersPost.
Does the platform change the firm's rules?
No. Rules are set by the firm and apply regardless of platform. The platform decides fills, charting and which bridge can connect.
Cross-checked September 2026 against vendor documentation and current trackers. Platform relationships change with little notice; verify before purchasing an evaluation.