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Install Guide · cTrader

How to Install a cBot
in cTrader

cTrader uses .algo files — not .ex4 or .ex5. Installation is done through cTrader's built-in cAlgo editor, not by dropping files into a folder. Here's exactly how to do it.

⏱ 4 min read📂 cTrader · cAlgo · .algo🟣 Works on all cTrader versions

cTrader vs MT4/MT5: The Key Difference

In MT4 and MT5 you drop a file into a folder. cTrader works differently — you import the .algo file through the cAlgo tab inside the platform. cAlgo is cTrader's built-in algorithmic trading module. Once imported, the cBot compiles automatically and appears in your bot list.

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What's an .algo file? It's the compiled cBot package — equivalent to .ex4 or .ex5 in MetaTrader. It contains the strategy code already compiled and ready to run. You don't need to write or modify any code.

Watch: Video Tutorial

See exactly how to import and run a cBot in cTrader from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Installation

1
Open cTrader and click the cAlgo tab
In cTrader, look for the cAlgo button in the top navigation (it looks like a terminal/code icon). Click it to open the algorithmic trading module.
2
Click "Robots" then "Import"
In cAlgo, click the Robots tab at the top. You'll see a list of any installed cBots. Click the Import button (or right-click the list area and select Import).
3
Select your .algo file
A file browser opens. Navigate to where you saved the .algo file you received, select it, and click Open. cTrader will import and compile it automatically.
.algo file → cAlgo → Robots tab → Import
4
Wait for compilation
cTrader compiles the cBot in seconds. Once complete, it appears in your Robots list. If compilation fails, it usually means a compatibility issue with your cTrader version — contact the developer.
5
Add the cBot to a chart
Open the chart for your pair and timeframe. Double-click the cBot in the Robots list, or drag it onto the chart. A parameter dialog opens — configure lot size, stop loss, and other settings. Click Start to go live.
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Activations: cBot licenses are typically limited to a number of activated accounts (usually 10). Each time you add it to a chart on a new account, it uses one activation. Don't add it to demo and live accounts unnecessarily — contact the developer if you need more.

Running the cBot 24/5

For the cBot to trade continuously, your cTrader platform needs to stay running. There are two options:

VPS (recommended)

A Virtual Private Server runs 24/5 in a data centre close to your broker's servers — low latency, no downtime from your PC sleeping or losing connection. Dipgate is a forex-optimised VPS that runs cTrader reliably, and QuantVPS is a quant-grade option with sub-millisecond latency for latency-sensitive strategies.

Leave your PC running

Works fine for testing, but not recommended for live trading. Any disconnect, Windows update, or power cut stops the cBot.

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Broker requirement: Your broker must support cTrader. Not all brokers do. IC Markets and Pepperstone both support cTrader with raw ECN spreads.

Browse cTrader cBots

8 native C# cBots — PPA, Imperium, Viking, ATG Gold, OscilLogic, INDEX Trader PRO, Oscillator Blend. All include .algo file, set files, and Telegram support.

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