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What is FTMO cTrader?

cTrader is a trading platform developed by Spotware Systems. FTMO offers this platform as one of three main options for Challenge and Account holders. Like all FTMO environments, cTrader runs on demo infrastructure with real-market pricing, but positions are virtual. Despite that, rules are strictly enforced, and trades are analyzed as if capital were real.

The FTMO cTrader environment is available on desktop, web, and mobile. It uses FTMO’s own server (or a partnered one), depending on the setup, and includes access to the same range of financial instruments as other platforms.

Key Features of FTMO cTrader

Traders who use cTrader generally appreciate its clean layout and modern structure. It avoids the “old-school” feel of MT4/5 while offering similarly advanced tools.

Here’s a structured view of the most prominent features:

FTMO cTrader – Core Platform Features

Feature

Description

Charting

High-quality charts, 20+ timeframes, drag-and-zoom functionality

Order Types

Market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stops

Trading Instruments

Forex, indices, crypto, commodities

Automation

Supports cBots (built in C#), customizable indicators

Copy Trading

Built-in feature with access to strategy providers

Interface

Customizable workspaces, multi-monitor support

Mobile & Web

Full-featured mobile and web versions with synced login

Execution

Fast, low-latency execution over FTMO demo servers

FTMO traders have access to the full version of cTrader, not a stripped-down variant. That means full control over how charts look, where tools are placed, and what data is displayed.

FTMO Rules on cTrader

It’s important to understand that using cTrader does not mean bypassing FTMO’s trading restrictions. The same risk rules and performance objectives apply across all platforms:

Risk Rules on FTMO cTrader:

  1. Max Daily Loss: 5% from initial balance per day

  2. Max Overall Loss: 10% from starting balance (cumulative)

  3. Profit Target (Challenge only): 10% in Challenge, 5% in Verification

  4. Trading Behavior: No copy trading across accounts, no latency abuse

  5. EA/cBot Policy: Allowed if stable, original, and compliant with market logic

These rules are tracked in real time using FTMO’s monitoring tools, regardless of the platform used. A breach on cTrader results in the same account termination as on MT4/MT5.

Comparing FTMO cTrader with MetaTrader

Some users may ask, “Why use cTrader instead of MT4/MT5?” While preferences vary, there are some technical differences.

Platform Comparison – cTrader vs MT4/MT5

Category

FTMO cTrader

MT4 / MT5

Chart Quality

Vector graphics, HD

Pixel-based

Automation Language

C# (cBots)

MQL4 / MQL5

DOM (Depth of Market)

Fully supported

Limited

User Interface

Modern, browser-style tabs

Older Windows UI

Copy Trading

Built-in

Requires plugins

Backtesting Tools

Live chart replay

Strategy Tester (manual input)

Order Type Options

More flexible

Fewer

FTMO does not favor one over the other — all platforms operate under the same evaluation model. However, traders should choose based on their strategy and preference for automation environment (C# vs MQL).

Automation and Copy Trading on FTMO cTrader

FTMO allows algorithmic trading on cTrader through the cBots system. These bots are written in C# and run within the platform using dedicated panels. This gives traders with coding experience greater flexibility compared to MetaTrader, where coding is limited to MQL.

FTMO rules allow automated strategies if:

  • They don’t mirror trades from other FTMO accounts

  • They operate under normal market logic (no arbitrage or latency dependence)

  • They respect all risk thresholds

  • They are run by the registered user, not managed externally

FTMO cTrader also supports “Copy Trading” through its own ecosystem. However, this is not applicable during the Challenge and Verification phases. FTMO prohibits following other FTMO traders or replicating account activity during evaluations.

How to Get Started on FTMO cTrader

For those new to cTrader, the process of onboarding is straightforward. FTMO provides full instructions in your Client Area after registration.

Summary Checklist:

  • Register and select cTrader as your platform

  • Receive login credentials via email or FTMO Portal

  • Download platform (desktop) or use web/mobile login

  • Test platform using Free Trial or low-risk Challenge

  • Use FTMO tools to monitor drawdown, trades, and objectives

There’s no extra fee for using cTrader, and you can switch platforms in the next Challenge if you want to compare results.

 

Conclusion

FTMO cTrader is a strong alternative to MetaTrader for traders who want a modern interface, customizable layout, and advanced automation tools. It supports the full range of instruments FTMO offers and integrates seamlessly into the evaluation and FTMO Account structure.

However, cTrader still requires strict rule compliance — risk limits, account monitoring, and behavior policies apply just as they do on other platforms. If you’re a trader who values flexibility, clean design, and coding in C#, this platform might be a better fit than MT4/MT5. Just make sure your strategy fits within FTMO’s limits.

FAQ

Yes. You can select cTrader as your platform when signing up for the Challenge or Free Trial.

Yes, but some cTrader accounts may be routed through a partnered broker. Platform functionality remains largely the same.

Yes. Automated trading is allowed as long as it follows FTMO’s trading rules and isn’t used for exploiting execution models.