Importing trades from a file
File import is the quickest way to get your history into TDLab. You export a file from your platform, upload it, and TDLab maps the columns into trades on the selected account.
Before you start
Create a trading account first. Every import is tied to a specific account, so the trades land in the right place. Only visible (non-archived) accounts can be selected.
Supported platforms
In the import platform dropdown you can pick:
- MT4 and MT5
- cTrader
- Tradovate — Web and Desktop
- NinjaTrader — Web and Desktop
- TradingView Order History
- Custom CSV
The accepted format depends on the selected source: a file extension supported by one platform is not automatically valid for another. Follow the matching export guide below. The upload limit is 30 MB.
Platform export guides
- MetaTrader 4 Account History
- MetaTrader 5 History report
- cTrader Statement CSV
- TradingView Order history
- Tradovate Web Orders
- Tradovate Desktop Orders
- NinjaTrader Web Orders
- NinjaTrader Desktop Trades
- Custom CSV
How to import
- Open Add trades and stay on the File / Report tab.
- Select both the platform and the Web/Desktop source your file came from.
- Set the file timezone: the timezone in which the report displays its timestamps. Use a fixed offset only for a truly fixed server clock; otherwise choose the matching IANA timezone so daylight-saving changes are handled automatically. The preview panel helps you confirm before importing.
- Choose your file and click Import.
- Watch the import history for status, imported and skipped counts.
Do not assume UTC
“File timezone” means the timezone in which the report displays its timestamps, not a declaration that the CSV is UTC+0. NinjaTrader Desktop follows its configured platform timezone; Web Orders reports can use Central Time or the generating computer's local timezone. Select the matching IANA timezone whenever daylight saving applies.Platform export tips
For MT4/MT5 and cTrader, export closed-trade history with English headers. Tradovate Web/Desktop and NinjaTrader Web use Orders over a range that starts and ends flat; those imports produce gross PnL because Orders omits commissions. NinjaTrader Desktop instead usesTrade Performance → Trades (Mestieri in Italian), displayed in account currency (for example Trades ($)). It supports English or Italian headers and imports the full fee breakdown. For TradingView, export Order History.Futures Orders reports contain fills rather than ready-made trades; NinjaTrader Desktop Trades already contains completed trade rows. Follow the dedicated NinjaTrader trading journal import guide or Tradovate Orders CSV guide for required columns, flat-range boundaries, gross PnL and troubleshooting.
Custom CSV
A custom CSV needs at least Symbol, Side, Close time and either Net PnL or Gross PnL. Optional columns include open time, size, fees, entry/exit prices, stop/target and ticket. Comma, semicolon and tab delimiters are supported. Custom CSV accepts CSV files only.
To start from headers already matched to the CUSTOMCSV profile, download the free trading journal CSV template. It includes a blank file, a filled example and the date, timezone and cost rules that prevent common import errors.
Duplicates
TDLab fingerprints each trade, so re-importing an overlapping file is safe: duplicates are skipped and reported in the import log rather than creating copies.
Plan limit
During the 14-day TDLab trial, you can add or import up to 100 trades in total. Pro allows unlimited trades. After the trial, limited free access keeps your existing trades visible but blocks new imports until you upgrade.Prefer automatic sync?
If you trade on cTrader or MetaTrader, you can connect the broker for auto-sync instead of uploading files each time — see the next two guides.Put the evidence to work.
Connect your real trades with behavior, rules and historical market context. Start free for 14 days.