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
- NinjaTrader
- Custom CSV (other platforms)
Accepted file types are .csv, .xlsx, .xls, .htm and .html, up to 30 MB.
How to import
- Open Add trades and stay on the File / Report tab.
- Select the platform your file came from.
- Set the File UTC offset— the timezone your export’s timestamps are in. Use a fixed UTC offset for broker server time, or an automatic DST timezone if your export follows one. A preview panel helps you confirm before importing.
- Choose your file and click Import.
- Watch the import history for status, imported and skipped counts.
Platform export tips
For MT4/MT5 and cTrader, export the closed-trades history (not just open positions) with English headers. For Tradovate and NinjaTrader, export from the Orders tab over a range that starts and ends flat; choose the same source timezone in TDLab that you used in the report (Central Time or the generating computer's local timezone). PnL is gross because those files do not include commissions.Futures Orders reports contain fills rather than ready-made trades. 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 Net PnL. Optional columns include open time, size, fees, entry/exit prices, stop/target and ticket. Comma, semicolon and tab delimiters are supported.
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 7-day Pro trial and on paid Pro or Analyst, you can import without the Free cap. 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.Ready to try it yourself?
Import your real trades, review them and see your Discipline Score. Start free for 7 days.