PATS Price Action Indicator Full Documentation
The Most Complete Price Action Trading System for NinjaTrader 8
Automatically detect 2nd entries, failed entries, and traps — with built-in trade management, one-click order panel, real-time statistics, swing structure, S&R, congestion zones, and more. All in a single indicator.
Stop counting legs manually. Stop guessing where the entries are. This indicator handles all the pattern recognition, leg counting, and trade management — so you can focus entirely on reading the chart and taking high-probability trades. Whether you follow Mack’s PATS method or Al Brooks’ price action approach, this indicator has you covered.
1. Why Choose This Indicator
See Every Setup — Automatically
The indicator counts legs and detects 2nd entries (2EL/2ES) for you in real time. Choose between Mack’s PATS counting method or Al Brooks’ method with a single setting. It also catches failed entries (FEL/FES) and traps — some of the most powerful reversal signals in price action trading.
Never Miss a Trade
A built-in order panel lets you execute trades directly from the chart with one click. Position sizing, stop loss, and profit targets are pre-calculated. Add audio alerts that fire when a 2nd entry sets up or triggers — even when you step away from the screen.
Professional Trade Management
Full scalp + runner trade management built right in. Configure your stop loss method, scalp target, runner break-even trigger, and trailing stop — all with multiple calculation methods (ticks, ATR, risk/reward). The indicator manages your exits automatically.
Complete Market Structure
Beyond entries: HH/LL swing labels, congestion zones, multi-timeframe S&R with touch-based strength, and a color-coded EMA. See trend direction, consolidation, and key levels — all in one indicator.
2. Video Overview
Watch the indicator in action. This walkthrough covers the core features — 2nd entry detection, trade management, the order panel, and how everything works together on a live chart.
3. Second Entry Detection
The 2nd entry is the cornerstone of PATS price action trading. It occurs when price pulls back twice against the trend, giving you a high-probability entry in the direction of the prevailing move. The indicator automatically counts legs and marks every 2nd entry on your chart — both longs (2EL) and shorts (2ES).
No more missed entries because you miscounted. No more second-guessing whether that was a 1st or 2nd leg.
Two Counting Methods
Mack’s PATS Method (default)
The counting method taught by Mack at priceactiontradingsystem.com. Uses well-defined leg rules with specific criteria for when to reset the count. This is the default — ideal for traders who follow Mack’s methodology.
Al Brooks Method
Based on Al Brooks’ price action concepts. Uses different criteria for identifying legs and counting pullbacks. Choose this if you follow Al Brooks’ approach.
Display Options
- Show 0-1 — Display 0th and 1st leg entries before the 2nd entry triggers (off by default). Useful for seeing early setups.
- Show Higher Entries — Display 3rd, 4th, 5th+ entries (off by default). Higher-count entries can signal exhaustion or strong trend continuation.
- Entries to Show — Limit how many entries appear on the chart. Set to 0 to show all (default). Useful for keeping the chart clean.
- Label Positions — Place labels at Entries (default) or at Pivots (swing points).
- Reset Count at DT/DB — Resets the leg count when a Double Top or Double Bottom forms (on by default), keeping the count aligned with current structure.
- Ignore Engulfing Bars — Skip engulfing bar patterns that might interfere with clean leg counting (off by default).
- 2LPB Lines — Draw Two Leg Pull Back reference lines that visually connect the legs of the pullback pattern (off by default).
Settings Reference
| Setting | Default | Options / Description |
|---|---|---|
| LegCountMethod | Mack | Mack or AlBrooks — which counting system to use |
| TDUPatsLabelPositionsType | Entries | Entries or Pivots — where labels are placed |
| Show01 | Off | Show 0th and 1st leg entries |
| ShowHigherEntries | Off | Show 3rd, 4th, 5th+ entries |
| NumberOfEntriesToShow | 0 (all) | Max entries on chart; 0 = unlimited |
| ResetCountAtDTDB | On | Reset leg count at Double Top/Bottom |
| IgnoreEngulfingBars | Off | Skip engulfing bars during counting |
| Show2LPBLines | Off | Draw Two Leg Pull Back connecting lines |
| Label2EL | 2EL | Custom label text for 2nd Entry Long |
| Label2ES | 2ES | Custom label text for 2nd Entry Short |
4. Failed Entry Detection
A failed 2nd entry is one of the most powerful signals in price action trading. When a 2nd entry triggers but then fails — price reverses through the signal bar instead of following through — it traps traders on the wrong side and often leads to a strong move in the opposite direction.
The indicator automatically detects these and marks them as FEL (Failed Entry Long → short signal) or FES (Failed Entry Short → long signal).
Trapped traders’ stop losses become fuel for the reversal. The indicator catches these automatically so you can trade with the reversal instead of getting caught in it.
Two Detection Methods
Legacy Method (default)
The classic failed entry detection. Triggers when price breaks through the signal bar’s extreme in the opposite direction. Straightforward and reliable.
Wade Method
An enhanced detection method with additional criteria. May catch signals earlier or filter differently depending on market conditions. Try both to see which fits your style.
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FailedEntryMethod | Legacy | Legacy or Wade — which detection algorithm to use |
| LabelF2EL | F2EL | Custom label for Failed 2nd Entry Long |
| LabelF2ES | F2ES | Custom label for Failed 2nd Entry Short |
5. Trap Signals
Traps occur when price briefly exceeds a signal bar to trigger an entry, then immediately reverses. Traders who entered get trapped — their stops are hit, and the resulting order flow pushes price strongly in the opposite direction.
The indicator detects these in real time and marks them on the chart. When a trap fires, you know that traders on the other side are scrambling — and you can trade in the direction of the trap.
How It Works
When an entry triggers, the indicator watches for price to reverse beyond the signal bar by a configurable number of ticks. If it does, a trap signal fires with a distinct visual marker and optional audio alert.
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ShowTraps | On | Enable/disable trap detection and display |
| TrapOffsetTicks | 1 | How many ticks past the signal bar to trigger a trap |
| LabelTrap | Trap | Custom label text for trap signals |
| Trap (color) | MediumOrchid | Background color for trap markers |
6. HH/LL Swing Structure
Understanding market structure is fundamental to price action trading. The indicator automatically identifies and labels swing points on your chart. At a glance, you can see whether the market is trending, consolidating, or reversing.
Six Swing Types
HH — Higher High
New high above the previous swing high. Confirms bullish momentum. HH + HL = uptrend.
HL — Higher Low
Pullback holds above the previous low. Buyers stepping in at higher levels = bullish.
LL — Lower Low
New low below the previous swing low. Confirms bearish momentum. LL + LH = downtrend.
LH — Lower High
Bounce fails to reach the previous high. Sellers in control at lower levels = bearish.
DT — Double Top
Price reaches the same high as before. Resistance holding. Often precedes a reversal.
DB — Double Bottom
Price reaches the same low as before. Support holding. Often precedes a bounce.
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ShowHHLL | Off | Enable/disable swing structure labels |
| HHLLOffset | 40 | Vertical offset for swing labels so they don’t overlap bars |
7. Congestion Zones
Congestion zones are areas where price consolidates in a tight range — the market is coiling up before the next move. The indicator detects these zones and draws a visual box around them.
Why Congestion Matters
- Avoid low-probability entries — entries inside congestion are often false signals; wait for the breakout
- Anticipate breakouts — congestion zones often precede strong, directional moves
- Identify key levels — the top and bottom of a congestion box become natural S&R
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ShowCongestion | Off | Enable/disable congestion zone boxes |
| CongestionMargin | 2 ticks | Margin for inside bar detection. Higher = more sensitive |
| CongestionStroke | MediumOrchid | Color and line style for congestion box borders |
8. Support & Resistance
The indicator includes multi-timeframe support and resistance detection. It identifies price levels where the market has repeatedly reacted, draws them on your chart, and tracks how many times each level has been touched. Stronger levels are drawn with thicker lines, making the most important levels visually prominent.
How It Works
The S&R system analyzes a configurable secondary timeframe (default: 15-minute) to find swing points. It groups nearby swings and counts touches. Levels that have been tested more times appear as thicker lines. You control how many levels are shown and the minimum strength required.
Five Detail Levels
| Detail Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum | Only the strongest, most-tested levels. Clean chart. |
| MediumLow (default) | A few more levels. Good balance of clarity and information. |
| Medium | A solid set of meaningful levels. |
| MediumHigh | More levels for traders who want extra context. |
| Maximum | All detected levels. Most information, but visually busier. |
Settings Reference
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ShowSR | Off | Enable/disable S&R lines |
| SRDetail | MediumLow | How many levels to show (Minimum – Maximum) |
| Strength | 5 | Minimum number of touches for a level to be displayed |
| SRLinesToShow | 6 | Maximum number of S&R lines on the chart |
| SRMaxLineWidth | 20 | Maximum line width for the strongest levels |
| SrBarPeriodPeriodType | Minute | Timeframe type for S&R analysis |
| SrBarPeriodPeriodValue | 15 | Timeframe value (e.g., 15 for 15-minute bars) |
| Support (stroke) | ForestGreen | Color for support lines |
| Resistance (stroke) | Crimson | Color for resistance lines |
9. EMA Integration
The indicator includes a built-in EMA (default: 21-period) that is color-coded based on slope — Lime when rising, Crimson when falling. One glance tells you the trend direction.
EMA as Entry Filter
Enable UseEMAAsKeyEntryPoint to only show entries near the EMA. In trending markets, pullbacks to the EMA are often the highest-probability setups. This filter skips extended entries far from the mean and focuses on the best risk/reward locations.
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ShowEma | On | Show or hide the EMA on the chart |
| EMAPeriod | 21 | EMA lookback period |
| UseEMAAsKeyEntryPoint | Off | Only show entries near the EMA |
| EmaRisingColor | Lime | EMA color when slope is rising (bullish) |
| EmaFallingColor | Crimson | EMA color when slope is falling (bearish) |
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10. Trade Management System
This is where the indicator goes far beyond signal detection. The built-in trade management system handles your entire trade lifecycle — from position sizing and entry to stop loss, scalp target, runner break-even, and trailing stop. Configure it once, and the indicator manages your exits automatically.
Two Management Modes
- Internal (default) — The indicator manages all orders directly. Full control over scalp exits, runner management, break-even, and trailing stops.
- ATM — Hands off order execution to NinjaTrader’s built-in ATM strategy system. The indicator calculates stops and targets, ATM handles the orders.
You can also track commissions per contract (default: $3.98) so the statistics panel shows your true P&L after costs.
Stop Loss Methods
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Above/Below Signal Bar (default) | Stop placed a configurable number of ticks beyond the signal bar’s high/low. Classic PATS stop placement. | Standard PATS rules |
| Fixed Ticks | A fixed number of ticks from entry. Simple and predictable. | Consistent risk per trade |
| ATR-Based | ATR × multiplier. Adapts to volatility — wider in volatile markets, tighter in calm ones. | Dynamic, volatility-adjusted stops |
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ATMType | Internal | Internal or ATM management mode |
| Commissions | $3.98 | Commission per contract for P&L tracking |
| StoplossType | AboveBelowSignalBar | AboveBelowSignalBar, Ticks, or ATR |
| StoplossTicksOffset | 1 | Ticks to add beyond the signal bar |
| StoplossTicks | 8 | Fixed ticks value (for Ticks mode) |
| StoplossATRPeriod | 14 | ATR lookback period (for ATR mode) |
| StoplossATRMultiplier | 2 | ATR multiplier (for ATR mode) |
| MaxStopLossTicks | 200 | Safety cap — max stop in ticks regardless of method |
Scalp Settings
The scalp is your primary profit-taking position. It exits at a defined target and is designed to lock in profits quickly.
Position Sizing (3 methods)
- Contracts (default) — Fixed number of contracts per trade
- Dollars — Risk a fixed dollar amount; contracts calculated from stop distance
- Percentage of Capital — Risk a % of your account; contracts dynamically calculated
Target Methods (3 methods)
- Ticks (default) — Fixed tick target
- Risk/Reward — Target = stop distance × ratio
- ATR — Target = ATR × multiplier for volatility-adjusted targets
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ScalpPositionType | Contracts | Contracts, Dollars, or PercentageOfCapital |
| ScalpFixedContracts | 1 | Number of contracts (Contracts mode) |
| ScalpFixedAmount | $200 | Dollar amount to risk (Dollars mode) |
| ScalpPercentCapital | 2% | Percentage of account (Percentage mode) |
| ScalpMaxContracts | 20 | Maximum contracts cap (prevents oversizing) |
| ScalpTargetType | Ticks | Ticks, RiskReward, or ATR |
| ScalpTargetTicks | 4 | Fixed tick target |
| ScalpTargetRiskReward | 2 | Risk/reward ratio |
| ScalpTargetATRPeriod | 14 | ATR period for target calculation |
| ScalpTargetATRMultiplier | 2 | ATR multiplier for target calculation |
Runner Settings
The runner is an optional second position that stays open longer to capture extended moves. It has its own position sizing, break-even logic, trailing stop, and profit target. Set RunnerPositionType to None to disable the runner entirely.
Break-Even Trigger (4 methods)
- ScalpTargetHit (default) — Move to break-even when the scalp target is reached
- Ticks — After price moves a fixed number of ticks in your favor
- ATR — After an ATR-based distance is reached
- RiskReward — After reaching a configurable R:R ratio
Trailing Stop (3 types)
- PreviousBarHiLo (default) — Trails to the previous bar’s high (shorts) or low (longs)
- ATR — Trails by ATR × multiplier, adjusting to volatility
- None — No trailing; stop stays where it is
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RunnerPositionType | Contracts | None, Contracts, Dollars, or PercentageOfCapital |
| RunnerFixedContracts | 1 | Number of contracts (Contracts mode) |
| RunnerFixedAmount | $200 | Dollar amount (Dollars mode) |
| RunnerPercentCapital | 2% | Percentage of account (Percentage mode) |
| RunnerMaxContracts | 20 | Maximum contracts cap |
| RunnerBreakEvenType | ScalpTargetHit | ScalpTargetHit, Ticks, ATR, or RiskReward |
| RunnerBreakEvenTicks | 4 | Ticks for break-even trigger |
| RunnerBreakEvenATRPeriod | 14 | ATR period for break-even |
| RunnerBreakEvenATRMultiplier | 2 | ATR multiplier for break-even |
| RunnerBreakEvenRiskReward | 1 | R:R ratio for break-even |
| RunnerBreakEvenTicksOffset | 1 | Offset ticks added to break-even price |
| RunnerTrailingType | PreviousBarHiLo | None, PreviousBarHiLo, or ATR |
| RunnerTrailingATRPeriod | 14 | ATR period for trailing |
| RunnerTrailingATRMultiplier | 1 | ATR multiplier for trailing |
| RunnerTrailingTicksOffset | 0 | Offset ticks for trailing stop |
| RunnerTargetType | Ticks | Ticks, RiskReward, or ATR |
| RunnerTargetTicks | 16 | Fixed tick target |
| RunnerTargetRiskReward | 2 | Risk/reward ratio |
| RunnerTargetATRPeriod | 14 | ATR period for target |
| RunnerTargetATRMultiplier | 2 | ATR multiplier for target |
Lock in quick profits with the scalp. Let the runner capture the big move. Break-even and trailing logic protect your runner automatically. This is how professional traders manage positions — built right into the indicator.
11. Order Panel & Quick-Access Chart Menu
One-Click Order Panel
The order panel adds buy and sell buttons directly to your chart. See a 2nd entry? Click the button. The indicator automatically calculates your position size, stop loss, and profit target based on your configured settings. No manual calculations, no switching to the DOM.
- Automatic position sizing — contracts calculated from your risk settings
- Pre-calculated SL/TP — stop and target placed automatically
- Docking options — position at Top, Bottom, Left, or Right
- Flow direction — arrange buttons LeftToRight or RightToLeft
“PAT” Quick-Access Menu
A dropdown menu button labeled PAT appears on your NinjaTrader chart toolbar. Click it to instantly toggle features and adjust settings without opening the indicator properties:
Toggle Features On/Off
- Enable/Disable indicator
- Show 0-1 entries
- Show 3-4-5+ entries
- Show 2LPB lines
- Show Traps
- Show HH/LL swings
- Show Congestion
- Show Bar Timer
- Show EMA
- Show SL/TP lines
- Show Stop in ticks
- Show # of contracts
Adjust Settings Live
- Number of entries to show
- Failed entry detection method
- Scalp position sizing & type
- Stop loss type & values
- Scalp target type & values
- Runner position sizing
- Runner break-even settings
- Runner trailing stop settings
- Runner target settings
Changes apply immediately — no need to remove and re-add the indicator.
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ShowOrderPanel | On | Show or hide the order panel buttons |
| Docking | Bottom | Panel position: Top, Bottom, Left, or Right |
| Flow | LeftToRight | Button layout direction |
12. Trading Statistics
The indicator tracks every detected trade and calculates real-time performance statistics displayed directly on the chart. Know your edge while you’re trading, not after the session.
Performance Metrics
- Total Trades — number of completed trades
- Winners / Losers — count of each
- Win Rate % — percentage profitable
- Profit Factor — gross profit / gross loss
P&L Metrics
- Net Profit — total P&L in ticks and dollars
- Gross Profit / Loss — winning vs losing totals
- Average Win / Loss — mean size of winners and losers
- Average Stop Loss — mean stop distance in ticks
- Daily P&L Breakdown — performance by day
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ShowStatistics | Off | Enable/disable the statistics panel |
| ShowSLTP | On | Show stop loss / take profit lines per entry |
| ShowRisk | Off | Display stop distance in ticks next to entries |
| ShowContracts | Off | Display contract count next to entries |
| Commissions | $3.98 | Per-contract commission for accurate P&L |
13. Alerts & Notifications
Step away from the screen and let the indicator watch for you. 5 configurable audio alerts fire when key events occur. Each alert plays a custom .wav sound file of your choice.
| Alert | When It Fires | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| 2EL Entry | A 2nd entry long triggers | Notifies you the moment a long entry is confirmed |
| 2ES Entry | A 2nd entry short triggers | Notifies you the moment a short entry is confirmed |
| 2EL Setting Up | A 2EL is forming (before trigger) | Advance notice — get ready before the entry fires |
| 2ES Setting Up | A 2ES is forming (before trigger) | Advance notice for short setups |
| Trap | A trap signal fires | Catch reversal opportunities from trapped traders |
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SecondEntryLongAlert | Off | Enable the 2EL entry alert |
| SecondEntryShortAlert | Off | Enable the 2ES entry alert |
| SecondEntryLongSettingUpAlert | Off | Enable the 2EL “setting up” alert |
| SecondEntryShortSettingUpAlert | Off | Enable the 2ES “setting up” alert |
| TrapAlertEnabled | Off | Enable the trap alert |
| LongEntryAlertSound | Alert2.wav | Sound file for long entry alerts |
| ShortEntryAlertSound | Alert2.wav | Sound file for short entry alerts |
| LongSettingUpAlertSound | Alert2.wav | Sound file for long setup alerts |
| ShortSettingUpAlertSound | Alert2.wav | Sound file for short setup alerts |
| TrapAlertSound | Alert2.wav | Sound file for trap alerts |
14. Filters & Fine-Tuning
Not all 2nd entries are created equal. 4 powerful filters help you focus on the highest-probability setups and ignore the noise.
Signal Bar Strength Filter
A strong signal bar (large body, small wicks) has higher follow-through probability than a weak one. Set a minimum strength percentage and the indicator will only show entries with strong signal bars.
Key Entry Point Filter
Only show entries at key locations — near the EMA, at S&R, or at trend channel boundaries. Entries at these levels have built-in confluence.
Counter-Trend Filter
Hides entries that go against the current trend. In a clear uptrend, short entries are filtered out. Keeps you trading with the trend.
Session Filter
Restrict entries to a specific time window. If you only trade the US session (9:30–16:00), the indicator ignores entries outside those hours.
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EnableSignalBarStrengthFilter | Off | Only show entries above the minimum strength % |
| MinSignalbarStrength | 75% | Minimum signal bar strength percentage |
| OnlyShowEntriesAtKeyEntryPoints | Off | Only show entries at key levels (EMA, S/R, channel) |
| IgnoreCounterTrendTrades | Off | Hide entries against the current trend |
| UseEMAAsKeyEntryPoint | Off | Treat EMA as a key entry point for filtering |
| EnableSessionFilter | Off | Restrict entries to a time window |
| S_SessionStartTime | 09:30 | Session start (format: h:min, chart timezone) |
| S_SessionEndTime | 16:00 | Session end (format: h:min, chart timezone) |
15. Signal Plots & Strategy API
Every key signal and metric is exposed as a NinjaScript plot, making it easy to build automated strategies. Use NinjaTrader’s Strategy Builder, AlgoStudio Pro, or write NinjaScript code to access these values programmatically.
| # | Plot Name | What It Contains |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | BarSize (points) | Current bar range in points |
| 1 | BarSize (ticks) | Current bar range in ticks |
| 2 | BarSize ($) | Current bar range in dollar value |
| 3 | Long Signal | Long entry price (0 = no signal) |
| 4 | Long Stoploss | Calculated stop loss for the long entry |
| 5 | Long Contracts | Number of contracts for the long entry |
| 6 | Long Signalbar Strength | Signal bar strength % for the long entry |
| 7 | Short Signal | Short entry price (0 = no signal) |
| 8 | Short Stoploss | Calculated stop loss for the short entry |
| 9 | Short Contracts | Number of contracts for the short entry |
| 10 | Short Signalbar Strength | Signal bar strength % for the short entry |
| 11 | Trap Long | Long trap price (0 = no trap) |
| 12 | Trap Short | Short trap price (0 = no trap) |
| 13 | Congestion | 1 = in congestion zone, 0 = not |
| 14 | EMA | Current EMA value |
Strategy Builder
All 15 plots are accessible in NinjaTrader’s point-and-click Strategy Builder. Create conditions like “Long Signal > 0” without writing code.
AlgoStudio Pro
Use any plot as a condition in AlgoStudio Pro. Combine PATS signals with other indicators for multi-condition strategies.
NinjaScript Code
Full programmatic access for custom indicator and strategy development. Build automated PATS systems with complete control.
16. Visual Customization
Every visual element is fully customizable. Change colors, line styles, and fonts to match your chart setup and personal preferences.
Entry & Signal Colors
| Setting | Default | What It Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Entry2ELColor | Lime | 2nd Entry Long signal markers |
| Entry2ESColor | Crimson | 2nd Entry Short signal markers |
| Failed2ELColor | Lime | Failed 2nd Entry Long markers |
| Failed2ESColor | Crimson | Failed 2nd Entry Short markers |
| LongColor | Lime | Long trade markers and lines |
| ShortColor | Crimson | Short trade markers and lines |
| TempColor | Yellow | Setups still forming (not yet confirmed) |
| Trap | MediumOrchid | Trap signal markers |
Chart Element Colors
| Setting | Default | What It Controls |
|---|---|---|
| BullishCandle | LightGreen | Bullish (up) candle color |
| BearishCandle | IndianRed | Bearish (down) candle color |
| EmaRisingColor | Lime | EMA when slope is rising |
| EmaFallingColor | Crimson | EMA when slope is falling |
| Support | ForestGreen | Support line color and style |
| Resistance | Crimson | Resistance line color and style |
| CongestionStroke | MediumOrchid | Congestion zone box borders |
| TextColor | White | Text labels on the chart |
| Winner | Lime (subtle) | Winning trade zone background |
| Loser | Crimson (subtle) | Losing trade zone background |
Display Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Font | Size 10 | Font family and size for all text labels |
| EntryOffset | 20 | Vertical offset for entry labels |
| HHLLOffset | 40 | Vertical offset for swing labels |
| ShowCounter | On | Show a bar timer on the current bar (elapsed time) |
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