ATR Bar Color: Three States, Pivot Strength, and Full Automation

 ATR Bar Color: A Powerful Classic Indicator for NinjaTrader

In the world of trading indicators, some tools remain relevant long after their release because of their simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness. The ATR Bar Color is one of those hidden gems. Although it has been around for years, this indicator still provides valuable insights for traders who want to combine trend detection, pivot confirmation, and automation in NinjaTrader.

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What Makes ATR Bar Color Different?

At first glance, the ATR Bar Color looks similar to the SuperTrend indicator. Both rely on the Average True Range (ATR) to measure volatility and generate signals based on price movement. However, ATR Bar Color offers two major enhancements:

• Three Market States: Instead of just bullish or bearish trends, it introduces a neutral zone, helping traders avoid false entries.

• Pivot Strength Confirmation: Before confirming a trend change, the indicator requires a pivot breakout. This extra filter reduces noise and ensures more reliable signals.

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Key Parameters and Customization

Like SuperTrend, ATR Bar Color uses ATR period and a multiplier to adjust sensitivity. On top of that, it adds parameters such as:

• Swing Strength (Pivot Force): Defines how many bars must confirm a pivot before a trend change is valid.

• Smoothing Options: Choose between HMA, SMA, or highs/lows to control how reactive the indicator is.

• Exit Signals: Automatically trigger exits when the trend moves into the neutral zone.

This flexibility makes it easy to adapt ATR Bar Color to different strategies and market conditions.

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Automation in NinjaTrader

One of the greatest advantages of ATR Bar Color is its ability to be fully automated in NinjaTrader. Thanks to exposed plots (Long, Short, Exit, and Trend), traders can:

• Replicate the signals with Markers, Builder, or NinjaScript.

• Automate entries, exits, and even semi-automatic trade management.

• Hide or simplify the original chart signals for a cleaner interface.

This makes ATR Bar Color not just a visual aid but also a practical tool for building robust, rules-based trading systems.

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Why Traders Still Use It

Despite being an “old” indicator, ATR Bar Color continues to be popular because it:

✅ Improves on SuperTrend with pivot-based confirmation.
✅ Offers clear entry and exit signals.
✅ Supports full automation for hands-free trading.
✅ Helps maintain clean, customizable charts.

In short, it remains a reliable and adaptable indicator for traders looking for consistency in their strategies.

The ATR Bar Color proves that not all powerful tools need to be new. With its three-state trend detection, pivot strength filter, and automation-ready design, it is still one of the most effective indicators for NinjaTrader users.

👉 If you haven’t tried it yet, consider adding ATR Bar Color to your trading toolbox—you might be surprised at how a “classic” can outperform newer, flashier tools.