Rithmic Paper vs Live Environment
Which Rithmic environment to pick for your account
Updated October 6, 2026
Paper vs Live
Rithmic runs two independent server environments. Pick the one that matches the account you want to connect.
Paper
Paper is the demo and simulation environment. Use it for:
- Evaluation and combine accounts
- Prop firm challenges
- Any account that has not yet been funded
Most prop firm accounts live on Paper until they pass evaluation.
Live
Live is the production environment. Use it for:
- Funded accounts
- Payout-eligible accounts
Trades on a Live account execute with real funds.
Which one do I need?
Check your prop firm dashboard. The Rithmic credentials page usually shows which environment the account is on (sometimes labelled Sim/Live or Test/Production).
If unclear, ask your prop firm's support.
Environment and system
The list of systems in the connect form depends on the environment, so choose the environment first and then your firm's system. See Connecting Your Rithmic Accounts.
Running both at once
You can have a Paper connection and a Live connection at the same time. They are stored as separate entries on the Connections page.
Switching environments
Switching environments requires a new connection. Disconnect the old one first, then run through Add Connection again with the other environment selected.