Types of Motion Tracking You Can Use in After Effects
Motion tracking is one of the most used features in After Effects, and it’s one of the tools we rely on to bring stunning visuals to life on screen. With this feature, you can place new elements in a scene and make them move, shift, and behave as if they were part of the original footage.
If you are a filmmaker, video editor, content creator, videographer, or business owner, motion tracking can improve your work and help you achieve stunning results.
In this article, we will break down the types of motion tracking we use in our various projects and how you can use these techniques in your videos, too! So, let’s dive in and start with the basics.
What Do You Mean by Motion Tracking?
Motion tracking is a technique used in video editing and visual effects (VFX) to track and analyze the movement of objects, people, cameras, or special effects in a video.
In After Effects, motion tracking allows you to track the movement of specific points, objects, people, cameras, or special effects in your footage. Then, it applies that data (movement) to other visual elements, such as text, graphics, or logos so that they can move naturally or in sync with the live-action footage or scene.
What is an Example of Motion Tracking?
For example, imagine you are filming a soccer match and want to place a glowing circle around the ball to highlight it as it moves across the field. With motion tracking, you could track the ball’s movement and pin that data to the glowing circle. This data will allow the circle to stay attached to the ball and follow it throughout the game, regardless of its position or speed.
Let us explore the six types of motion tracking we use and how they can transform your next project.
Types of Motion Tracking in After Effects
#1. Single-Point Tracking
Single-point tracking is the most basic type of motion tracking in After Effects. It tracks the position of one specific point in your footage and applies that movement to another object or effect.
This method is ideal for easy tasks like adding elements like text, logos, or small graphics that need to follow a specific part of the scene, like a moving object or a character’s face.
While it may seem basic, single-point tracking is incredibly versatile when used creatively. It is also best for situations where a specific object or point moves predictably (like in one direction) within the frame, like tracking a moving car’s headlights or a person’s face.
Best Way to Use It:
Single-point tracking is great for adding basic elements. It is quick, simple, and effective, especially when your shot has clear, distinct features to track. Plus, if you are new to motion tracking, it is a great starting point to get comfortable with the other types!
#2. Two-Point Tracking
Two-point tracking is a versatile technique that tracks the position and movement of two distinct points or elements in a video.
Unlike single-point tracking, which follows a single point, two-point tracking is used when you need to track the motion of objects that involve two reference points, such as the corners of a moving sign, a car’s headlights, or a door’s hinges.
Best Way to Use It:
Two-point tracking is ideal for situations where the movement of two elements is crucial, and the relationship between them must be maintained. It’s commonly used in scenarios like matching moving objects with multiple reference points, ensuring that elements stay aligned as the scene progresses.
#3. Four-Point Tracking
Four-point tracking (also known as corner pin tracking) is a powerful technique that tracks the position and movement of four distinct points or elements.
In After Effects, the tool identifies four corner points on a flat surface and tracks their movement across the footage. This tracking data creates a “corner pin” effect, enabling you to attach an image, video, or visual effects to the surface. The element follows the movement, scaling, rotation, and distortion of the tracked area on the surface.
Best Way to Use It:
Four-point tracking is perfect for projects that involve replacing or enhancing surfaces with precision.
#4. Planar Tracking
Planar tracking (or surface tracking) involves tracking a plane or a flat surface within your footage (like a wall, table, floor, or screen). Unlike point tracking, which focuses on individual points, planar tracking analyzes entire planes. This makes it perfect for more complex integrations where the camera or object moves in multiple directions.
Best Way to Use It:
This is useful for situations where objects or effects need to stick to a larger, flat area, such as adding a logo to a moving billboard or inserting a digital screen onto a car’s dashboard.
#5. Spline Tracking
Spline tracking is a sophisticated motion tracking method that can track complex shapes, objects, subjects, or irregular outlines within your footage.
Unlike other tracking methods, spline tracking allows you to track and adjust the movement of entire areas defined by splines (Bezier curves or polygons). This makes it perfect for isolating and following subjects with dynamic or organic motion, such as a person, an animal, or an irregularly shaped object.
Best Way to Use It:
Spline tracking is ideal for complex camera movements or multi-object scenes. It is also best for isolating moving objects or applying effects that need to conform to a specific shape.
#6. 3D Camera Tracking
3D camera tracking is one of the most advanced motion tracking techniques available in After Effects. It analyzes the camera’s movement in your footage and reconstructs that in a 3D environment. This allows you to insert 3D objects into the scene that move in sync with the camera, making the effect feel fully integrated within the shot.
Best Way to Use It:
3D camera tracking is perfect for complex shots or VFX-heavy scenes where you want to insert objects, such as CGI, into the scene that interacts with the environment, like adding a digital character walking down a street or placing virtual objects in a real-world setting. This technique is a favorite among filmmakers looking to create hyper-realistic effects.
Improve Your Videos with Motion Tracking
In After Effects, motion tracking comes in many forms, each tailored to specific creative needs. If you are unsure which type of tracking suits your video project or if execution gets too challenging, we’re here to help.
At Motion Effects, we have the tools and expertise to make sure your motion tracking is seamless and professional. Reach out to us and let’s take your visuals to the next level.