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Planar Tracking

Planar Tracking is a video editing and visual effects technique for tracking the movement of flat surfaces within a video. It precisely follows objects on a two-dimensional plane, such as billboards or screens, and allows for advanced integration and manipulation of video elements. This tool is ideal for tasks such as license plate obscuring or billboard replacement.

This guide explains how to use Planar Tracking in your videos on Windows:

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Step 1: Import and Add Media Files to the Timeline

Open Filmora, start a new project, select +Import to add your video clip, and drag it onto the timeline.

import clips in filmora

Step 2: Locate Planar Tracking

Before understanding more about the feature itself, it is best to figure out all routes that can help you reach out to Planar Tracking.

Method 1. Access via Property Panel

After importing a video, double-click on the clip to access its properties panel. Navigate through Video tab into the Tracking section to find the Planar Tracking feature.

access planar tracking properties panel

Method 2. Access via Timeline Toolbar

Conversely, you can also access the AI Tracking Tools option in the timeline toolbar after importing your video. Find the Planar Tracking option to continue further.

access planar tracking timeline toolbar

Method 3. Access via Top Tools Menu

The feature is also accessible via Tools > Video > Planar Tracking on the top.

access planar tracking from tools tab

Step 3: Select a Tracker and Proceed

Among the two options available, choose Auto or Advanced to define the planar tracker mode, and proceed further.

select tracking mode filmora

Auto Planar Tracking

After selecting Auto, find 4 tracking points appearing on the preview window. You can simply select the target that you want to track using the tracking points, before clicking Start.

adjust trackers in auto

With the video rendered, preview the result on the timeline, and make any single-frame adjustments, if needed. You can also hide or show the tracker using the Eye icon in the Planar Tracking settings.

view tracking lines in filmora

Advanced Planar Tracking

If you go for the Advanced option in Planar Tracking, define the target with the available tracking points. Select an Accuracy level from the available options and start the analysis using the available options.

define accuracy in advanced mode
Note:
The higher the precision, the longer the processing time.

Using the available tracking buttons, analyze the complete footage, or track it frame-by-frame. For tracking another element onto the selected plane, use the Link Element option and choose an appropriate option. You can add a background, import something from your computer, or add a mosaic across the tracked object. A link element will be added across the timeline showing the changed properties.

add linked element in plane

Make changes in the parameters of the linked element by selecting it from the timeline and changing the options.

adjust link elements properties