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Think Bigger From Filmora User Guide

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 the application on your computer, import your media files into Wondershare Filmora, and add them to the timeline.

import media files
Import Media Files

Step 2: Locate Planar Tracking

Method 1: Double-click the clip on the timeline to open the editing panel. Navigate to Video > AI Tools and click the button next to Planar Tracking to activate the feature.

locate planar tracking from editing panel
Locate Planar Tracking from Editing Panel

Method 2: Click the tracking icon on the toolbar below the timeline, then select Planar Tracking.

locate planar tracking from toolbar
Locate Planar Tracking from Toolbar

Method 3: Click Tools in the top menu bar, then choose Video > Planar Tracking.

locate planar tracking from tools
Locate Planar Tracking from Tools

Step 3: Select a Planar Tracker

There are two Planar Tracker modes available, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs:

planar tracker modes
Planar Tracker Modes

Auto Planar Tracker Mode

Select and Adjust Tracking Points

Click "Auto mode" on the panel. In the preview window, select the target you want to track and adjust the four tracking points accordingly.

adjust the tracking points
Select and Adjust Tracking Points

Start Tracking

Click Start to begin tracking once you adjusted the tracking points.

start tracking
Start Tracking

This will enter rendering mode, which only supports rendering a single clip on the timeline.

render mode
Render Mode
Note:
During this process, the clip on the timeline will be grayed out and will not be selectable or movable.

Preview Tracking Points

After tracking is complete, play the video on the timeline to ensure the four tracking points follow the target object correctly. You can make single-frame adjustments to some inaccurate results.

preview tracking points
Preview Tracking Points

You can choose to hide or show the tracker in the settings panel.

show the tracker
Hide or Show the Tracker

Advanced Planar Tracker Mode

Select and Adjust Tracking Points

Click Advanced mode on the panel. In the preview window, select the target you want to track and adjust the four tracking points.

select and adjust tracking points
Select and Adjust Tracking Points

You can also adjust the accuracy level in the panel.

Note:
The higher the precision, the longer the processing time.
import media files
Adjust the Accuracy Level

Start Tracking

You have four options to choose from. Select the one that best suits your video clips to start tracking. For footage with significant shaking, it is recommended to use frame-by-frame analysis. You can click anywhere in the software to stop the tracking process.

start tracking
Start Tracking
Note:
During this process, only the tracked clip and tracking box will be displayed in the player. The timeline will be greyed out, highlighting only the tracked clip.
render mode
Render Mode

Preview Tracking Points

After tracking is complete, play the video on the timeline to verify that the four tracking points are correctly following the target object. You can choose to hide or show the tracker in the panel.

preview tracking points
Preview Tracking Points

For any unsatisfactory parts of the tracking results, you can adjust and re-analyze starting from the frame where the error first appeared. For videos with significant shaking, you can even use the frame-by-frame analysis method, adjusting one frame at a time, to ensure perfect tracking results.

adjust the tracking results
Adjust the Tracking Results

Step 4: Select Linked Elements

You can link elements by importing media from computer, selecting timeline clips, or applying mosaics.

Timeline Clip: After adding videos or images to the timeline, use the dropdown menu to select the clip above the current one.

adjust the strength
Import from Timeline Clip

Import Media: Click "Import from Computer" to add local videos and images.

adjust the strength
Import from Computer

Mosaic: Click "Add a mosaic" and apply it.

adjust the strength
Add a mosaic

Once an element is linked, it will be marked with a “link” icon. Add “Corner Pin” properties to the linked clip.

Body Effects
Select Linked Elements

Step 5: Adjust Linked Element Parameters

Select the linked elements and adjust the transformation parameters to achieve the desired size and relative position on the tracking plane (e.g., Scale, Position).

adjust linked element parameters
Adjust Linked Element Parameters

Step 6: Export and Share

Click Export when you finish editing and choose the format you want to save.