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Understanding [Planar Tracking]
Suppose you need to replace a logo on a moving product box in your video. Manually tracking it frame by frame would be tedious! This is where planar tracking shines.
In this article, we'll discuss planar tracking, its definition, operation, the distinction between planar tracking and motion tracking, and its application in video editing.
Definition: What is Planar Tracking
Planar tracking is an important video editing system that allows creators to track a flat surface (or a plane) throughout the video. You can then attach images, text, or other videos to that plane, and they will stay there regardless of the camera movement in the scene. With planar tracking, you can replace any flat surface with something creative, be it a table, a screen, or an entire wall.
Planar Tracking Vs. Motion Tracking
When it comes to tracking objects, you may also have heard of motion tracking. For new video editors, it's easy to confuse these two terms. Here's a comparison table to help you differentiate between them more easily.
| Feature | Planar Tracking | Motion Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| What does it track? | Flat surfaces or planes, like walls, screens, and floors | Specific points or features in the image, like points and corners |
| What is it best used for? | Objects that feature a flat geometry and have very little depth variation | Objects or groups of objects with easily visible and trackable points |
| How does it deal with perspective handling? | It handles skew and perspective changes well | Handling is limited, and struggles with significant shifts |
| What about stability? | Stable over large and flat areas | It can drift and become unstable over time |
| What are the typical use cases? | Screen replacement, wall signs, and any flat surface | Footage stabilization and object tracking |
Secure DownloadThe Visual Characteristics of Planar Tracking
Here are the top three visual characteristics of planar tracking to help you understand this technique better.
- Surface-based Tracking: Pick a flat surface in the scene that actually needs replacement, such as a phone screen, posters, or signs.
- Match the Perspective Shift: If done correctly, planar tracking will also capture any perspective change in the video footage, and the overlaid element will tilt, skew, or wrap to the tracked surface.
- Smooth Scene Integration: If you are using the right video editing tool, planar tracking will be so smooth and effortless. It will track the camera movement perfectly, and the imported element will feel like a natural part of the scene.
These are the most important visual attributes of planar tracking, which will help you get a better idea of how it looks.
When and Where to Use Planar Tracking
Genre-Specific Applications for Planar Tracking
This technique can be used in many different video genres, but here are the three most common applications.
Of course, planar tracking is so versatile that you will certainly think of many more applications as you progress through your video editing journey.
Combine Planar Tracking with Other Techniques Creatively
Planar tracking can be combined with other video editing techniques to create something magical.
These examples serve to get you going. They might spark your creativity, and you will be able to create something unique.
A Couple of Artistic Considerations for Planar Tracking
- Match the visual style of the environment: When using planar tracking to introduce a new element to a blank plane, make sure that this element has the same style and color scheme as the rest of the scene to keep everything consistent.
- Consider the purpose of the added element: Adding a cool graphic to an empty plane in the scene without thinking about its purpose is something you should avoid. Instead, make sure that every added element has a purpose that adds an interesting element to the narrative and completes the story.
A Practical Guide to Using Planar Tracking
How to Use the Planar Tracking Feature in Filmora
Filmora is one of the most powerful video editing tools. The extensive AI toolbox that's packed with useful AI tools is one of the main reasons why Filmora is a force to be reckoned with in the video editing world. One of these AI features is the Planar Tracker, and we will teach you how to use it. Follow the steps below.
Troubleshooting Common Planar Tracking Issues
The tracked plane drifts and slides out of place as the scene progresses, and the tracking is all over the place.
Select a surface that has a high contrast and a clear texture so that the software can analyze it easily without getting confused.
The added element is not parallel to the plane, and it looks bad, skewed, and completely unrealistic.
You might have selected a section of the scene that is not actually a plane but has some curves. Planar tracking only works with completely flat planes.
If the tracked plane turns too far or is blocked (occluded), the tracker may lose reference.
You can use tracking masks to exclude occluding objects or break the shot into sections and track separately.
