If you are new to video editing, then it must be essential for you to learn about planar tracking. It is one kind of unique technique in visual effects that allows editors to attach graphics or elements to surfaces in a video.
By perfecting planar tracking, it allows for the seamless integration of effects into videos and increases viewer engagement.
However, new video editors may struggle with complex motion, occlusions, and poor footage quality, which can impede accuracy. For those, Wondershare Filmora offers a great user interface that makes everything easy for them.
With Filmora, creators can easily implement planar tracking, elevating their video projects with stunning visuals and effects. Let’s make you familiar with what the common challenges are in planar tracking and how Wondershare Filmora can help you out.
Part 1: What is Planar Tracking?
Planar tracking is a great feature in video editing because it allows the editor to track the movement of a flat surface within a frame, such as a wall or screen.
It appears to be motion tracking, but motion tracking is used to track moving objects, whereas planar tracking is used to track the movement of flat surfaces.
For new editors, this means that you can easily incorporate text, images, or visual effects onto surfaces to enhance your storytelling.
Benefits of Planar Tracking include:
- Enhanced Visual Consistency: It ensures that inserted elements remain anchored, providing a more polished look.
- Creative Flexibility: Editors can place graphics on moving or angled surfaces, expanding creative options.
- Time Efficiency: By automating the tracking process, it reduces manual adjustments, allowing for quicker edits and more focus on storytelling.
Part 2: 5 Most Common Challenges in Planar Tracking
Above, you learned about planar tracking and how it can benefit video editors. Although this feature appears to be useful, beginners frequently encounter common challenges when using planar tracking. Here we have mentioned a few of them and their solutions for you.
1. Motion Blur and Fast Motion
Motion blur and fast motion are one of the common challenges for the editor for planar tracking. The shutter speed interferes with clear footage due to fast camera movement or subject movement.
It can severely affect tracking accuracy because tracking software relies on distinct and sharp features within a frame. The motion blur or fast motion in footage makes it difficult for software to lock onto points reliably.
How can Wondershare Filmora help you?
If you want to make your footage more clear, you must use the Motion Tracking feature of Wondershare Filmora. It helps you to adjust the tracked object’s movement manually, compensating for any inaccuracies.
You can also change the speed of the footage to slow it down slightly and provide clearer movements for tracking.
Use the “Mask” tool to separate objects from background blurs, ensuring that tracking algorithms focus on the most defined areas.
To avoid motion blur in your footage, always use a faster shutter speed to capture sharp images. Use a tripod or gimbal to stabilize your camera and reduce any unintended movement while filming. Also, reduce the frame rate to capture more detailed frames in fast motions.
2. Complex Backgrounds
The background of your footage also hinders the tracking process. Where a complex background, especially one with many colors, patterns, or movements, can confuse tracking software, making it difficult to lock on to a subject. While a simpler background with contrasting colors will produce better tracking results.
Adjust the background Using Filmora’s Mask Feature
Using Filmora’s Mask tool, effectively isolate the subject from the background. Masks can help you focus on specific features for tracking while reducing distractions.
In post-production, layer your footage by placing the subject on top of a different, less busy background to improve tracking accuracy.
3. Occlusions and Object Interference
When another object in the scene blocks the subject or its tracking points, this is referred to as an occlusion.
Because the software cannot see the subject’s entire structure, this can result in data loss and tracking inaccuracies.
To avoid such kinds of troubles, you should carefully plan your shots and make sure the subject remains clear and visible throughout important actions.
Adjust Positioning with keyframing Filmora
In Filmora, use “Keyframing” to manually adjust the position of a tracked object during occlusion, giving you complete control over motion continuity. You can also use the “Masking” feature in post-production to reveal or obscure parts of the subject, restoring visibility amidst occlusions.
4. Inconsistent Lighting and Color
Inconsistent lighting and color also have an impact on planar tracking performance. The good lighting ensures that the software can identify and maintain points throughout the footage.
For perfect lighting, you can use controlled lighting setups to maintain even and consistent lighting across the whole shot. Avoid harsh shadows and bright highlights that can distort features.
Utilize the color and lighting Element of Filmora
Filmora’s color grading tools allow you to correct any lighting issues and ensure that your footage has a consistent tone throughout.
5. Low Resolution and Poor Image Quality
As an editor, you may be aware of how low-resolution and poor image-quality footage can appear dull. However, it also interferes with effective planar tracking, resulting in inaccuracies or failure of the entire tracking process.
When features are not crisp and clear, tracking algorithms struggle to identify key details. To avoid this, you must shoot in high resolution and use a good camera and lens.
Use AI Video Enhancer of Filmora
While poor image quality can be difficult to deal with, Filmora provides enhancement tools that can help you scale up the resolution or recover some detail in your footage. Use Filmora’s AI video enhancement feature to improve the clarity and sharpness of your videos.
Part 3: Useful Tips to Overcoming Challenges in Planar Tracking
Now, after learning about the common challenges that every editor faces with planar tracking, you must also learn what you can do to avoid those challenges. Have a look at a few professional tips to accurately do planar tracking in your video.
1. Utilize Advanced Software Tool
One of the best ways to confront planar tracking challenges is to use powerful software like Wondershare Filmora.
This versatile video editing tool features robust tracking capabilities that allow you to seamlessly integrate motion graphics and effects into your footage.
So never forget a good video editor like Wondershare Filmora to make your videos more interesting.
2. Enhancing Pre-Production Measurements
Proper planning is essential for successful planar tracking. Before the shoot, ensure that you accurately measure distances and angles in your framing. Use markers to define key points in the scene that will aid in tracking.
You can also try test shots that will be beneficial to identify any potential issues before the final filming. All of this contributes to high-quality footage that works well with any additional post-production elements.
Conclusion
Every video editor wants a sharp and clear output of their efforts. Sometimes the common challenges trouble beginners with accurate planar tracking.
Fortunately, Wondershare Filmora is the best option for you to effortlessly eradicate all the challenges. This is a reliable video editor used by professional editors and is also very user-friendly for beginners.
The advanced AI features and smooth interface make everything easy to do planar tracking without any hassle. Give a try to this amazing software and sharpen your editing creativity.
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