{"id":6876,"date":"2021-04-09T15:19:12","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T19:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/?p=6876"},"modified":"2024-05-16T18:34:38","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T22:34:38","slug":"adobe-after-effects-understanding-motion-tracking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/adobe-after-effects-understanding-motion-tracking.html","title":{"rendered":"Adobe After Effects: Understanding Motion Tracking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"content-cta-with-button\">\n<strong>Get our Free &#8220;Motion Tracking in After Effects&#8221; Project<\/strong>\n<p class=\"file-description\">This Adobe After Effects example project includes everything you need to follow along with this motion tracking article and video tutorial below.<\/p>\n\t\t<a\t\t\t\thref=\"javascript:void(0)\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sgpb-show-popup sgpb-popup-id-6886\"\n\t\tdata-sgpbpopupid=\"6886\"\n\t\tdata-popup-event=\"click\"\n\t\ttitle=&quot;Click to download our free Motion Tracking in After Effects project&quot; >\n\t\tDownload File <i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/adobe-after-effects-the-basics.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the first episode of our Adobe After Effects tutorial series<\/a>, we covered all the basic fundamentals of motion graphics, multi-layered compositions, and visual effects. In this episode, we dive a little deeper into After Effects, exploring the power of motion tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the end of this post, you\u2019ll have a good understanding of how to track objects in space, steady shaky footage, and replace screens on a device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>In the video below, Nick LaClair, Creative Director at SproutVideo, will take you through <a href=\"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/videos\/after-effects-episode-2-motion-tracking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">various applications of motion tracking in Adobe After Effects<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"sproutvideo-player\" src=\"https:\/\/videos.sproutvideo.com\/embed\/4d9ddcb61211eec9c4\/7f91d11190ccb867?playerColor=4c78ae&amp;postrollText=Watch%20the%20next%20After%20Effects%20episode%20&amp;postrollUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fsproutvideo.com%2Fblog%2Fvideos%2Fafter-effects-episode-3-rotoscoping-and-3d-cameras&amp;postrollFontSize=22&amp;postrollFontColor=FFFFFF&amp;postrollBgColor=4c78ae&amp;postrollTarget=_blank&amp;postrollReplay=true&amp;endFrame=posterFrame\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>For our second episode in this series, we recommend downloading our example project included in this tutorial so you can follow along. We\u2019ve incorporated all the items you\u2019ll need to get a better understanding of the various applications of tracking. By following along, you\u2019ll be well on your way to implementing tracking in your own projects.&nbsp;Just click the link below to get the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<a\t\t\t\thref=\"javascript:void(0)\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sgpb-show-popup sgpb-popup-id-6886\"\n\t\tdata-sgpbpopupid=\"6886\"\n\t\tdata-popup-event=\"click\"\n\t\ttitle=&quot;Click to download our free After Effects motion tracking project&quot; >\n\t\t<strong>Download File:<\/strong> <span>After Effects Motion Tracking Project<\/span>\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"What-is-Motion-Tracking-in-After-Effects\">What is Motion Tracking in Adobe After Effects?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Motion tracking is the process of using technology to track the movement of an object in your video. Once you have data from the tracked object, you can apply the motion data to other objects or elements and it will match that movement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The benefits of tracking truly shine through once you start to understand how they can be applied in your projects. We\u2019ll be going over three popular applications: Tracking objects in space using null objects, stabilizing footage, and replacing screens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Tracking-Objects-in-Space\">Tracking Objects in Space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll be looking at single-point tracking first. This is, as the name suggests, uses After Effects to capture data from a single point to use for tracking purposes. You can then take that data and apply it to another layer or object in your composition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re working with our example, you can choose a composition from the project panel. We will be using the \u20181.1 &#8211; Cafe\u2019 to start. We are going to be using Name graphics to demonstrate how you can use motion tracking to have objects track with your videos at a certain point. This can be useful whenever you need a graphic or object to stick to a specific point in your video.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The layers in this composition have already been formatted to include an animation to pop into the frame. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/adobe-after-effects-the-basics.html\">episode one of our After Effect series<\/a> if you want to know how to create these animations from scratch or need a refresher. In our example, we\u2019ll be creating a null object to track the footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"What-is-a-Null-Object\">What is a Null Object<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>null object<\/strong> is an invisible layer that can hold any information you want. This makes it perfect for tracking purposes. You can attach motion data from your footage to it without having to manipulate other layers that contain the visuals of your project. You can later attach multiple layers to a null object and they will inherit its motion data without having to change their own motion parameters. This process is called parenting which we\u2019ll cover later in the post.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Creating-a-Null-Object\">Creating a Null Object<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, we\u2019ll create a null object by clicking on Layer in the menu bar, then New, Null Object. This will create a new layer in the layer panel. We suggest renaming it to help you stay organized. In the example, we are starting with the Daenerys layer, so we\u2019ll rename it \u2018Daenerys Null.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Auto-Tracking-Motion\">Auto Tracking Motion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To track motion in your footage, you\u2019ll need to double click the footage layer; ours is labeled \u201cCafe laptops.\u201d This will open a new tab in the composition window at the top. Next is where the magic happens. On the right-hand side of the screen, you\u2019ll see all the different editing tools you can choose from. Click on the tab that says, Tracker. If for some reason you don\u2019t see this tab, you can access it by clicking View from the top menu, then Tracker.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracker-tab-1200x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracker-tab-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracker-tab-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracker-tab-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracker-tab-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracker-tab.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From here, follow the steps below to track a specific point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Click the Track Motion button in the Tracker tab.<\/li><li>For this example make sure only the Position checkbox is selected, not rotation or scale.<\/li><li>Click Edit Target, and select the Null Object we created in the earlier steps. This tells After Effects we want the motion were tracking applied to the null object.<\/li><li>Adjust your play head to where you want the tracking to begin.<\/li><li>Zoom in if needed and move <strong>Tracking Point<\/strong> 1 to a desirable tracking location.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Tracking-Points\">Tracking Points<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Tracking points are used as a way for After Effects to attach data to a specific object in the footage. The more contrast there is, the better it will be able to track it. The smaller box should be right around the object you want to track, while the larger box should be large enough so After Effects knows where to scan for the object you have in the smaller box.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The smaller you can make these boxes, the better, since it takes a lot of time to render motion tracking. However, if there is a lot of movement in the scene, you may need larger boxes so that when the frames are being tracked, After Effects can continually find the target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-single-point-1200x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-single-point-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-single-point-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-single-point-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-single-point-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-single-point.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In our example, we place the tracker for Daenerys on her eye. This works well because of the contrast between her dark eyelashes and her skin. Make sure to pick a point that moves in a consistent way. Once you\u2019ve picked a point, hit the Analyze Forward button ( \u25b6)&nbsp; in the tracker tab to begin analyzing the scene for motion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, if you want to track backward in time, simply hit the Analyze Backwards button (\u25c0), and your clip will play in reverse and add tracking points.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One issue that may arise while tracking is if the object you\u2019re tracking goes off-screen, but you want whatever you\u2019re going to attach to the tracking to stay on that same path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Adjusting-Trackers\">Adjusting Trackers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can fix this by stopping the analysis on the last frame before it goes off-screen and switching it to a new point on the screen. To do this, hold Option on Mac or Alt on PC, and select and drag the outer box to a new track point. We chose a white square on the man\u2019s shirt, which has plenty of contrast. After, hit the Analyze Forward button again until it reaches the end of the scene. This will take the tracking data from the new track point and extend the path of the original track point as if it were still on the screen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracking-fix-1200x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracking-fix-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracking-fix-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracking-fix-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracking-fix-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-tracking-fix.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re satisfied with your tracking, hit Apply in the tracker tab, select X and Y in the pop-up window, and hit OK. After Effects will switch you back to the full composition in the composition window, where you can expand your null object in the layers tab to reveal all the position keyframes that have been created from the tracking data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Manual-Motion-Tracking\">Manual Motion Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some unfortunate cases, After Effects won\u2019t be able to track the object you need it to as cleanly as you would like. After pressing the Analyze Forward button in the Tracking tab, you may notice some crazy fluctuations or movements while it\u2019s processing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this happens, you may need to resort to manually tracking your object. You can move forward or backward frame by frame by selecting the Analyze One Frame Forward or Analyze One Frame Backward button. These are the buttons next to the Analyze Forward and Backward buttons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For each frame, you\u2019ll have to go to the composition window and move the tracking box to stay on your point of interest in each frame. This will be a tedious process but will result in a perfect tracked object.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"Fine-Tuning-Your-Trackers\">Fine-Tuning Your Trackers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you realize you need to adjust your tracking later on in your editing process, simply go back to your footage layer, select which track point you need to adjust, either in the Layers tab or Tracker tab, and make any adjustments needed. Once you hit apply in the Tracker tab, it will update your project.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"Parenting-The-Layers\">Parenting The Layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The last step is to attach this Null Object layer to the Name layer to which you want to apply the tracked motion. Here are a few definitions that will be helpful in explaining how this works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Parenting <\/strong>is the process of linking multiple layers so that the movement of one layer follows the movement of another layer.<\/li><li>A <strong>parent layer<\/strong> is a layer in which those linked to it will follow its motion.<\/li><li>A <strong>child layer<\/strong> is a layer(s) that will follow the motion of a parent layer.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply this, go to the layer you want to be the \u2018Child\u2019, for our example that is the Daenerys layer, and under the Parent &amp; Link section of the layers tab, select the Null object to make it the parent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to create a parent-child relationship between layers is to click and drag the \u201cswirl\u201d icon, called a \u201cpick whip,\u201d from the child layer to the parent layer. Tracking motion with this method is helpful because it keeps the Name Layer\u2019s attributes free for you to transform the way you want while still attached to the Null Object\u2019s movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/after-effects-tracking-parenting-1200x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/after-effects-tracking-parenting-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/after-effects-tracking-parenting-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/after-effects-tracking-parenting-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/after-effects-tracking-parenting-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/after-effects-tracking-parenting.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Repeat all these steps for the various layers in the example project to achieve the look we did in the tutorial video. Depending on the points you choose, you may need to do a combination of auto-tracking, manual tracking, and various adjustments to get it to look just right.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Steadying-Shaky-Footage\">Steadying Shaky Footage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another amazing way to use the tracking functionality in After Effects is to stabilize shaky footage. This comes in handy whenever you need your shot to look super smooth as opposed to shaky or handheld.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll use the \u201c2 &#8211; Stabilization Composition\u201d in the Example Project to walk through this example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Just like before, we\u2019ll double-click on the layer we want to track. In this case, it\u2019s called \u201cHandheld.mov.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Choose Stabilize Motion from the Tracker tab.<\/li><li>Make sure both the Position and Rotation boxes are checked, which will create two separate tracker points in the Composition window.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Place each tracker on high contrast points in the scene similar to how you placed tracker points in the example above.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll want these points to be as far away from each other as possible. This will provide better tracking data. One point represents the position, and the other the rotation. Once in place, click Analyze Track Forward and hit apply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-two-tracker-points-1200x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-two-tracker-points-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-two-tracker-points-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-two-tracker-points-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-two-tracker-points-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-two-tracker-points.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, when you play your clip back, your scene will be stationary, and the edges of the frame will be moving to compensate for stabilized motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will reveal black edges around your footage. To fix this, adjust the position and scale of that layer until those edges no longer appear in the frame. When you play it now, the footage will appear completely stable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Replacing-Screens\">Replacing Screens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our last example comes in handy whenever you need to replace the contents of a screen on a mobile device, computer, TV, or a similar application. Typically, recording something on a screen can prove difficult because of glare and other factors, so it\u2019s relatively common to replace screens in post-production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll use the \u201c3 &#8211; Screen Composition\u201d in the Example Project to demonstrate how to pull this off. This composition consists of the \u201cMonitor.mov\u201d layer, where the monitor screen is located, and the \u201cFootage.mp4\u201d layer, which is what we\u2019ll be replacing the screen with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Just like before, we\u2019ll double-click on the layer you want to track. In this case, it\u2019s called \u201cMonitor.mov.\u201d&nbsp;<\/li><li>In the Tracker tab, select Track Motion, then change the Track Type to Perspective Corner Pin.<\/li><li>Four track points will appear in the composition window. Place each of them on a corner of the screen you are replacing.<\/li><li>Click Edit Target in the Tracker tab to make sure that the \u201cFootage.Mp4\u201d is the target.<\/li><li>Analyze Forward, hit apply, and your screen replacement is complete.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-screen-replacement-1200x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-screen-replacement-1200x673.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-screen-replacement-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-screen-replacement-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-screen-replacement-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d9pfvpeevxz0y.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/After-Effects-Tracking-screen-replacement.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After Effects can compensate for any shakes, rotation, or changes in the footage, so this technique will work for just about any clips where you need to replace a screen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning to harness the power of motion tracking is an amazing tool to add to your video editing arsenal. Just like the basics, these techniques will require a lot of practice to master, but it\u2019ll be worth it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to <a href=\"#newsletter-footer-container\">subscribe to the SproutVideo Newsletter<\/a> to get the next episode of our After Effects tutorial series in your inbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-cta-with-button\">\n<strong>Share Your New Motion Project!<\/strong>\n<p>Easy-to-use video hosting with features in marketing, security, and collaboration. Display videos with our customizable landing pages and video websites, or privately share your content using password and login protection.<\/p>\n<p>Get 30 days free to try out all the features of the SproutVideo platform. Plus, our human-powered support team is here to help!<\/p>\n<a class=\"btn btn-primary\" title=\"Capture leads, drive traffic, boost campaigns, and grow. Start free for 30 days.\" href=\"http:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/signup?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog+post&amp;utm_content=CTA+callout\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Join Now!<i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">MIN TO READ<\/span><\/span> Get our Free &#8220;Motion Tracking in After Effects&#8221; Project This Adobe After Effects example project includes everything you need to follow along with this motion tracking article and video tutorial below. In the first episode of our Adobe After Effects tutorial series, we covered all the basic fundamentals of motion graphics, multi-layered compositions, and visual effects. In this episode, we&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":6891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_eb_attr":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[279,40],"feature":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Adobe After Effects: Understanding Motion Tracking | SproutVideo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get our Free &quot;Motion Tracking in After Effects&quot; Project This Adobe After Effects example project includes everything you need to follow along with this\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/adobe-after-effects-understanding-motion-tracking.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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