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marie-christinel33150984
Participant
December 2, 2018
Question

Selecting 2D source point in 3D camera tracker

  • December 2, 2018
  • 6 replies
  • 3399 views

Hi everybody!

I hope you can help me on something. Im using Camera 3D Tracker on a clip, I have analyse it and in the category ''show track point'' I selected 2d source because those point fit more with the mouvement of the clip. The probleme is that, compared to 3D solved, I can't right click on those point to create a null from them. The only option they give me when I right click on them is to delete them. I wanna know how to use the track point in 2d source mode!

Thanks in advance ☺

Marie-Christine Laniel

    6 replies

    Participant
    October 10, 2025

    Welcome 😊

    Participating Frequently
    June 3, 2025

    Hi! In 2D Source mode, the points are just raw tracking data and not part of the 3D solve, so you can't create a null directly from them. To use those points, switch back to the "3D Solved" mode, find the corresponding points that best match the motion you want, and then right-click to create a null or solid. Unfortunately, 2D Source points can't be used to generate scene elements directly.

    Community Expert
    January 23, 2024

    After setting an origin and ground plane, then using the same Target to add a camera and a solid so you can verify that you have a good camera track, try this workflow:

     

    Pick any single camera track point that is sticking to some detail in the shot for more than a few frames. Add a solid so you can see it move because you can't see nulls. You'll get a very small square 3D solid. Verify that the point you selected has good data and it sticks to the surface. Make the new 3D Layer a Guide Layer so it doesn't accidentally show up in the render. Add another small 2D solid to the comp, make it a Guide layer, and apply this expression to Position:

    L = thisComp.layer("3D layer");
    L.toComp([0,0,0]);

    As long as the layer name matches your 3D track point, you'll have a 2D layer that follows that single track point you created.

     

    If the single track point had good data, or you have selected three or more points and have a good track, the 2D layer will be attached to the 3D track solid (or null).

     

    I use this workflow all the time and have saved the expression as an animation preset so I can attach a 2D null to any 3D layer below it by changing the expression to use the layer index like this:

    L = thisComp.layer(index + 1);
    L.toComp([0,0,0])

     One of the more common uses is to attach a null to a shape layer stroked path as a pointer for a graphic by using the Create Nulls From Paths/Points follow Nulls script available in the Window menu. 

    Known Participant
    April 15, 2023

    Only the 3D solved points have 3D information (XYZ). All 2D tracking points of the 2D source with bad tracking information or different movements (moving objects, reflections etc.) are killed automatically by the algorithm. That's the downside of this very basic/easy-to-use Camera Tracker. In my opinion, the Camera Tracker needs an advanced option to manually track points, give them waits and constraints (distance, planar surfaces etc.) and have a good export/import options. I write this for years but Adobe does not listen!

    Known Participant
    January 23, 2024

    I think we would just want to export a '2d Null' as its a very quick way to get some tracking data. Its so frustrating to see all that tracking data in front of you but you cant get your hands on it.

    Participant
    April 15, 2023

    I have the same problem. 2D source fits well but can't use right click on the points. What's the point of 2D source if we can't use them?

    Cmoorcroft07
    Participating Frequently
    January 12, 2022

    I'm really hoping to find a resolution to this problem as it will open up so many creative opportunities.

     

    It's rediculous, but I'm half tempted to screen record the preview screen with the 2D source points in order to then retrack them through the Track Motion function so I can create nulls based of the position.