How to draw a line from track motion data (following objects)?

[_noc]

Hi,

Is there a way to draw a line from track motion data in After Effects?

Imagine a video without camera movement and I would like to use track motion to follow a moving object, but I need to create a path recreating the movement made by the object (like a trail). I need to track the object, but how do I record the trail?

I couldn't find help anywhere online.

Thanks!

[JqkeFX]

It may be slightly ineffective, but try using the Auto-trace feature (Layer > Auto-trace) and make sure you are tracing the work area.

[Mylenium · Accepted solution]

The same old tricks apply: Write-On or any particle effect that leaves a trail. Otherwise you can copy & paste position data keyframes to mask paths. The mechanics work both ways, not just the more common practice of pasting mask paths to positions.

Mylenium

[_noc]

Thank you both fot the input. Big help!

These seem to be nice work arounds, especially forcing a mask path to position keyframes.

[P.M.B]

Not really "work arounds", just how you would do it.  A work around implies something is not working the way it should be.