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XiaoLu
Participant
August 15, 2018
Answered

Motion tracking - change edit target to null object that didn't exist at time of tracking.

  • August 15, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 7211 views

I just started using after effects this week.

Trying to do some motion tracking, and yes I know that at my level of experience I should be going through more basic things in order to build up a proper foundation -- for example as suggested in the second post of this thread - Re: Tracker won't allow target - can't apply. Help!   By the way, the links in that thread do not work and I would greatly appreciate if someone could provide assistance with that as well.

Ok, now for my real question can the "edit target" be changed after you have already tracked motion? This thread (from 2011) Tracking: Edit target to null unselectable   seems to suggest that it wasn't possible at that time. A lot can change in the space of 7 years, so is it possible to change the "edit target" for example to a null object that didn't exist when the track was performed? If yes, how can this be performed?

Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Rick Gerard

All you have to do is open up the Motion Tracking workspace, Select the previously tracked layer in the Tracker Panel as the Motion Source, edit the target and apply.

All of this information is in the help files and can be easily located using AE's Search Help field located to the far right of AE's toolbar. It's probably the most underutilized tool in After Effects.    

And here's some more excellent motion tracking info easily discovered using Search Help: Apply motion tracking to rigid masks in After Effects | Adobe After Effects CC tutorials.​ It's the second link that pops up.

3 replies

Roland Kahlenberg
Roland Kahlenberg
Legend
August 16, 2018

As Rick has shown you, there is a way to apply tracking results to other/new layers. You should firstly be aware that this 'new' layer should share identical movement to the original tracked region. Any difference in motion/tracked properties between the 'old' and 'new' tracked layers/regions and you'll have poor tracking results, after applying the tracking data. HTH.

Very Advanced After Effects Training | Adaptive & Responsive Toolkits | Intelligent Design Assets (IDAs) | MoGraph Design System DEV
    P.M.B
    P.M.B
    Legend
    August 15, 2018

    Adobe's unified help is a pile of dirt cookies as you have to reset the filters every time you search.

    Here's the super special secret downloadable help that isn't a pile of dirt cookies.

    https://helpx.adobe.com/pdf/after_effects_reference.pdf

    ~Gutterfish
      Warren Heaton
      Community Expert
      Warren HeatonCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 16, 2018

      The search for the online help could improve for sure.

      R
      Community Expert
      Rick GerardCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      August 15, 2018

      All you have to do is open up the Motion Tracking workspace, Select the previously tracked layer in the Tracker Panel as the Motion Source, edit the target and apply.

      All of this information is in the help files and can be easily located using AE's Search Help field located to the far right of AE's toolbar. It's probably the most underutilized tool in After Effects.    

      And here's some more excellent motion tracking info easily discovered using Search Help: Apply motion tracking to rigid masks in After Effects | Adobe After Effects CC tutorials.​ It's the second link that pops up.

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