Skip to main content
A
Anonymous
May 6, 2017
Answered

Tracker panel is completely grayed out and won't let me track anything.

  • May 6, 2017
  • 9 replies
  • 28120 views

Can't track any layers in the composition, even pre-composed ones, because the menu is simply grayed out. Anyone know how to fix this? I desperately need to finish a project.

    Correct answer Roei Tzoref

    Thanks, but my issue is that when i click on the menu to select target the option of Null Object is greyed out. I can't select anything in the menu.


    I appreciate the detailed response, but my issue is not that the tracker fails to accurately track, it is that I cannot use the menu to make a tracker in the first place.

    are you sure your track type is set to Transform and not Stabilize?

    a screenshot could save you so show us.

    9 replies

    we135b
    we135b
    Known Participant
    September 10, 2023

    I had this same problem. I understand I'm a few years late to this thread but just in case there are other googlers like me, here is my experience. I'm using CS6. For me, my tracking panel was greyed out also. I've used AE CS6 many times before using the same types of clips (sony RX100V and iPhone) and have never had this problem. I first tried reloading the .mp4 clip and that solved the problem initially.  However, I needed to edit the clip after which the problem recurred. So, I went into forensics mode and tried checking which step it was that was causing the problem. Of course, I stepped my way all the way through (invert, trim, resize) only to find that the clip now worked with the same processes applied. The problem was solved but no indication of the culprit except that it seemed to be related to the clip and its processing.

    W
    wilxite
    Participant
    June 8, 2020

    mine is set to stablilize but that's greyed out too so i can't change it.

      lhawkarticulate
      lhawkarticulate
      Participant
      September 17, 2019

      If you have footage that is precomposed, you must uncheck collapse transformations - If you're not seeing your switches, look at the bottom left of the timeline (under all the layer names) and click toggle switches / modes. Then uncheck collapse transformations on that precomp. Then your tracker will let you select that footage layer. Sorry this isn't the best gif - just demoing with a project I already had open.

       

      I know this is a SUPER late reply to an old thread but maybe it'll help someone new.
      Cheers!
      -Laura Hawk 

        rickg30235638
        rickg30235638
        Participant
        September 24, 2019
        Been looking for a fix, for a solid hour and you just came in clutch!!! Thanks!
          raphaelc86852332
          raphaelc86852332
          Participant
          September 1, 2018

          Click on layer 'video name' in the top right of the video screen

          A
          Anonymous
          May 6, 2017

          This is for After Effects, forgot to mention in the question.

          Roei Tzoref
          Roei Tzoref
          Legend
          May 6, 2017

          if the advice given here not helping, show us some screenshots

          R
          Community Expert
          Rick GerardCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          May 6, 2017

          You track in the layer panel, not the composition panel. Open the layer in the Layer Panel and you should be able to track.

            A
            Anonymous
            May 6, 2017

            Thanks, I can track in the layer panel, but I'd like to apply the tracking data to a null object like I've done previously. How do I change the target from the layer panel?

            Roei Tzoref
            Roei TzorefCorrect answer
            Legend
            May 7, 2017

            Thanks, but my issue is that when i click on the menu to select target the option of Null Object is greyed out. I can't select anything in the menu.


            I appreciate the detailed response, but my issue is not that the tracker fails to accurately track, it is that I cannot use the menu to make a tracker in the first place.

            are you sure your track type is set to Transform and not Stabilize?

            a screenshot could save you so show us.

            Szalam
            Community Expert
            SzalamCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            May 6, 2017

            Have you tried restarting your computer?

            A
            Anonymous
            May 6, 2017

            Yes, and updated After Effects, did not work.

            John T Smith
            Community Expert
            John T SmithCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            May 6, 2017

            The Lounge Forum is not for technical help, please provide the name of the program you are using so your message may be moved to the correct program forum... A program would be Photoshop or InDesign or Muse or Premiere Pro or ???

            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
            Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices