The BEST Motion Tracking Tips from a DaVinci Resolve MASTER

Sticky Text and Tracking Techniques

Understanding Sticky Text

• Sticky text allows for flexible positioning on the screen, enabling movement in any direction while remaining attached to a specific object.

• Tracking is not limited to objects; it can also be applied to faces, allowing icons or text to move seamlessly with them.

Key Considerations for Effective Tracking

• The object used for tracking should contrast with the background. For example, a bright object should not have a bright background.

• A good example of effective tracking involves using a red object against a non-red background, ensuring clear visibility and easier tracking.

Setting Up Tracking in Fusion

Initial Steps in Fusion

• Begin by adding your clip to the timeline where you want to perform tracking.

• Right-click on the clip and select "Open in Fusion Page" to access the Fusion interface.

Understanding Nodes in Fusion

• In Fusion, there are two main nodes: Media In (the video input) and Media Out (the final output).

• Effects such as trackers are added between these two nodes, allowing for manipulation of the video content.

Adding Trackers and Adjusting Settings

Selecting and Adding Trackers

• Select Media In node and press Shift + Spacebar to open the selection tool.

• Choose "Tracker" from the options presented; ensure you select the correct tracker node before adding it.

Display Options in Fusion

• The left display shows nothing initially; however, switching displays will show media outputs based on selected dots indicating active views.

Configuring Tracker Boxes

Setting Up Target Points

• Adjust both inner (solid box) and outer (dotted box) tracker boxes around your subject for optimal tracking accuracy.

• Ensure that the inner box covers your subject while allowing some leeway with an appropriately sized outer box for potential movement deviations.

Tracking Process Completion

Executing Tracking Commands

• Play both right and left displays simultaneously during tracking to ensure accurate results across both views.

Finalizing Tracking Results

• Upon completion of tracking, a message indicating "Render Completed" will appear. Click OK to proceed.

Adding Text or Images Post-tracking

Integrating Text into Your Project

• With the tracker selected, click on 'T' for text addition. This creates a merge node necessary for combining effects.

Adjusting Text Positioning

• Remove unnecessary connections from merge nodes if they do not align with your intended design.

Final Review of Video Edits

Testing Integrated Elements

• After adjustments, play back your project to confirm that added elements like text or images move correctly with tracked subjects.

This structured approach provides clarity on how sticky text works alongside effective tracking techniques within video editing software like Fusion. Each section builds upon previous insights while maintaining focus on practical application steps.