Using the Motion Tracker and Adding Text
To get a better idea of how to use Fusion, we have included the following examples to show
how to use the tracker tool to track an element in a clip, plus add text and attach it to the
element using the tracking data.
The 'tracker' tool tracks pixels over time on the x & y axis, and generates data you can use to
attach other elements. This is great for when you want to match the position of text to a moving
object, such as a car driving along the road, or a bird as it flies across frame.
1
In the 'effects library', select the 'tracker' tool and drag it to the line between the
'mediain' and the 'mediaout' nodes. Now click the tracker node to reveal its properties
in the inspector.
2
Type '1' on your keyboard to see the 'tracker' node on the left viewer. The clip will
appear in the viewer together with the tracker at its default position. Hover your mouse
pointer over the tracker to reveal the tracker handle. Click on the tracker handle at the
top left corner and drag the tracker to an area of interest on your clip. High contrast
areas work well, for example the badge on the hood of a car. The tracker will magnify
the image area for extra precision.
3
In the inspector window, click on the 'track forward' button to start tracking.
A notification window will appear when the tracking is done. Click OK.
Tracking options in the inspector panel include track reverse from last frame or
current frame, stop track or track forward from current frame or first frame.
TIP
Track reverse or forward from current frame is great for situations where
your area of interest disappears during the render range, such as a car or bird
moving out of frame. This lets you track only the relevant footage.
Now you can take that tracking data and apply the motion path to a text tool.
4
Click on the 'text+' node icon from the toolbar of commonly used nodes and drag it to
the node panel near the 'tracker' node. Connect the 'text' output square to the green
foreground input on the 'tracker'.
Working with Clips in DaVinci Resolve
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