PowerDirector
Best Video Editing Software for Creators [2021]
- Intuitive user interface with advance editing features
- 100's of stunning effects, titles and transitions
- Edit and upload to any platform or device
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When video editing, there are advanced effects you may want to include to give your video an edge. Such as having text or an object follow a person’s movement in perfect sync. How do you achieve this effect? It’s done with motion tracking software. In this article, we will enlighten you on some free and paid video editing software with motion tracking. Let’s dive in…
You may have asked, what is motion tracking? In the video editing world, motion tracking is the process of tracking the movements of a specified object. These movements can then be applied to a new object; which will mimic the original object’s movements. Great examples you may have seen are;
Motion tracking can be used in a multitude of ways, these are just a few examples to show you how the pros commonly use them. The same technology used for motion tracking is used in stabilizing a shot. As the software anchors to steady points in the shot in order to stabilize it. More on stabilizers in video editing with another article.
There are many motion tracking apps to choose from. We’ve vetted a list of the best motion tracking software with pros & cons. Our top picks for the best video editors for motion tracking:
PowerDirector is by far one of the best motion tracking software available simply based on its ease of use. In contrast to other video editing software, it achieves advanced effects without the advanced learning curve. As you can see in the tutorial video above, you can use an easy interface to effortlessly track and control one or more motion-tracked assets. It can be as simple as three steps to create a basic motion track with this app. If you are new to intermediate with video editing or looking to get the job done quickly and painlessly this is your editor.
ProsAfter Effects is a tool in Adobe’s Creative Suite. It is an advanced motion graphics and visual effects program. It’s value (and detriment) relies on the fact that it is so robust. It is not very intuitive for beginners. However, learning the various tools, features, and functions can open a world of creative possibilities. Just be ready for a serious commitment to learning the platform before you can start using it.
Pros
Cons
Blender is motion tracking software that’s open-source and it’s free to use. It’s a superb 3D creation suite. It supports all features in the pipeline including; modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, video editing, 2D animation, and of course motion tracking.
Pros
Cons
Blender is free.
Premiere Pro is another software in Adobe’s Creative Suite. It offers basic motion tracking, and some advanced functions, too. For example, if you wanted to blur someone’s face and track the movement… you can now achieve this automatically in the newer version of the software.
Pros
Cons
If you’re a Mac user, then you would have more affinity towards Apple products. That stated, Final Cut Pro will be your software of choice. FCP is great for most motion graphics tasks with the assistance of third-party plugins. Motion tracking is not a native feature within the tool. However, you can get professional-grade quality tracking with the addition of the Pixel Film Studios plugin.
Pros
Cons
DaVinci Resolve by Black Magic is a free video editing tool. The software was built to compliment the maker’s brilliant 4K cameras which capture extremely high fidelity imagery in RAW formats. If you are shooting with a Black Magic camera this is likely your editor. The tool offers basic as well as advanced editing features to suit any level of user. To achieve optimal performance of the software they have pricey advanced hardware available for purchase. In regards to motion tracking, you can match the camera’s movement with the camera tracker feature.
Pros
Cons
We’ve listed many fine tools for motion tracking. Some are completely free, yet can be more challenging to use. Then there are those which have a small cost association but are easier to operate. With all the motion tracking software described, they all have step-by-step tutorials available online to get started. Your imagination is the only limitation on how they can be used. We would love to see what you envision. Tag us in your wonderful inspirations…
Happy editing!
If you're an aspiring editor looking to create cool videos, head on over to our complete guide on video editing effects. We've also got other great articles in our blog that'll introduce you to all the tools you need to enhance your portfolio.