Keyframing vs Motion Tracking: When to Use Each?

Keyframe animation could be considered one of the pillars of video post-production. An animation using keyframes allows you to change the positions of the video. With the proper tools, this process is much easier to complete.

In combination with the keyframe animation, motion tracking is another feature you can use to create any movement in the video. It allows you to monitor things inside a video frame. The ability will enable you to add text, images, or any desired effect to a moving object. Both techniques make the video more attractive to your viewers.

This article will discuss keyframing and motion tracking techniques and how to add keyframes in the video.

Part 1: Understanding Keyframing and Motion Tracking

There are two popular video editing methods: keyframing and motion tracking. These valuable methods help editors create smooth transitions, compelling movements, and effects. Motion tracking is tracking an object’s motions within a scene.

Once the movement trajectory has been recorded, it may be applied to any other item not originally in the video, such as text, images, icons, masks, subtitles, and almost any clipart. Wondershare Filmora can help you add motion tracking and keyframe animation to the video. This tool is a straightforward-to-use tool.

What is Keyframing in Filmora?

Filmora keyframe is the best technique for adding motion to a video. It identifies the animation’s specific places or “frames” as critical points. These essential points show the start and end of a particular action or transformation. This tool can give you the results in a smooth transition from one keyframe to the next.

wondershare filmora keyframes

For example, in the river journey video, you can use Filmora’s keyframe zoom to draw attention to a ship. Place one keyframe at the zoom’s beginning point and another at the end. After that, use the scale to alter the second keyframe’s zoom level. The Filmora’s keyframe will automatically create a fluid zoom-in transition.

Step-by-step Method of Using Keyframes in Filmora

Here is a complete guide on how to add keyframe animations in the video with Filmora.

  • Step 1: Import the Media
    Drag and drop a video clip into the Timeline and Filmora.

import the files to the filmora

  • Step 2: Add the Keyframe Position

To create a position keyframe, choose the video> Basic tab. After that, move the object within the player, activate the Path Curve, forward the playhead to the next frame on the Timeline, and add another position keyframe.

adding scale and positions to keyframe

  • Step 3: Adjusting a Keyframe

After entering position keyframes, you can alter the transformation by selecting the keyframe.

customizing movement of keyframes

  • Step 4: Save and Preview

Play the video again and preview it. Next, choose Export to store the video on your device.

saving the video

Pros and Cons of Keyframing

Here, we will explore some pros and cons of keyframing in Filmora.

Pros of Keyframing

  • Control: The user has complete control over all movements and effects.
  • Flexible: Keyframe animation can be applied to a variety of things. It can be used for text, photos, and clips.
  • Precise: You can be accurate in when and how changes occur in the keyframing in Filmora.

Cons of Keyframing

  • Time-consuming: Using a mark takes longer than placing keyframes over.
  • Requires Practice: Newcomers can take time to understand how to create animation.

What is Motion Tracking in Filmora?

The motion tracker tool allows you to track movement in your movie. It makes objects like components, videos, photos, and text follow it. A good tool like Filmora can do it to collect and analyze the data associated with motion tracking.

Filmora allows you to disassemble a moving object into identifiable components. It is beneficial to establish a saved motion template. You can convert that motion template into an animation. You can maintain the elements you want while replacing the others.

For example, you edit a sports video and would like to add a player’s name. You can attach the text to the player in Filmora and have it follow them around the scene automatically.

Pros and Cons of Motion Tracking

Here, we will explore some pros and cons of motion tracking.

Pros of Motion Tracking

  • Automation: Motion tracking saves you time by following the movement.
  • Perfect for situations: Excellent for labeling or applying effects to moving objects.
  • Streamlined workflow: By automating object tracking, motion tracking simplifies your workflow. It also frees you up to concentrate on other creative areas of your work.

Cons of Motion Tracking

  • Less manual control: Errors can occur when you use the software to follow the object precisely.
  • Complexity: Motion tracking is most effective when used with basic motions. It has trouble with sudden or unexpected movements.

Part 2: When to Use Keyframing vs Motion Tracking

There are only a few similarities between keyframing animation and the motion tracking tool. Motion tracking is beneficial for simple movements, as it tracks moving objects. Keyframe animation is ideal for professional animation and movement.

You can explore options like sliding, rotation, or custom movement in keyframes. Keyframing is especially beneficial since it gives you complete control over the motion. Here, we will explore when to choose a keyframe and when to choose motion tracking.

When to Choose Keyframing

Keyframe animation is excellent when the user has complete control over every component. You can use Filmora to create precise movements to produce the most outstanding results. If you’re having trouble editing a video, manually placing the keyframes is recommended. It is helpful in a variety of video editing scenarios. It includes seamless zooming in and out of objects and moving across still scenes. It allows for minute over-the-air changes to effects like color and visual features. It is ideal for producing title sequences and effects that improve the story’s flow.

When to Choose Motion Tracking

Motion tracking is also a helpful feature for tracking the movement of objects. It is beneficial for sports events or other fast-paced situations. Filmora’s motion tracking eliminates the need to set keyframes manually. Motion tracking can overlay a picture or text on an object.

You can identify players or items in sports footage by attaching text to it. It allows for the focus on the motion and increases audience involvement.

How to Decide

Here are some factors that should help you in your final decision.

Control vs. Automation: Keyframe animation provides complete control over the movement. It can be used if the user wishes to regulate it fully. In contrast, you should use motion tracking if you want auto-tracking.

Scene Complexity: If the object’s motion is simple, a motion-tracking approach is sufficient. There are other instances where keyframes are more beneficial, such as in complex and pro editing.

Type of Effect: Keyframing is the ideal method for moving from one scene to another. If one wants to follow the motion of an item, such as a man or a car, motion tracking should be utilized.

Footage Quality: Keyframing is good, no matter if your footage is low resolution. However, Motion tracking and object detection depend heavily on clear, high-quality video.

Conclusion

Keyframe animation and motion tracking are two different features you can use in Wondershare Filmora. These are both necessary in the video editing process despite their distinct qualities. It allows for accurate control, and motion tracking quickly follows objects.

Understanding when to use each tool to create fantastic video programs is essential. If you want to zoom in swiftly or slowly, both options are available on Filmora. These are two excellent capabilities that can be combined to improve the feel of your videos. Make captivating, engaging experiences for your audience from now on with Filmora.