To make text follow a moving object in a video, you typically use a motion tracking feature available in video editing or motion graphics software. This process involves analyzing the movement of a specific point or area on the object in your video footage and then linking the position of your text layer to that tracked motion data.
Here is a breakdown of the steps involved, incorporating the key elements from the provided reference:
Step-by-Step Guide to Tracking Text
Following a standard workflow often found in video editing applications, the process involves several distinct stages to ensure your text accurately adheres to the movement of an object in your video.
1. Set Up Your Composition
The first step is to set up your composition. You begin by opening the video file you want to add tracking text to within your editing software. This establishes the foundational timeline and video track you'll be working with.
2. Add and Place Text
Next, you need to add and place text. Create a new text layer and input the desired text. Initially, position this text roughly where you want it to appear relative to the object you plan to track. Don't worry about perfect placement at this stage; you will refine it later.
3. Enable and Set “Track Motion”
Now, you enable and set up the motion tracking analysis. This involves:
- Selecting the video layer you want to track.
- Accessing the "Track Motion" function (the exact location varies by software).
- Positioning the tracking points or areas on the specific feature of the moving object you want the text to follow. It's often best to choose a high-contrast, clearly defined area that remains visible throughout the object's movement.
- Starting the analysis. The software will then analyze the video frames, recording the position and movement of the chosen tracking point(s) over time.
4. Set and Apply the Target to Track
Once the motion analysis is complete, you need to set and apply the target to track.
- The "target" is the layer that will receive the motion data – in this case, your text layer.
- You specify the text layer as the target for the tracked motion data.
- You then "apply" the tracked data. This process links the text layer's position properties to the tracked motion path from the video layer. As the video plays, the text layer will automatically move according to the recorded movement of the object you tracked.
5. Adjust Text Position with the Transform Effect
After applying the motion data, your text will now follow the object, but its exact position relative to the object might not be perfect. The final step is to adjust text position with the transform effect.
- Using the text layer's transform properties (Position, Scale, Rotation), you can fine-tune the text's placement.
- You might need to add keyframes to slightly adjust the text's offset from the tracked point at different moments if the object's perspective or orientation changes significantly.
By following these steps, your text will appear to stick to and move along with the chosen object in your video, creating dynamic visual effects.
