Cutsio Blog

Best Way to Track Objects in DaVinci Resolve

Direct methods for using the planar tracker, attaching power windows, and blurring moving faces in DaVinci Resolve.

The best way to track objects in DaVinci Resolve is to use the automated Cloud Tracker for power windows, switch to the Point Tracker for difficult footage, and blur moving faces on the Color page.

Here are the direct methods to best track objects in DaVinci Resolve.

What is the fastest way to track a power window?

If you need to brighten an actor's face as they walk across the frame, you must isolate them with a mask and force the software to follow their movement.

To quickly track a power window:

  1. Go to the Color page and select your clip.
  2. Open the Window palette (middle toolbar) and click the circle icon to create a mask. Resize it over the actor's face.
  3. Open the Tracker palette (next to the Window icon).
  4. Click the Track Forward (play) button. DaVinci Resolve's automated Cloud Tracker will instantly analyze the pixels inside the mask and follow the face perfectly until the end of the clip.

How do you track difficult footage with the Point Tracker?

If the automatic Cloud Tracker fails because the actor turns their head or walks behind a pole, the mask will slip off and ruin the color grade.

To track difficult footage with the Point Tracker:

  1. On the Color page, open the Tracker palette.
  2. Click the dropdown menu at the top right of the Tracker panel and change it from Cloud Tracker to Point Tracker.
  3. Click the small + icon to add a tracking point. Drag the crosshair to a high-contrast, sharp detail on the actor (like the corner of their eye or a logo on their shirt).
  4. Uncheck the boxes for Zoom and Rotate if the object is only moving side-to-side.
  5. Click Track Forward. The single point will hold the mask steady even if the rest of the face becomes blurry or turns away.

How do you blur a moving face or license plate?

If you need to censor a moving object for privacy, you must combine a tracked power window with a heavy blur effect.

To blur a moving face:

  1. On the Color page, create a circular power window over the face and use the Tracker to follow it (as described above).
  2. Open the Blur palette (teardrop icon in the middle toolbar).
  3. Increase the Radius slider under the Gaussian Blur settings until the face is completely unrecognizable.
  4. Because the window is already tracked, the heavy blur will stay locked onto the face as the person moves through the shot.