Basics of Geometry Tracking - GeoTracker for Blender Tutorial

This quick-start tutorial will demonstrate some basic features of GeoTracker for Blender. It will introduce the new user to each step needed for a seamless integration of a CG element into a live-action shot, from the add-on installation and basic setup required for geometry-based object tracking to using the tracking results for adding visual effects.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro & Highlights
0:34 - Install the add-on
1:43 - Geometry-based object tracking
7:21 - Use tracking results for animation and visual effects
9:50 - Add materials
11:32 - Compositing
Download GeoTracker for Blender: link.keentools.io/gtb-beta-tb...
Download the project: link.keentools.io/example-gt-...
Read GeoTracker for Blender guide: link.keentools.io/gtb-guide
Watch our Tracking Heads tutorial: • Tracking Heads with Ge...
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Watch a complete introduction to Compositing with Blender: • Compositing in Blender...
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[@ianromanovich]

I think this is game changer!! so much more comfortable than common object tracking workflow!!

[@ianromanovich]

I dream that your team will make in a future an addon which reveals all power of smartphones gyro/lidar abilities and we can use it for camera tracking, at that piont you guys will be a kings of VFX in terms of combining REAL and CGI elements with no competitors in this field! there are few options on the market but they are low quality i hope u will take this place!

[@keentools]

@@ianromanovich Thanks for sharing your ideas! We’ll see!

[@donaldcourtemanche2395]

​@@ianromanovichsearch cgtinker for blender tracking

[@teeambird2079]

I did see someone using real iPhone gyro information somehow in unreal engine 5 to make a hyper realistic train station. It might have been a vive controller tracking data or something but really amazing hand held result kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWaqfYxpq5aIasU @@ianromanovich

Your tool is just awesome, for a little personal project I have, I'll need to track my head, my upper body and all my right arm and this tool will help me really well. A must to have for VFX !!!

[@caturindrasukmana7673]

This is amazing add-on and nice explanation. Thanks a lot!!

[@lumiin3d]

This is a really good piece of software! Amazing user experience and works flawlessly! 👌

[@jakejake6029]

You guys really God send, this tool opens up lots of possibilities

[@keentools]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@begalooloo]

simply mind blowing

[@Dymzwalter]

an innovation that is beneficial to all mankind, god bless you!

[@dirtcreature3d]

GeoTracker really saved my a$$ for a project recently, amazing plugin/ software!

[@SourceAwareness]

Infinite Thanks, my Brother!! You are Wonderful. 🙏🏾

[@munkmade]

killer tutorial and a full package, nice!

[@HamzaARTi]

this addon is a game changer tbh i love it

[@cleverpoly]

very cool! can't wait to try

[@jakejake6029]

Another black magic, what's going on right here, I'm still learning the Geotrackee in after effect, now you release for blender, whoaaaaaaaaaaaat

[@keentools]

Voodoo stuff, yes!

[@davidedwardsme]

wow, i use your GeoTracker at my work like its a party trick! It impresses people so much. Great to see a blender addon! Imagine it will be very successful. hopefully the price point is good ;)

[@user-xv4wo9tr6z]

Thanks Buddy for the help

[@GlebAlexandrov]

Actually that looks amazing, I can't wait to try it on some of my vfx shots! How precise should the 3d model be, so the whole thing is trackable? :)

[@keentools]

Hi Gleb, thank you for your kind words! It really depends on your specific task. A more accurate model will give you better results, making it much easier to establish consistent keyframes. However, for certain tasks like adding fire effects or dust, you might not need a perfect track, and an approximate model would do just fine :) It’d be so amazing if you tested out the GeoTracker beta and shared your thoughts on that experience!

[@smortonmedia]

I was wondering this too! But then realized, if you're able to do a quick 3D scan of the object you want to track during filming, you'd have a great reference model with enough detail to get the job done. I can see this being especially useful for camera tracking and aligning complex terrain which could also be photoscanned on site. Super exciting stuff

[@HawksNestYT]

@@smortonmediagreat point, will definitely utilize this 🔥

[@AlexisRivera3D]

This is GREAT can't wait to buy the paid version

[@pedromedina7349]

what a powerfull tool for an always powerfull program

[@fallgou1176]

bro's that's amazing!

[@TheINFORMERR]

This is mind blowing

[@warfaceindiablackburnfire330]

Amazing 🎉

[@archi_designer]

Very nice, the light need a reflection on the wet road

[@ThatsOPV]

this is perfect

[@rezaVfx]

Perfect

[@cody2oo]

Track camera in AE, track object in blender. Game changer.

[@keentools]

In fact, you can also use GeoTracker to track the camera in Blender!

[@cody2oo]

@@keentools tracking the scene can export to camera?

[@keentools]

I'm not sure whether I understood your question correctly, but you can export your tracking results as an animated Empty, selecting whether it’s the Geometry or Camera animation to be exported.

[@DobrotavsZlo]

@@keentools Hi! Thank you for your cool software! Can you record a video how best to track the camera through Geo Tracker in blender? That would be cool, thanks for the answer)

[@keentools]

@@DobrotavsZlo Hi, yes! We're working on this tutorial right now, so keep posted!

[@naturesoundup]

jaw dropping

[@justin42230]

god bless you

[@siberiancggeek5152]

Круто, очень круто 🤘

[@RandMpinkFilms]

Yeah!! What a leap! Hopefully it's affordable.

[@keentools]

It's currently in a free open beta :)

[@elvissilvamedina]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@manuvlad]

amazing! I was wondering if I could track just the camera, keeping the object in the same position and just track the camera movement. Is it possible, like to create a camera tracking using this method? Edit: Got it... I just need to suitch to the camera :) super straight forward. Thank you,

[@keentools]

Hey! I'm glad you figured that out :) We'll be releasing a camera tracking tutorial soon, so please stay tuned!

[@user-rd4po9jm5e]

Cameras that can track drones？Then import oblique photography into blender，Make it fit the drone video。

[@arkfx9986]

amazing!. will this work if you have like a humanoid mesh with a rig? like if your going to do rotomation?

[@keentools]

Hi! GeoTracker for Blender can't track rigs at the moment. However, you can track a head first, replace it with the humanoid one with the rig and then animate the rig.

[@arkfx9986]

@@keentools thanks for the reply, i recently subscribe on facebuilder for blender, works great! now im using the facebuilder model on blender geotracker, does this support deformable objects?

[@andrejpavlov333]

Hello, thank you very much for developing this! The plugin gives me an error about Metal shaders. So Apple Silicon is not supported yet, right?

[@keentools]

Hi! We're working on supporting the Metal backend for Mac users and will release this version in the near future. Currently, as a workaround, please go to Edit > Preferences > System and change GPU Backend to OpenGL. This way, our current version of add-ons will work in Blender.

[@keentools]

Hi! I'm happy to tell you that today we released a second beta with Native Metal support for MacOS. You can download it from the website: keentools.io/download/facebuilder-for-blender

[@andrejpavlov333]

@@keentools thats awesome, thank you guys!

[@romulocastilho6506]

no blender 4.0.2 esse addon o player de video e lento , no blender 3.5.1 fuciona normalmente

[@Koenjeweettoch]

This looks great! But the only downside seems to be you need a model of the object you're tracking..? Or is a cube in the shape of the car also sufficient?

[@keentools]

Hi! Absolutely, at times, it's fine to use approximate models. However, for more precise results, is it better to find the exact one. Perhaps tracking the car with a cube isn't the best idea, you could get a better model from the video description, for example.

[@sebbosebbo9794]

thats a game changer ,...holy sh..... very nice....great add on.... p.s. another add on.. ..I cant resist......damed .... I m doomed .....

[@TheVigore]

looks fantastic. The subscription model is only thing that ruins the day

[@laurencechase5439]

What? Why? I'm using it on a project right now and it's only cost me £18 for the month I'm working on the project. That's easily covered by the budget. I'd rather pay that than £300 upfront or whatever for a perpetual license.

[@TheVigore]

@@laurencechase5439 because subscription model is evil, it substitutes goods with services, and in long range it's going to cost you a fortune, while you won't be owning a thing you purchased. Not to speak that it tends to make developers lazy and undisciplined, often delivering a product of mediocre quality.

[@endproGM]

Jesus bro this is insane

[@unicornhuntercg]

Does this also track camera ? What's the camera option for ?

[@keentools]

Hi! Yes, if you have a model of the static object in the frame, you can use a camera tracker to track the camera's movements (instead of the object's).

[@aaronguo5128]

How does this addon deal with occlusion? Like if part of the object is blocked in the footage?

[@keentools]

Hi! If you're dealing with occlusions during tracking, you can mask them out. Please check the 'Masks' section of this guide for details: link.keentools.io/gtb-guide

[@not227]

Hey, Do you have any idea how would go about water? Water is a very common shot. Say we wanted to composite a creature beneath the surface of live action water, the camera would still being above water. Seeing something underneath. OR how about a creature emerging from water? would be interested to see how Keentools would tackle it

[@aliensoup2420]

Can't be done with an auto-tracker. There is too much variable refraction with the moving and changing waves. That is generally a manual match move shot. Just fake it by hand, and do minor tweaks in compositing. The motion of the water will hide any inconsistencies, which the audience will expect due to the kinetic nature of the image. Some things don't need to be perfect, only believable.

[@claragomes1660]

So Nice!!! But when I try to add a mesh linked with empty in fbx format isnt work. What format should be?

[@keentools]

Any format that Blender supports should work well. Can you describe the problem in more detail? Is there an error, it doesn't behave as you expect it, etc?

[@7YongLe]

Hello, May I ask why the video without background is rendered? I'm new, thank you very much.❤ ❤

[@keentools]

Hey! Could you please record a screencast showing the issue and share it with us at [e-mail]?

[@DiegosComedy]

I try to pin my object up, but every time I add a pin and then try to move it, the wire frame gets really glitchy and then my object goes everywhere. I need help

[@keentools]

Hi! Could you please contact us at [e-mail] with your Blender version and the screencast of the issue? We'll do our best to help!

[@SteveErnst117]

When entering pinmode, my model disappears and I'm unable to pin it. Any ideas why that might be? Really looking forward to trying this out!

[@belovrv]

Try to hit the CenterGeo button

[@SteveErnst117]

@@belovrv i figured out it was because I was using blender 4.0, so i guess that’s too new.

[@keentools]

Hi! Thank you for pointing that out. We'll double-check compatibility with Blender 4

[@SteveErnst117]

@@keentools no problem! I’m glad you’re bringing your software to blender. Any plans to have facetracker as well?

[@keentools]

@@SteveErnst117 Thanks! We're thinking about it but haven't made any concrete plans yet.

[@frazierchibale2246]

I’ve tried downloading the addon and it’s only presenting me a .dmg file addon which am sure is meant for Mac users but me am a windows user so I need a .zip file for the geotraker addon. Is there a way to download the zipped geotracker addon for blender?

[@keentools]

Hi! Could you please let me know which browser you use? Sometimes Safari can automatically convert zip files to dmg. Please email us at [e-mail], and I will send you a ZIP file for installation.

[@AnoRepublic3D]

What difference would HOLDOUT make from SHADOW CATCHER?

[@keentools]

Hey! While both holdout and shadow catcher in Blender deals with transparency and the rendering process, their purposes are different: - Holdout creates an absolute transparent "hole" in the render where the object is, making it ideal for compositing. - Shadow catcher allows an object to only capture shadows (or reflections) without rendering the object itself, making it great for integrating 3D elements with live-action footage.

[@AnoRepublic3D]

Oh alrighty ,thanks a bunch

[@Thugout]

[@sebastianosewolf2367]

Can I also just capture the camera movement ?

[@keentools]

Hi! Yes, to do so, select the 'Camera' mode on the Tracking tab.

[@asafilms]

it would be fair if the addon for the blender would be free but with a deduction of interest from the transaction if the artist successfully completed the order with this addon

[@romulocastilho6506]

meu fps fica muito baixo quando uso o addon

[@marcoberdorfer]

I set up a similar scene and analyzed the video which worked, but forgot to select the tracking object. So I repeated the steps with an object selected, from there on out it would give a "failed to open file" (for the video) error. Even when I set up a new scene from scratch I'm getting this error message although it worked in the first instance. How to fix this?

[@keentools]

Hi! We're looking into the issue. Please tell us your Blender version and OS. If you're on a Mac, specify if it's Intel, M1, or M2. Please share this info at [e-mail], if possible. For now, you can manually choose where to save the precalc file and name it (above the 'Analyse' button). This should help!

[@marcoberdorfer]

@@keentools Win 11 with Blender 3.2.2 and yes, it seems to be a problem with the precalc file. I will try this solution, thanks.

[@marcoberdorfer]

@@keentools changing the precalc path fixed this issue, thanks!

[@keentools]

Thank you for letting us know! We were able to recreate the issue and will add a fix to the next version.

[@marcoberdorfer]

@@keentools next step tracking. Following the tut to the dot, error message precalc has problems". Info button at precalc says Analysis file is broken. :(

[@SewerTapes]

I was reading on the website that this will eventually be a paid subscription service. Does that mean the demo only works for a limited time, or can the free demo version be downloaded and played with indefinitely?

[@keentools]

Hey! Each beta version is active for 30 days. Once it expires, we release a new one and this cycle will continue until the stable version is out. When the stable version is released, it typically comes with a 15-day free trial. Hope that clarifies!

[@SewerTapes]

@@keentools Yes, thank you.

[@waleeza]

@@keentoolsis it gonna be a one time fee like the other plugins with future updates ?

[@keentools]

@@waleeza Hi there! At KeenTools, we offer a subscription model.

[@HeadieTV]

@@keentools is there any way to change your Teams mind about that due to unity and some other things I and most the people I work with in Seattle WA area only do software that is Perpetual licensing. You will find there is a lot of us that work this way these days. Such as 60% Zbrush user in industry with me do not use the new Zbrush that is subscription only. Another great example is the death of Hitfilm in less then 6 months due to sub pricing. I am not saying you guys cant sell updates or anything like that but your tool is inserting and be a shame for a large crowed to miss out on it and the crowd I am talking about is much larger then most would think.

[@TC3Dgraphicdesign]

I get this error when I upload a movie or image. How can i solve it. Error notification Python: Traceback (last call): "C:\Users\TC3D GRAPHIC DESIGN\AppData\Roaming\Blender Foundation\Blender 3.6\scripts\addons\keentools\geotracker interfacefiledialogs.py" install, line 138, while executing new_movieclip = _load_movieclip(self.dir, load "C:\Users\TC3D GRAPHIC DESIGN\AppData\Roaming\Blender Foundation Blender 3.6\scripts\addons\keentools\geotracker interface\filedialogs.py" in _load_movieclip, line 59, new_movieclip = load_movieclip(dir_path, file_names) Load "C:\Users\TC3D GRAPHIC DESIGN\AppData\Roaming\Blender Foundation Blender 3.6\scripts\addons\keentools\utils\ideo.py" in load_movieclip, line 124 res = bpy.ops.clip.open('EXEC_DEFAULT', files=frame_files, Files "C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation Blender 3.613.6\scripts\modules\bpylops.py" in __call_, line 111 ret = _op_call(self.idname_py(), C_dict, kw, C_exec, C_undo) TypeError: Modifies py variables operator properties: CLIP_OT_open.files error when converting a member of a suite from a dicts to an RNA suite, failed with: TypeError: Converting a Python task to an RNA facility: keyword "type" is missing

[@keentools]

Hi! Could you please email us at [e-mail] with details about your Blender version and where you sourced it? Was it from the official Blender website? We'll do our best to locate the issue.

[@TC3Dgraphicdesign]

@@keentools Thank you.

[@TC3Dgraphicdesign]

I sent an e-mail, no solution is provided.@@keentools

[@keentools]

​@@TC3Dgraphicdesign Hello! As we said in our email, we are actively investigating the issue. We will provide you with updates as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience!

[@TC3Dgraphicdesign]

Thank you. @@keentools

[@mancumbus]

do you plan for maya GeoTracker?

[@keentools]

We're considering it

[@oscarcutmore]

I keep getting the error after pinmode, before tracking "precalc has problems check it" and the precalc says "analysis file is broken"

[@keentools]

Hi! We're working on fixing this issue at the moment. As a temporary workaround, please manually choose where to save the precalc file and name it (above the 'Analyse' button). This should help!

[@oscarcutmore]

Edit : It worked thanks!!

[@keentools]

@@oscarcutmore I'm glad it all worked out, sorry for the inconvenience! We're working on fixing this issue in the next beta version of GeoTracker for Blender.

[@oscarcutmore]

@@keentools no worries, it’s such an amazing tool. Props to you guys! I love it!

[@hudini5521]

Pls where in disc C are my tracking data stored

[@isabellacolt3014]

can you track multiple geometrys in one scene?

[@keentools]

Sure. Create new GeoTracker, select the same clip, camera, plug in new geometry and there you go!

[@isabellacolt3014]

@@keentools it wont effect the camera track for the previous geometry?

[@keentools]

@@isabellacolt3014 If you track geometry then it won't, whether your camera is static or animated.

[@roldinkaraml]

My video thing wont render only the model will render help???

[@keentools]

Hey! We're having a bit of trouble understanding the issue from your message. Could you please record a screencast and share it with us at [e-mail]?

[@roldinkaraml]

@@keentools about that i fixed it!

[@danyal_a_8592]

​@@roldinkaraml can u tell me how u fixed it, im having the same issue

[@Pedrophslp]

Mine doesn't load the images for the clip. neither in MP4 nor in PNG, why does this error happen?

[@keentools]

Hey! Could you please share detials with us (Blender and GeoTracker version, error text or screenshoot) at [e-mail]?

[@Pedrophslp]

Thanks for the response, I sent the email with the images and details, I ended up discovering another way to add the video to the clip function in the geo track tab, I just need to do some testing and see if it will work.@@keentools

[@keentools]

@@Pedrophslp Thanks! We received the email with details, and will reply ASAP

[@Pedrophslp]

You guys are incredible, the solution you sent was very easy and quick to solve. thank you very much!!!@@keentools

[@keentools]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@paul-nord]

help, exporting doesn't work for me, nodes doesn't let you export video rendering with the foutage

[@keentools]

Hey! The description you provide is not enough for understanding the problem. I'd suggest checking out tutorials on rendering in Blender if it's the rendering issue.

[@paul-nord]

@@keentools ok thanks

[@paul-nord]

@@keentools ho! found the problem, exporting with a video clip must have the transparent option enabled for rendering

[@N.E.U.R.O]

How much will this cost in the future?

[@keentools]

While it's not yet finalized, you can check out our buying page to get an idea of the prices for our current tools: keentools.io/buy?#GeoTracker/Freelancer%20Monthly

[@N.E.U.R.O]

@@keentools Would love to see a one time purchase option someday maybe just for us individual freelancers, one big amount but so I only have to save up and worry about it once.

[@keentools]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Currently, the subscription model is crucial for supporting our small tech team's operations. However, the idea of introducing a one-time purchase option for freelancers is something we might consider in the future. Thanks for your understanding and support!

[@N.E.U.R.O]

@@keentools Keep up the amazing work

[@lucifergaming839]

Hey my blender just closes after clicking analyse, i reinstalled addon multiple times but still doesn't work. I have a laptop with i5 13gen processor ane rtx 4050(max tgp). Please help Edit: these amazing people helped me. It was a driver problem.

[@keentools]

Hey! Got your email, we'll get back with feedback shortly

[@lucifergaming839]

@@keentools Thanks

[@lovelylonerboy7156]

did you fix it???

[@lucifergaming839]

@lovelylonerboy7156 na still not working, but they are trying to help me through mail. If you are having the same problem, I will let you know the solution when mine started working.

[@lucifergaming839]

​@keentools hey thanks for your help. It was not the problem of your amazing addon but rather a driver problem. Nvideas previous drivers made it impossible to use apps like after effcts and your addon. But yesterday there was a driver update which fixed everything. Thanks again for helping a fool like me. You are amazing

[@lovelylonerboy7156]

it crashes everytime i click analyze. Any help?

[@keentools]

Hi! Please contact us at [e-mail] with your OS, Blender, and KeenTools version info. We'll try to figure out what might be going wrong!

[@blendcreator]

AND YOU MADE ALL OF THIS IN PYTHON?

[@keentools]

Hi! The UI is developed in Python, while the add-on itself is written in C++

[@blendcreator]

@@keentools But how do you make an addon with c++? How do you install addons with part of it being c++? I´ve never seen something like this before🔥🔥

[@keentools]

The key is that you have to install the C++ part separately, it's called Core Library. You can try installing GeoTracker, and you will see:) Here's a tutorial that describes the process: link.keentools.io/gtb-guide

[@SairawkerhX]

Its mean if we track a car,we need the same 3D Car model ...😮

[@keentools]

If entire car, yes. Many common shapes are available through 3D stocks (like the truck in the video). But you could track the same truck also with a cube, depending on the task.

[@StanVR]

is geotracker free?

[@keentools]

Hey! It's a paid tool with a 15-day trial version. You can learn more about available subscription plans on this page: keentools.io/buy?#GeoTracker/Freelancer%20Monthly

[@caboom1683]

Is this free or paid

[@keentools]

It's free while in beta, but the final stable version will require a subscription. We provide both monthly and annual subscription options for our tools.

[@caboom1683]

@@keentools oo no , for those who can't afford this amazing tool what is the option

[@ApexArtistX]

Free ?

[@keentools]

Hi! Yes, the beta version of the add-on is currently free. But please note that it will be paid when we release a stable version.

[@bertboerland]

Too bad for modern Mac users, it doesnt support metal so we have to use OpenGL. Sigh. The M1 chip was only made public 2 years, 9 months and 11 days ago...

[@keentools]

Hi! We're working on adding Metal support for Mac users. Hope to add it to our next beta release. Thanks for your patience!

[@bertboerland]

@@keentools appriciated, dont get me wrong. This is free software (as of now) so I know that negative feedback will not make the process faster, so: thanks for creating! :)

[@keentools]

Hi! I'm happy to tell you that today we released a second beta with Native Metal support for MacOS. You can download it from the website: keentools.io/download/facebuilder-for-blender