Two Point Tracking in Adobe After Effects is a powerful motion tracking technique that allows you to track rotation and scale in addition to position. It's widely used in professional VFX work to attach objects, text, or effects to moving footage with more accuracy than One Point Tracking.
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to perform Two Point Tracking in After Effects from start to finish — perfect for creators, editors, and VFX enthusiasts.
🧠 What is Two Point Tracking?
Two Point Tracking uses two reference points in your video footage to track both motion and changes in angle (rotation) and scale (size). Unlike One Point Tracking, which only follows a single motion path, Two Point Tracking ensures better realism when your subject moves closer, farther, or rotates.
✅ Use Cases for Two Point Tracking
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Replacing a screen or sign in moving footage
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Attaching graphics to rotating or scaling surfaces
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Stabilizing footage with perspective shifts
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Enhancing realism in VFX composites
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Tracking faces or objects that rotate slightly
🛠 Tools Required
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Adobe After Effects (any version with Tracker panel)
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A video clip with at least two distinct tracking features (high contrast, consistent lighting)
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Optional: Null Object or Solid Layer for tracking application
🪜 Step-by-Step: Two Point Tracking in Adobe After Effects
🔹 Step 1: Import and Prepare Your Footage
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Launch Adobe After Effects.
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Import your video clip into the Project Panel.
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Drag the clip onto the New Composition icon to create a comp.
🔹 Step 2: Open the Tracker Panel
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Select your footage layer in the timeline.
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Go to
Window > Trackerto enable the Tracker Panel.
🔹 Step 3: Select “Track Motion”
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In the Tracker Panel, click Track Motion.
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Enable Rotation and Scale by checking both boxes under the options.
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You'll now see two track point boxes on your footage.
🔹 Step 4: Position Track Points
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Drag Track Point 1 over a high-contrast feature (like a corner or button).
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Drag Track Point 2 to another visible spot that maintains distance from Point 1.
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Make sure both features stay visible throughout the clip.
🔹 Step 5: Analyze the Footage
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In the Tracker Panel, click the Analyze Forward ▶️ button.
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AE will track the two points frame by frame.
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Watch for any jumps or errors — if tracking fails, adjust the track points and try again.
🔹 Step 6: Create a Null Object
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Go to
Layer > New > Null Object. -
This will receive the tracking data.
🔹 Step 7: Apply the Tracking Data
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In the Tracker Panel, click Edit Target and choose the Null Object.
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Then click Apply, and confirm X and Y dimensions in the popup.
🔹 Step 8: Attach Layers to the Null
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Add text, image, or layer you want to follow the motion.
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Use the Pick Whip to parent it to the Null Object.
Now your element will move, rotate, and scale with your tracked object — perfectly synced!
💡 Pro Tips
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Use contrast and sharp edges for best tracking results.
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Don’t scale or distort your footage before tracking.
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If AE struggles, use Mocha AE for advanced tracking.
🧩 Common Issues & Fixes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Track Points Drift | Use better contrast points or reduce motion blur |
| Rotation Looks Off | Recheck that both points follow distinct features |
| Data Not Applying | Ensure correct Null Object is selected in "Edit Target" |
📌 Final Thoughts
Two Point Tracking gives you much more control and precision than single-point tracking. Whether you’re compositing a phone screen or tracking rotating labels, this technique makes your VFX look professional and polished.
Practice with different clips and scenarios to master this essential After Effects skill. 🎬
