Importing and Exporting Tracker Data

You can reuse Tracker data with the current workspace or another workspace. One format of setup file (Discreet Tracker Setup) can also be used in the following Discreet systems:

• effect option 3
• flint
• flame
• inferno
• smoke
• fire

Within the same combustion workspace, you can reuse Tracker data to apply the same motion to a second array of objects, for example, if you have data from tracking a school of fish that you want to apply to a flock of birds.

Across combustion workspaces, you can reuse Tracker data when you have a static shot to which you want to add organic motion from another project. For example, if you wanted to give a "shakycam" feel to a "locked-off" shot, you could apply random organic motion to the static shot.

Note: It is frequently helpful to have a "stock library" of organic tracking data saved, as many computer-generated or assisted shots can have a "sterile" feel, and therefore benefit from having organic motion added.

You can also export Tracker data for use on a Discreet SGI-based system. For example, say you need to track a new label onto an object for several minutes of a clip and you have limited access to fire. You generate the Tracker data in combustion. You then load the background clip and the new label, and use control point tracking to have the new label follow the corners of the object in the clip. Then you export the Tracker data from combustion. You load the clip, the logo, and import the Tracker data into fire. You can then re-apply the tracking data in fire.

To use a Tracker setup on a Discreet SGI-based system, transfer the setup file over the network (using an FTP utility, for example), and copy it to the appropriate directory. In the UNIX hierarchy, the Tracker setup files are usually saved in the directory named "stabilizer" in the project folder.

To import or export Tracker data:

1. Select the Trackers whose data you want to import or export.
2. On the Tracker panel, click Import Data or Export Data.

The Select Tracker Data Format dialog appears.



3. Select from the following options.

Discreet Tracker Setup

Imports or exports all Tracker information (from/to one of Discreet's SGI-based systems) currently available into one file, including the position, width, and height of Trackers, shift data, and Tracker data. Use this option to recreate a track exactly on another object or property. When importing, if there are a different number of Trackers active than are contained in the setup file, the software will warn you of this before you import, and attempt to use the first available Trackers. For example, if the file has data for three Trackers and you have two active Trackers, the first two in the file are used.

Tracker Data

Imports or exports only the generated Tracker channel data (this option will not be available if no Tracker data is present). Use this option if you want to use the track keyframes in their original (absolute) positions. If multiple Trackers are selected, the Export dialog asks you to save the track data of each Tracker separately. When importing track channels, the data is applied to the currently selected tracker box.

Shift Data

Imports or exports only the saved Shift channel data. (This option is not available if no Tracker data is present.) Use this option to use the tracked keyframes relative to the new object(s) and tracker boxes—the Tracker keyframes will appear relative to the currently active tracker box. If multiple Trackers are selected, the Export dialog will ask you to save the shift data of each Tracker separately. When importing shift channels, the data is applied to the currently selected tracker box.