Video editing is evolving, and so are the tools you need to stay ahead. While standard tracking works for simple geometric shapes, real life isn’t always square.
That is why the highlight of the latest Nero Motion Tracker update is Segment Tracking.
This powerhouse feature allows you to track irregular objects—like a running pet, a dancing silhouette, or a complex prop—and generate dynamic masks that adapt frame-by-frame as the shape changes. Here is your deep-dive guide to mastering this new technology.
The Star of the Show: Segment Tracking
Segment Tracking is designed for precision. Unlike standard “Zone” tracking which draws a box, Segment Tracking analyzes the video pixel-by-pixel. To give you total control, we have refined the Set Tracking Area controls into a simple “Include/Exclude” workflow.
1. How to Define Your Object (Include vs. Exclude)
Once you enter Segment Tracking mode, you will see the “Tracking Options” control panel. Think of this as telling the AI exactly what matters and what doesn’t.
- Add Tracking Area (Include):
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Select this tool when you want to include a part of the image in your mask.
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Click on your subject. A small (+) marker will appear, telling the tracker: “Keep this.”
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- Remove Tracking Area (Exclude):
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Select this tool when the tracker accidentally picks up the background. You use this to exclude unwanted areas.
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Click on the unwanted area. A small (-) marker will appear, telling the tracker: “Ignore this.”
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2. Refining and Revoking Selection
Did you click the wrong spot? We have made correcting mistakes instant. You don’t need to switch tools to delete a point.
To Revoke: Simply click any existing (+) or (-) marker on the preview screen again. When you hover over a marker, it will glow blue to indicate it is ready to be removed. Clicking it revokes that specific selection instantly.
If you don’t want the tracking area, you can either remove the tracker from the timeline or click the “Clear” button to clear the selection and start from scratch.
3. Tracking Multiple Objects
Need to track two people or more objects?
- Click “Add Tracker” button on the timeline to start a fresh track for a second item.
- Smart Display: To keep your view clean, the markers for Object 1 are automatically hidden while you edit Object 2. (Only the outer boundaries are visible, so that they can be distinguished from each other.)
Ensuring Smooth Performance (Cache & Settings)
Because Segment Tracking analyzes pixels in high detail, it requires system resources. We have added a dedicated Performance & Cache System to keep your editing smooth.
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Automatic Setup: When you first use Segment Tracking, a dialog will ask to set the Cache Location. By default, it smart selects the disk with the freest space.
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The Cache Monitor:
Located under the preview, the Cache Size display shows your current usage (GPU Memory + System Memory + Disk Cache) versus the overall available size. It uses a color-coded progress bar:
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🟢 Green: < 70% usage (Optimal)
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🟡 Yellow: 70% – 90% usage (Caution)
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🔴 Red: > 90% usage (Critical – consider finalizing an object)
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Finish Editing (Per Object): Once you are happy with an object’s track, click Finish Editing.
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What this does: This clears the high-resource cache for that specific tracker and locks it so it is no longer editable. This frees up resources for you to track other objects.
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Note: A confirmation dialog will pop up to ensure you are ready to lock the tracker.
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Advanced Settings: Click the Gear Icon on the title bar to toggle Hardware Acceleration (CPU/GPU) or manually set a Maximum Cache Size.
The Creative Finish: Effects & Pro Features
Once your tracking is done, click the Add Effects button. This automatically “Finishes Editing” for all trackers and moves you to the design page.
Note: Segment Tracking is a premium feature. You can do all the tracking and testing for free, but the Pro Purchase Dialog will appear when you click “Add Effects” if you are not a subscriber.
Creative Controls
On the Effects page, you can apply 5 post-effects to your masked objects or the background:
- Original: No changes (great for preserving the subject while editing the background).
- Image: Fill or Fit a custom image into the tracked area.
- Blur: Adjust intensity to obscure faces or sensitive info.
- Mosaic: Pixelate the area; adjust the “amount” to change block size.
- Color: Tint the area using presets or a specific hex code.
- Desaturation: Make the area black and white by adjusting saturation levels.
New Face Tracking & Zone Modes
While Segment Tracking is the new headliner, we have also optimized our standard tools. You can switch between modes using the Tracking Mode on the Home Screen or the Dropdown below the timeline.
Face Tracking (Automated)
Now separated from Zone tracking for speed, this mode features Automatic Face Detection and Auto-Start. As soon as a face is detected in the footage, the system locks on and starts tracking immediately—no manual starting required.
Zone Tracking
The classic, reliable mode for tracking standard geometric shapes like rectangles and ovals.
⚠ Warning: Segment, Face, and Zone tracking use different engines. If you switch modes mid-edit, a warning will pop up indicating that current tracking results will be lost.
Ready to create professional, dynamic masks? Open Nero Motion Tracker and try the new Segment Tracking today!