Using rotation track points (Pro only)

In addition to tracking the position of a feature, you can also track its rotation. You can apply rotation values to another layer or to stabilize the same layer. When you select the Rotation option, After Effects displays two feature and search regions. A line connects the two attach points that lie at the center of each feature region. An arrow points from the first attach point to the second.

If possible, both feature regions should be on the same object, or at least they should both be on objects that are the same distance from the camera. The first feature region (on the left by default) represents the base of the tracking. The farther apart the regions, the more accurate the calculations and the better the result.


Layer window showing the feature and search regions for tracking Rotation

After Effects calculates rotation by measuring the change of angle between the first and second feature region from one frame to the next. Although the angle of rotation between the attach points may be quite different (indicated by the line between them), the angle between the feature regions determines the actual rotation values that are applied to the target layer when you click Apply. When you apply the tracking data to the target, After Effects creates rotation keyframes.