Summary of "16 - Masking and Tracking Tools"

Summary of “16 - Masking and Tracking Tools” Video

This tutorial video provides an in-depth explanation of masking and tracking tools within DaVinci Resolve, primarily focusing on the Color page, with introductory insights into Fusion and Fairlight pages. The video covers practical demonstrations and conceptual explanations to help users understand how to isolate image areas, track movement, and apply creative effects.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Masking and Tracking Overview in DaVinci Resolve

Masking and tracking are primarily done in the Color page, not in Cut or Edit pages.
Masks define areas of the image to apply color grading or effects without altering the rest.
Tracking allows masks or effects to follow moving subjects in the video.

Masking in the Color Page

The Window Palette creates masks using different shapes.
Types of mask shapes:
- Linear Shape: Four-sided shape with linear edges, adjustable edges and rotation.
- Circle Shape: Circular mask with transform and softness controls.
- Polygon Tool: Multi-point shape allowing custom polygon masks.
- Curve Tool: Similar to polygon but with bezier handles for smooth, curved shapes.
- Gradient Tool: Creates a gradient mask from no effect to full effect.
Masks themselves do not affect the image until grading or effects are applied.
Masks can be inverted to affect outside the mask area.
Use Highlight Mode in the viewer or the Key Palette to visualize the mask area (white = affected, black = unaffected).

Practical Masking Examples

Creating a Vignette: Darkening outer edges to focus attention on the center.
- Adjust softness and size of the mask for smooth gradient effect.
Eye Color Change:
- Use circle masks over eyes.
- Track eye movement using the Tracker Palette.
- Track forwards and backwards.
- Adjust mask size and softness for accuracy.
- Change eye color using the Chroma Warp Tool.
Face Refinement Effect:
- Uses built-in detector and tracker.
- Can isolate skin and adjust texture to age the face.
- Tracks facial movement to keep effect aligned.

AI Magic Mask (DaVinci Resolve Studio Feature)

Uses AI to automatically identify and mask objects.
User clicks on areas (e.g., skin, hair, clothing) to define the mask.
Tools to add or subtract from mask using eyedroppers and paintbrushes.
Mask tracks subject through clip.
Mask visualized in Key Palette as a matte.
Adjustable mask refinement tools: shrink/grow, soften edges.
Two modes: Faster (quicker but less accurate) and Better (slower but more precise).
Example: Blurring background while keeping subject sharp.

Transferring Masks Between Nodes

Masks created on one node can be passed to another node via alpha output.
Allows separating effects such as blurring background on a different node.

Masking and Tracking in Fusion Page (Introductory)

Fusion uses shapes and masks differently than Color page.
Two types of ellipses: mask ellipse (bitmap-based) and shape ellipse (vector-based).
Vector shapes require an S Render node to connect to media.
Four tracker types in Fusion:
- Standard tracker (simple 2D tracking)
- Planar tracker (tracks flat surfaces)
- Surface tracker (tracks non-flat surfaces)
- Camera tracker (tracks 3D environment)
Demonstrated standard tracker tracking the nose of the subject.
Tracker outputs can be used for match move operations and merging effects.

Tracking in Fairlight Page (Audio Panning)

Demonstrated tracking a skateboarder’s position to automate audio panning.
Two tracking modes: Manual and Automatic.
Manual tracking involves keyframing panning positions frame by frame.
Automatic tracking uses AI to follow subject but may lose track in complex backgrounds.
Editing and interpolating tracking data to improve accuracy.
Result: Sound pans follow the skateboarder’s movement for better audio-visual sync.

Methodologies / Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a Vignette in Color Page

Select a window shape (e.g., circle).
Position and size the mask to cover the center.
Invert the mask to affect outer edges.
Adjust softness for smooth gradient.
Lower lift or gain to darken edges.
Turn off overlays to preview effect.

Changing Eye Color with Tracking

Create circle masks over each eye.
Open Tracker palette, select window tracker.
Track forwards and backwards.
Adjust mask size and softness for precision.
Use Chroma Warp tool to shift eye color.
Refine masks to avoid color spill outside iris.

Applying Face Refinement and Tracking

Add Face Refinement effect to node.
Detect face automatically.
Track forward and backward.
Adjust skin texture parameters to age or beautify.
Use effect overlay to preview changes.

Using AI Magic Mask

Activate Magic Mask palette.
Click on subject parts (skin, hair, clothing) to define mask.
Use add/subtract eyedropper or paintbrush tools to refine mask.
Track mask through clip.
Adjust mask softness and radius in key palette.
Choose between Faster or Better mode for processing.
Apply effects (e.g., blur background) using mask.
Transfer mask between nodes via alpha output for layered effects.

Fusion Masking and Tracking Basics

Create ellipse mask or shape.
Connect mask to Media In node (use S Render for vector shapes).
Add tracker node after Media In.
Place tracker point on high-contrast feature (e.g., nose).
Track forwards and backwards.
Use tracker data to drive effects or merge nodes.

Fairlight Audio Panning Tracking

Open automation lane for left/right panning.
Enable tracker controls in viewer.
Manual tracking:
- Move playhead frame by frame.
- Set keyframes for panning position.
Automatic tracking:
- Define tracking area on subject.
- Set in/out points.
- Run automatic tracking.
- Refine by removing bad sections and interpolating.
Playback to verify panning matches movement.

Key Lessons

Masking defines specific areas for color grading or effects.
Tracking ensures masks/effects follow moving subjects accurately.
Different tools and algorithms (cloud, point, AI) offer flexibility in tracking.
AI Magic Mask simplifies complex masking tasks using machine learning.
Fusion provides advanced masking and tracking with vector shapes and multiple tracker types.
Fairlight’s tracking tools enable dynamic audio panning synced to visual movement.
Mastery of masking and tracking elevates video editing from basic to professional quality by controlling viewer focus and enhancing storytelling.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Primary Speaker / Instructor: Unnamed DaVinci Resolve tutorial presenter (single voice throughout the video).
No other speakers or external sources explicitly identified.

This summary encapsulates the tutorial’s detailed walkthrough of masking and tracking tools in DaVinci Resolve, highlighting practical workflows and conceptual understanding for video editors aiming to enhance their editing precision and creativity.