Track and analyze various image and video elements

Tracker

Tracker

  -  110.75 MB  -  Open Source
  • Latest Version

    Tracker 6.3.0 LATEST

  • Review by

    Sophia Jones

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Douglas Brown / External Link

  • Filename

    Tracker-6.3.0-windows-x64-installer.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    c8e25a7af22937d37a95dbaddd3bca65

Tracker is a free video analysis and modeling tool built on the Open Source Physics (OSP) Java framework. It is designed to be used in physics education.

Tracker video modeling software is a powerful way to combine videos with computer modeling. Tracker includes a Java JRE runtime and Xuggle video engine.

Tracker Screenshot 1

Features and Highlights
  • Tracks motion manually or automatically with overlays for velocity, acceleration, and vectors.
  • Calculates the center of mass and supports RGB line/time-based profiles.
  • Builds dynamic and kinematic models using point mass and two-body systems.
  • Imports models from spreadsheets or Easy Java Simulations for comparison.
  • Syncs model overlays with videos for direct visual analysis.
  • Plays/records various video formats across platforms using Xuggle.
  • Offers video filters: brightness, ghost trails, deinterlace, and more.
  • Includes lens distortion correction: perspective and radial filters.
  • Exports and transcodes videos with or without graphics.
  • Displays detailed video info like dimensions and frame rate.
  • Supports fixed or changing coordinate systems, including tilt.
  • Provides multiple calibration and reference frame options.
  • Uses metric or custom units for analysis.
  • Allows easy distance and angle measurement with tools.
  • Filters data by circles, steps, or tracks.
  • Enables custom variables and text annotations.
  • Offers auto/manual data analysis and curve fitting.
  • Exports data to text or the clipboard in custom formats.
  • Organizes projects with a searchable library browser.
  • Opens Tracker files via URL; supports metadata search.
  • Allows custom app settings, student note views, and GUI tweaks.
Tracker Screenshot 2

What’s New
  • Autotracker Enhancements: Introduced a high-speed “Fast” tracking mode, adjustable tracking speed with live updates, and new controls including stop conditions, template sizing, and rectangular template support
  • Performance Improvements: Increased autotracker and calibration tool responsiveness, especially when working with longer video files
  • Precision Tooltips: Added detailed tooltips displaying exact start time, frame rate, and frame interval within clip settings
  • Calibration Improvements: Introduced a pixel length field and fixed issues related to calibration stick placement
  • Stability Fixes: Resolved issues with autotracker masks shrinking and uncontrolled visibility of templates and search areas
How to Use
  • Launch the Tracker program on your PC/Laptop
  • Import a video for motion analysis
  • Calibrate the video scale using a known length
  • Set a coordinate system for accurate tracking
  • Mark tracking points frame by frame
  • Analyze data using built-in graphs and tools
  • Export data as needed for further analysis
Tracker Screenshot 3

It supports the following video formats:
  • Standard video files: .mp4, .avi, .wmv, .flv, and .mov
  • Animated .gif images
  • Numbered image sequences in .jpg, .png, or .gif formats (e.g., ball00.jpg, ball01.jpg...)
  • Image sequences can also be loaded from a .zip archive
  • iPhone users: Set Camera > Formats > Most Compatible
  • Android users: Disable High efficiency video under Camera > Advanced recording options
FAQs

What is Tracker, and what is it used for?
Tracker is a free, open-source video analysis and modeling tool designed for physics education. It allows users to analyze motion in videos and extract data such as position, velocity, and acceleration, helping students connect real-world motion with physics concepts.

What features does Tracker offer for analyzing motion?
Tracker includes features like object tracking, motion graphs (position, velocity, acceleration), calibration tools, and the ability to overlay theoretical models directly onto video. This allows users to compare real-world motion with physics equations and simulations visually and interactively.

Is Tracker still relevant in 2026 for learning physics?
Yes, Tracker remains widely used in education because it combines video analysis with modeling, which is still considered an effective way to teach physics concepts. Its open-source nature, cross-platform support, and ability to connect theory with real experiments make it valuable for schools and self-learners, even as newer tools emerge.

System Requirements
  • Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11
  • Java: Java 8 or higher (Java must be installed separately if using the JAR version)
  • RAM: Minimum 2 GB (4 GB or more recommended)
  • Disk Space: 200 MB free disk space
  • Graphics: OpenGL-compatible graphics card recommended
PROS
  • Free and open-source software
  • Ideal for physics education
  • Supports customizable tracking
  • Built-in data analysis tools
  • Cross-platform compatibility
CONS
  • Interface feels outdated
  • Requires Java installation
  • Limited video format support
  • No official customer support


Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)
  • Tracker 6.3.0 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Tracker 6.3.0 Screenshot 1
  • Tracker 6.3.0 Screenshot 2
  • Tracker 6.3.0 Screenshot 3
  • Tracker 6.3.0 Screenshot 4

What's new in this version:

- switched bundled Java runtime to OpenJDK
- enabled marking points without a keyboard on iPad and other mobile devices
- converted all legacy quicktime mov files to mp4

Fixed:
- fixed bug in progress monitor when loading videos
- fixed bug autotracking along a line
- fixed bug playing mp4 videos with newer codec