How to put a picture on someones head in a video

I make short videos as a hobby - I am new to FCPX and Motion and am trying to learn myself. It's difficult.


I want to put a pic over someones head in a video. He moves a lot as it's a fight scene but I need the pic to stay on his head while he moves around. It will be a circle picture (For reference, it's like I'm putting a big emoji on someones head to cover it but I will keep the guys hair for effect).


I cannot figure out how to do this and need assistance!


Can it be done in FCPX or Motion? Do I need to render the video first or do it in the timeline itself before rendering? I had to really cut up the video so I've got many small parts to put this pic on a moving head.

Posted on Jul 7, 2021 10:31 AM

Reply
6 replies

Jul 7, 2021 10:52 AM in response to j000martin

As a small addition to what Tom said: depending on how much "perfection" you require, this can sometimes be done "by hand".

Add the circle image as a connected clip, and add keyframes to match the movement, more or less. Of course, this is easy is there is not much movement, and harder if the head moves a lot. You essentially do the tracking "by hand". On plus side, it is free :-)



Jul 7, 2021 11:17 AM in response to j000martin

It is not so hard if it just needs to be in the ballpark...


First, you can use Preview to get the virus and letters and remove the background. It is slightly easier to do with Pixelmator or another still image editor, but Preview, again, is free and already on your mac. Use the magic wand to remove most of the background and then use the selection tool to handle the rest. Two minutes is enough.


Then try it on one of the clips. Place it above the clip, adjust to match the start of the video and add a keyframe. Then move the playhead a little further, and when it starts to be out of place, adjust (a new keyframe is added automatically, you just need to have placed the first keyframe). Repeat.




Jul 7, 2021 10:55 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Thanks for the reply. I'll look into that. You're right, this looks like an huge task to do manually. Id rather automate this as much as possible. I have like 8 short clips to put a pic over a guys head and he constantly moves.


A small correction to my post, I am not covering the guys face with an emoji, it was just for reference. Ill be using something like this:



I'll have to remove everything except the virus and words and put this on the guys head.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to put a picture on someones head in a video

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.