An aerial view of a historic stone ruin surrounded by lush green fields and trees. The scene is displayed on a software interface that includes editing tools and a 3D modeling grid.

PFTrack 2025: Matchmoving gets its groove back

The Pixel Farm’s PFTrack 2025 delivers major lens, tracking, and mesh improvements plus new perpetual licence options.

For those who don’t know the tool: PFTrack is The Pixel Farm’s flagship 3D camera tracking and matchmoving software, used in VFX and virtual production pipelines for precise camera solves, photogrammetry, and scene reconstruction. It works alongside PFClean and integrates with DCCs from Maya to Nuke.

Lens distortion overhaul

The 25.11.13 release introduces new anamorphic and non-linear distortion models, smarter grid detection, and automatic selection of the most suitable lens model for each shot. The Lens Management system also now allows exporting distortion data directly into supported host applications.

Tracking tools refined

Both Auto Track and User Track nodes gain expanded editing controls in the Cinema workspace, including track grouping and motion prediction. The Localised Motion Prediction algorithm enhances feature consistency on fast-moving footage. Camera and Survey Solver nodes receive improved parameter control and faster iteration feedback.

Photogrammetry and modelling upgrades

The Photo Mesh node’s performance and memory management have been re-engineered to allow significantly larger mesh builds, particularly on macOS. Image Modelling introduces user-defined primitives, enabling custom reference geometry during scene reconstruction.

Sensor databases and third-party data

With the 25.12.19 build, PFTrack adds support for external camera sensor databases, beginning with integration of Matchmove Machine’s CamDB. This allows accurate sensor metadata import to improve focal calibration.

Node and UI polish

Across all 2025 releases, many nodes—including Geometry, Solver, and Point Cloud—benefit from small but meaningful updates: faster point cloud generation, improved solver convergence, and clearer error feedback. The general UI receives smoother interaction within Cinema viewports and enhanced undo stability.

Quality-of-life improvements

The 25.10 update improved bundle adjustment speed and tracking robustness on heavy footage. Version 25.09 refined Python scripting APIs, expanding access to internal data for pipeline automation. Collectively, these tweaks make PFTrack less prone to small but annoying interruptions mid-solve.

Licensing reshaped

After user demand, The Pixel Farm has reintroduced perpetual licences alongside subscription and floating models. Solo, Studio, and Enterprise editions remain available, with perpetuals offered for PFTrack only. Pricing is listed on The Pixel Farm’s store.

Tested before trusted

The Pixel Farm recommends reviewing node behaviour in controlled test scenes before deploying 2025 builds into live productions. As always, newer algorithms can subtly alter solver results between versions.


// https://pftrack.thepixelfarm.co.uk/documentation/changelog.html