> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.swiftxr.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.swiftxr.io/how-to/best-practices-for-image-tracking-on-swiftxr.md). # Best Practices For Image Tracking on SwiftXR The image tracking technology requires the adherence to some certain standards in order to achieve maximum results. For example there are certain factors around your image element, environment, device that will determine the effectiveness of your project. Below are some major best practices for image tracking on SwiftXR First you have to ensure to initialize tracking properly by moving to the camera in a slow and steady circular motion. Try not to make any sudden, fast movements and don’t rotate the camera. Keep in mind that initialization may take significantly longer on lower devices and it’s easier to lose tracking on these devices, especially when the target is out of view. Image tracking effects are only visible through the camera on the back of the device. Now check out some standards for the image that can be easily tracked. \ **High- Quality Images:** You must ensure you make use of high- resolution images with clear distinct features. Your image should have at least 300\*300 pixels Take a look at a comparison between a high quality image and a low quality image of a cat.

**High Contrast:** Ensure you avoid images that has lots of Pastel colours. Please note that while both colour and white and black images works only images with high tonal contrast.

The picture to the left definitely has high contrast than that of the right. **Asymmetrical patterns and composition :**Images with asymmetrical and repeated patterns will be difficult to track, Due to the fact that they can be easily inverted. Check out these two images.

Source:: Building -- Source:: Square-Sequence

\ **Clear Image shape:** Your Image shape can be any kind of shape but it must be sufficient enough to accommodate your 3D model. For example, tracking a model on an image like a thin paper like money will move and distort because the paper is thin, making it difficult for the camera to identify the image.

**Consistent Lighting:** Ensure consistent lighting conditions when capturing images. Avoid shadows and reflections that can interfere with tracking. **Stable Surfaces:** Here Ensure to Place your image on a stable, Flat surface to avoid movement during tracking and ensure to secure your image properly. In a fixed target tracking effect, the effect will appear at the point where the target image was first detected by the camera. If the target leaves the camera’s view, the effect will still be displayed and tracked correctly. To make sure these kinds of effects work, place the target in a rich environment with lots of detail and contrast in the surroundings. For example, display the target on a highly-decorative background as opposed to a plain white table or wall.\ \ **Optimal Size:** The images that are neither too small nor too large. A good rule of thumb is to fill about half of the camera view for optimal tracking **Distance:** Your 3D model in augmented reality works best when the camera is closer to the image. The camera shouldn’t be further away than 3 times the width of the tracked image. The image should fill a large portion of the device frame, at least half the image should be visible in the camera view. **Avoid blank space or transparency:** Here you want to ensure to Avoid using images with lots of transparency or blank space around the actual image. Take a look at the two images below:

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