> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/opentrack/opentrack/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to OpenTrack

> Head tracking software for gaming and flight simulation

## What is OpenTrack?

OpenTrack is an open-source application for tracking user head movements and transmitting them to flight simulation software and video games. It allows you to control your in-game camera view naturally by moving your head, providing a more immersive gaming experience without expensive hardware.

<Note>
  OpenTrack transforms how you experience flight sims and military-themed games by adding natural head tracking to your setup.
</Note>

## Key Features

### Multiple Input Sources

OpenTrack supports a wide variety of tracking devices and methods:

* **PointTracker** - FreeTrack-style LED point tracking with webcams
* **NeuralNet Tracker** - AI-based head pose estimation using standard webcams
* **Aruco Tracker** - Paper marker tracking via webcam
* **Hardware devices** - Oculus Rift, Razer Hydra, TrackIR, Arduino with Hatire firmware
* **Mobile devices** - Windows Phone, FreePIE UDP, Android apps
* **Eye tracking** - Tobii eye tracker, Eyeware Beam
* **AR Glasses** - XReal One and XReal One Pro
* **Other** - Intel RealSense, Kinect, Wiimote, joystick analog axes

### Flexible Output Protocols

Connect to your favorite games and simulators:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Flight Simulators" icon="plane">
    * Microsoft Flight Simulator (SimConnect)
    * Microsoft FS 2002/2004 (FSUIPC)
    * X-Plane
    * FlightGear
  </Card>

  <Card title="Games & VR" icon="gamepad">
    * FreeTrack protocol (Windows)
    * Virtual joystick output
    * SteamVR (via bridge)
    * Wine FreeTrack (Linux/OSX)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Advanced Filtering

OpenTrack includes sophisticated filtering systems to smooth and customize tracking behavior:

* **Alpha Spectrum Filter** - Advanced smoothing and noise reduction
* **Hamilton Filter** - Precision tracking for smooth movements
* **Accela Filter** - Acceleration-based smoothing
* **EWMA2 Filter** - Exponentially weighted moving average

<Note>
  Each filter can be fine-tuned to match your preferences and hardware capabilities.
</Note>

## Cross-Platform Support

OpenTrack runs on:

* **Windows** - Full support with installers and portable versions
* **Linux** - Native GNU/Linux support
* **macOS** - Apple OSX support (currently unmaintained)

## Use Cases

### Flight Simulation

Look around your cockpit naturally by moving your head. Perfect for:

* Combat flight simulators (DCS, IL-2 Sturmovik)
* Civilian flight sims (Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane)
* Space simulators

### Gaming

Enhance immersion in games that support head tracking:

* Military simulation games
* Racing simulators
* Any game with FreeTrack or TrackIR support

<Warning>
  OpenTrack is **not** related to [opentrack.ch](https://opentrack.ch), which is railway planning software. The naming conflict is acknowledged but long-standing.
</Warning>

## Open Source & Community

OpenTrack is licensed under the **ISC license**, making it free and open-source software with minimal restrictions.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="GitHub Repository" icon="github" href="https://github.com/opentrack/opentrack">
    Source code, issues, and contributions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Community Wiki" icon="book" href="https://github.com/opentrack/opentrack/wiki">
    User guides, troubleshooting, and documentation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

The project welcomes contributions and maintains a friendly, responsive community. Bug reports, feature requests, and pull requests are encouraged.

## What's Next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Installation" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Download and install OpenTrack
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Set up your first tracker in minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>