Deformer question ...

WillowRaven

If I have a ground plane with grass parented to it, like http://www.daz3d.com/grassy-grounds-megapack, if I want a hilly grass field, can I deform the ground plane and the grass that's parented to it follow the new shape, or not?

Richard Haseltine

You would need to select the plane and all of the grass models when creating the DForm, or select the grass after creating the DForm and use the Add Node(s) button in the DForm plane - the effect won't be inherited automatically.

WillowRaven

That second option sounds easier, though I've never tried it. Is there a tutorial out there describing how to add nodes after deform?

Richard Haseltine

Just select them, in the DForm pane click Add Node(s)..., and in the dialogue that opens select the DForm(s) you want to affect them.

WillowRaven

OK ... I think I understand. In theory, that should also work with Predatron's Dandelions or various flower product patches, yes? What it I want to use an existing 'hilly' grond plane and to cover it if flower patches or grass patches than come flat? Will deforming the flowers or grass warp them or should I always add nodes to a custom deformed plane?

Richard Haseltine

Yes, it will probably warp them - whether that's noticeable will depend on how sharp the changes are.

WillowRaven

So adding nodes is better than deforming the grass or flowers? Or will nodes also warp?

Richard Haseltine

Whether you apply the DForm to all the nodes at the outset or add some of them later the ent result will be the same.

WillowRaven

So what's the best way to populate a hilly meadow with flowers?

Richard Haseltine

That depends - make instances of the flowers, then manaually place them in groups. Actually, I think Casual has a script for dropping items to a geometry floor, rather than to y=0 as the built-in drop to floor does. You might want to look at http://www.daz3d.com/instances-plus-for-daz-studio if this is something you do often.