Shader effector to make corn crop

[black-internet]

Hi.

I'm trying to do a simple thing, according to all the YouTube tuts I've watched. I just want to effect the shape of a Cloner object by using a high contrast B&W shape image in a Shader effector.

I'm clearly doing something wrong, 'cause it ain't working.

I'm attaching the project in hopes that someone can say, "It's set up wrong. Do this."

Here's a link to the project: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0db32gcgqeirfm4w3kpx2/map-base.zip?rlkey=ttcea7e4e3enryt0kvmbq2e2r&st=08oc8lmd&dl=0

Thanks for any and all help!

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi black-internet,

Thank you very much for the file.

Here is the working version
CV4_2025_drs_24_MGse_01.c4d
Please have a look at the Cloner Coordinates and the Grid settings.

It would help if you connected the jpg, as I sent only the project file back.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers

[black-internet]

Thanks so much, Dr. Sassi!

That worked in fine fashion.

Another question: how do I make the clones conform to the Displacement of the material on "Ground". In the attached file, note that I've changed the Cloner Object mode to 'Object'. It populated the surface of the plane, pre-displacement. I'd like them to conform to the displaced surface.

If you don't mind (and it won't take too much of your time) can you detail both how you made the Shader Effector do what I was after, as well as making the corn conform to the Displacement?

Thank you!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wo3qy8qzzxj0ifg05pug8/map-with-corn-cloned.zip?rlkey=srlphi3yb1bffp5819hlb10k0&st=h96tblmq&dl=0

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi black-internet,

Thanks for the file.
Please (not now but please next time) new topics in a new thread, making it easier to read and search. Thank you)

Here is your file back:
CV4_2025_drs_24_MGse_11.c4d
Please pace it in your project folder (texture access wise).

Displacement happens during render time when the clones have already been calculated.
I use the Displacer in the file below to provide the needed information before the render starts.

This needs to be a different object, as other wise the Displacer and the displacement would add their values.

All the best