which filter do you use the most?

[Chung Dha]

Been using Illustrator for years but never explored the filter section. The only one I do use is to round the edges. Because a round box might not have the rounding I want, I rather make an rectangle first and later round out the edges.

So which filter do you use allot and why.

[rinaldidesigns]

Roughen is my favorite filter, it makes everything, lines, shapes, look less 'hard edged'...more hand drawn and casual....

[zooley]

Now that you asked, Chung Dha, i realised how rarely i look at the filters. To say the truth i never used any filter in illustrator, maybe just 2-3 times the blur tool.

[bluecherrygfx]

I use all the distort filters frequently and the round corners a lot, but nothing else on a remotely regular basis.

[Atronic]

Lately, I've been composing some collages using digital photos and general mixed media and have been using the Focal Blur filter (Photoshop), once the image is flattened.

The filter assigns a blur that mimics that of a camera lens (with customized focal length) and I've more often then not been pleased with the end result.

I went ages without noticing this filter, too.

[JasonLarche_Com]

I use the Blur tool very often in illustrator... it is the best for 3-dimensional accents and background glows or gradients..

(oh and rounding the edges the way you want can also be done by setting the corner radius when you click the file with the shape tool, at least that is how i use it to get the "roundedness" i want)

[Aeoll]

I don't use them very much as they tend to reduce the quality of vectors in my opinion.

However, I use Illustrators 3D tool occasionally- it can be used to make some nice perspective shapes.

[Chung Dha]

I lately become fund of the 3d tool more. However not really producing any logo's with it yet. Only use it for fast mock up packaging look. It is a great tool to make a fast 3d bottle shape in few second and spin around to see how it look and go back and edit.

However I could do it too in 3d max but the pen tool of Illustrator is the best.

[larsson]

I'm a big fan of the 3d tool as well, as well as the 3D > Rotate tool.

[tombo717]

stay away from filters, you should only be using them if your working in photoshop and even then its only to touch up a picture or make slight changes

[Gorgon]

I mostly use free distort tool only. Reshapes any shape

[Winter artwork]

mostly I use smart sharpen...helps to spruce up the JPEG visuals I send out

[Kramer]

Greatly depends on the specific need. I use them all in varying degrees, but I would have to say that probably Drop Shadow, Inside and Outside Glow, and Bevel and Emboss I use most often to build dimension into my illustrations. But, even there I usually find that I get can carried away with the filters, and then I have to back off to find the ideal build of subtleties.

[CnSGD]

I actually use PS CS3 and my most favorite one is the Machine Wash. I tend to like doing the rust effect for some of the BBQ logos and sites I have had to do as well as for the digital scrap kits. It makes for a nice fast effect without having to go through all the motions to do it manually.

[prijikn]

The blur and sharpen tools are referred to as the “focus” tools since they work to harden, or soften edges within an image. The smudge tool is useful for retouching or for special effects.

[NancyCarter]

I regularly use the distort filters - the ones that modify paths - and rounded corners, too.

The 3d tool is handy and fun.

[rush0]

3d tool is too cool

[PCALUALY]

I used to use cutout and blur frequently but you have to try everything out at some point otherwise everything will start to look the same

[LifesizeStudios]

Used blur once or twice. We're talking about vector here though...


I use the distort stuff a lot. Haven't even thought about the Roughen filter though; that's probably going to be employed very soon now.

[xpressions]

Probably Distort.....