which filter do you use the most?

im really avoiding using filters in illustrator, since its a vector program... i do all the filtering in photoshop if needed at all... i dont like filters much, most of them a really weak and gives to picture that "its done with photoshop" look.

but the effects menu is a differ story... i use a lot of them.

Well i use pathfinder almost everytime i create something from a scketch, or an rought ideia. And when i need obejcts from fotos i use live trace a lot too.

I use the 3D effect more often than anything else - but really only for lettering. I also don't use any of the highlight/shadow features. I just use it to create depth/perspective

I use KPT vector effects quite often - it's a plugin filter I purchased about 3 years ago and has been a godsend at times. It's 3D filter is amazing and very customizable.