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If i can free hand....

I've become a big fine of the decals and etched brass from FW - both are worlds better than trying to use the crappy decals that come with GW sets.

The decal sheets in particular are fantastic value (and very well thought out - squad markings come in groups of 11 rather than 10 so you aren't stuc if you mess one up, etc)

I usually use the details given to me by the model but sometimes I draw them myself. Playing Orkz, that doesn't happen all too often though.

I prefer the molded parts. I think it gives the model a little bit more dimension plus it is easier for me than freehand especially considering the shoulder pads don't handle transfers all that well. I've done my share of freehand with them but I'm just not to that skill level yet for consistently nice freehand symbols and iconography.

I have the worlds largest collection of shoulderpads etc, can't be doing with Decals!

Free hand is a great thing but I prefer details to have volume so sculpting is my way.

I do a little bit of all of it except for buying flavorful bits. It really depends on the 'custom bit' size, desired detail, working space and time, how important it is to the army as a model, so on and so on. Wish i was as good at the green stuff as some are, in which case I'd do more of it.

I try my best at free hand.... The big Ohms symbol is easy as are numbers and such, but chaos marks, and other marks like that, my girl does for me.... she is all about it.

Freehand unless it's something complex and standardized (I drew the line at Astral Claws lion heads, after it took me 1/2 hour plus to do one marine's shoulder).

Currently fighting my way against software in order to make my Darkhounds's transfers.

The "details" I do on my orks are usually little messages written freehand. I etched "fat nob" and "lil git" on my ork bomma's bombs.

I know I might sound quite the noob, but when putting on decals I always rip them or get them in the wrong place. I also find them hard to cut out. So in my opinion I strongly dislike them. But I do have good eyes and a small brush, so freehand all the way man!

I always go basic, painting all the details on 1000s of models over the years gets tiring. As long as I use enough colors to make them look decent.
I spent more time on terrain though.

2 through 6 ... depending on the situation.

I used decals for the first time in ages the other day (quite a number of years) and I would use them again.

I generally paint on details (badly) when I add them, but do plan to GS some raised detailing to make it easier for some models.

I agree that when working with decals it often feels like they're going to fall apart to me. I do a fair amount of small details and flourishes, but if I can't do it by hand I'll paint over it or alter it just to not have to mess with decals.

I would say it would depend on the model in general for me since i sometimes apply decals to some and others i try and add some extra green stuff details to them.

Micron pens for insignias, at least black ones

I find a good mixture of all is both easiest, cheapest and gives good variety.

I do a mix on my Tau. The Caste symbols I do using decals, apart from on the little round bit on the back of the battlesuits just because it's easier.
I also use the writing to denote pilot names under the cockpit.
However, unit markings I do freehand, due to size and the lack of suitable decals. And in general I hate using decals anyway.

I mostly use standard decals but some details and symbols need to be done freehand or with greenstuff.

The Force is not strong with this one. I accent the details present with painting techniques and leave it at that.

On most basic models, i don't worry too much about details, but if I'm doing them, I prefer to do them freehand, much more freedom that way to make it look exactly how you want it to look.... and cheaper than "custom parts."

Where's my option for "All of the above"?

Free hand with a lot of patience

I play Black Templar.
For standard troops I use a decal on the left shoulder.
Everyone else, where possible the molded symbols.
I add extra crosses "free hand" on knee pads and other areas that seem appropriate.

Prefer to Greenstuff details on to get a personal touch on marines and such, but for orks I freehand it. I don't like decals that much, have a whole collection of them though...

I use upgrade kits and parts more often than freehanding. when I want a cross or wing. I still need a good chapter symbol for my marines.
My current chapter name is the Tears of Epsilon, but that may still change. Since I am a modeler and not a player this gives me more creative freedom at the cost off the fun it is sit down and pen up a background story. for my guys.
Since my army does and contains things and Inquisitor would at least put a flamer too and at maximun call an Exterminatus.
Using Xeno and Chaos tech, disregarding both Imperial, Ad Mech and Astartes regulations and doctarine. Building things that are not STC tech and reverse engineering verhicels, weapons and armor even if considered sacred or corrupted all without propper prayers and insense.

I like to paint details by myself but I'm also using upgraded parts and greenstuff.

I havnt made them yet, but i'll use photoshop to make all my transfers.