CAD Dictionary

What is an AutoCAD SHX file?

An AutoCAD SHX file (file extension .shx) is a special font/shape file used by AutoCAD to define the appearance of text characters and simple symbols in drawings. SHX fonts are lightweight, fast to plot, and commonly used in technical drawings for annotations, dimensions, and custom symbols.

What is an AutoCAD SHX file?

An SHX file is either a compiled shape font or a stroke (vector) font created for use in AutoCAD. Unlike TrueType (.ttf) fonts, SHX fonts are not generally Unicode-aware and are optimized for CAD workflows — they render reliably at any scale and are commonly embedded or referenced in DWG files produced by CAD software.

Key properties:

  • Extension: .shx
  • Purpose: define the shape or stroke of characters/symbols
  • Common uses: annotations, dimensions, labels, custom symbols
  • Limitation: limited or no support for Unicode and complex scripts (use TTF for international text)

How SHX files are used in AutoCAD

  • Standard fonts: AutoCAD ships with common SHX fonts (e.g., RomanS), often used for simple CAD text.
  • Custom symbols: Designers create custom SHX fonts to include project-specific symbols (e.g., electrical, schematic marks).
  • Text styles & annotations: SHX fonts are assigned in the Text style manager and used by TEXT, DTEXT, and many annotation workflows.
  • Plotting reliability: SHX fonts plot consistently across systems when the font file is available.
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How to install and use a SHX font in AutoCAD (step-by-step)

Step-by-step installation

  1. Obtain the .shx file (download from supplier or receive with DWG).
  2. Copy the .shx file to AutoCAD’s fonts directory:
    • Typical path: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\Fonts
    • Or place it in a shared folder and add that folder to AutoCAD’s support search paths.
  3. In AutoCAD, open Options > Files > Support File Search Path and add the folder if you didn’t use the default Fonts directory.
  4. Restart AutoCAD (recommended) so the new font is recognized.

Step-by-step assignment to text

  1. Run the STYLE command (Text Style Manager).
  2. Create a new style or modify an existing one.
  3. In the Font Name dropdown, select the installed SHX font.
  4. Set height, width factor, and oblique angle as needed.
  5. Apply the style and create text with TEXT, DTEXT, or update existing text via the Properties palette.

Alternative methods and conversions

  • Convert TTF to SHX: Use Express Tools (the TTF2SHX utility) to convert a TrueType font into an SHX-compatible font when you need a CAD-style version of a TTF font.
  • Convert SHX to TTF: There are third-party SHX-to-TTF converters and online tools. Use them cautiously — check licensing and test results. Converting may be necessary if you need Unicode or cross-platform compatibility.
  • Use FONTALT: If a drawing references a missing SHX font, set the FONTALT system variable to point to a substitute font (TTF or SHX) so text remains readable until the original is available.
  • Use eTransmit or packaging tools: When sending drawings, include SHX files or create an eTransmit package so recipients receive the fonts automatically.
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Common errors and fixes

  • Error: “Missing SHX font” or text displays as garbage/boxes.
    • Fix: Copy the required .shx file into AutoCAD’s Fonts folder or add its folder to Support File Search Path. Use eTransmit to ensure fonts are included when sharing DWGs.
  • Error: Text looks stretched or squashed.
    • Fix: Check the Text Style height and width factor, and ensure annotation scales are correct. Reset width factor to 1.0 if distorted.
  • Error: Fonts differ on another computer.
    • Fix: Make sure the exact .shx file is installed on all computers. Use a shared company fonts folder or include fonts with the DWG.
  • Error: MTEXT does not render some characters or accents.
    • Fix: SHX is not suitable for Unicode or complex scripts—use a TrueType (.ttf) font for international characters and rich text.
  • Error: Corrupted SHX or failed compile.
    • Fix: Re-download the font; use the original source or recompile using the utility that produced it (or convert a known-good TTF).

Creating custom SHX fonts (overview for beginners)

  • Easiest method: create a TTF with your glyphs (using a font editor), then use TTF2SHX (Express Tools) to produce an SHX version for AutoCAD.
  • Advanced/custom toolchain: design glyphs as AutoCAD entities or in a shape editor, then compile them into an SHX using a font compiler (requires specialized tools).
  • Best practice: test the custom font in a sample drawing and verify plotting and scaling before using it in production.

Tips and best practices

  • Keep a centralized fonts folder for your team and add it to AutoCAD’s Support File Search Path.
  • Use TrueType (.ttf) fonts when you need Unicode, special characters, or better cross-platform compatibility.
  • When archiving or sharing drawings, use eTransmit to package .shx files with the DWG.
  • Avoid renaming SHX files; references in drawings depend on the exact file name.
  • Use consistent Text Styles across projects to maintain appearance and make changes easily.
  • Test prints/PDFs to ensure fonts plot as expected on printers and in exported files.
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FAQ

How can I find which SHX font a drawing is using?

Check the Text Style manager (STYLE command) and select the text object to view its font in the Properties palette. The drawing may use multiple styles, so review all text styles and inspect sample text with the LIST or PROPERTIES commands.

What should I do if I receive a DWG that uses a missing SHX font?

Ask the sender to include the .shx file, or request an eTransmit bundle. As a temporary fix, set FONTALT to a substitute font so the text remains legible until you obtain the original SHX file.

Can I use SHX fonts on AutoCAD for Mac or AutoCAD LT?

AutoCAD LT supports SHX fonts similarly to AutoCAD for Windows. AutoCAD for Mac has limited SHX support and differences in installation paths — using TrueType fonts is generally more reliable across platforms.

Why do accented characters or non-Latin scripts not show correctly with SHX?

SHX fonts are not Unicode. They were designed for simple Latin glyphs and CAD symbols. For accented characters and international scripts, use TrueType (.ttf) fonts that support the required character set.

How do I include SHX fonts when sending a project to a client?

Use AutoCAD’s eTransmit or manually include the .shx files alongside the DWG and provide installation instructions (place in AutoCAD Fonts folder or add to Support File Search Path). This prevents missing-font issues on the recipient’s side.

Is converting SHX to TTF safe and reliable?

Conversion is possible via third-party tools, but results vary. Converted fonts may not preserve stroke behavior or exact spacing. For mission-critical text and complex scripts, prefer designing directly in a TTF font and only convert to SHX if you need CAD-specific plotting behavior.

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