How to open shx file in AutoCAD?

Brief Intro — what this guide covers

This guide explains, in simple steps, how to use .SHX files in AutoCAD — whether they are compiled fonts or shape definitions. You will learn where to place SHX files, how to reference them inside AutoCAD, alternative methods, common errors and fixes, and practical tips to avoid problems.

What is an SHX file?

An SHX file is a compiled AutoCAD file format used for shape definitions and compiled stroke (vector) fonts. Unlike plain text documents, SHX files are not opened with a text editor for normal use; they are loaded by AutoCAD and referenced by drawing objects (text styles or shapes).

Key points:

• SHX = compiled shape/font format used internally by AutoCAD.
• SHX files can contain font glyphs (used for text) or named shapes (used with the SHAPE command).
• SHX is an older format; some modern workflows prefer TrueType (TTF) fonts, but SHX remains widely used in CAD standards.

Where to place SHX files (step-by-step)

1. Locate your AutoCAD Fonts folder. Typical default path:
   • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD [version]\Fonts
2. Copy the .shx file into that Fonts folder.
3. If you prefer a custom folder (recommended for networked deployments), add that folder to AutoCAD’s Support File Search Path:
   • Type OPTIONS (or go to Tools → Options) → Files tab → expand Support File Search Path → Add your custom folder.
4. Restart AutoCAD after copying or changing search paths so AutoCAD refreshes the font and shape lists.

How to use an SHX file as a font (Text style)

1. Open AutoCAD.
2. Type STYLE at the command line (or Format → Text Style).
3. In the Text Style dialog:
   • Click New to create a new text style or select an existing style to modify.
   • In the Font Name dropdown, choose the SHX file name (the file must be in the Fonts folder or a path AutoCAD searches).
   • Set Height, Width factor, Oblique angle, etc., as needed.
4. Apply the style to TEXT or MTEXT objects. If using single-line TEXT, the style’s height may also be explicitly set at creation.

Notes:

• When selecting SHX in the font list, you may need to type the exact file name (with or without the .shx extension, depending on dialog behavior).
• If a drawing references an SHX font that AutoCAD cannot locate, AutoCAD will substitute another font — check the text appearance.

How to use an SHX file for shapes

1. Place the SHX file in the Fonts folder or in a folder listed in the Support File Search Path.
2. Use the SHAPE command:
   • Type SHAPE at the command line and press Enter.
   • AutoCAD will prompt for the shape name. Enter the name defined inside the SHX file (the shape name, not the filename).
   • Specify insertion point, scale, and rotation as prompted.
3. If you don’t know the shape name, check documentation from the SHX provider; some tools can list shape names, or the author provides the names.

Alternative approach:

• Some SHX-based shapes are inserted via custom LISP or scripts; check your project standards or the author instructions.

Alternative methods and conversions

• Add your SHX folder to AutoCAD’s Support File Search Path instead of placing files in the program folder — this is safer for updates and easier to manage across computers.
• Convert SHX font to a TrueType (TTF) font if you need Windows-wide compatibility. There are third-party tools and services, but conversion quality varies and may require licensing permission.
• If SHX shapes are missing in a received DWG, ask the sender to embed or supply the SHX files, or provide plot-friendly alternatives (convert text to geometry before exporting).
• For network deployments, place SHX files on a shared location and add that location to each user’s Support File Search Path for consistent behavior.

Common errors and fixes

• Error: “Text appears wrong or uses a substitute font”
  • Fix: Ensure the referenced SHX file is in the Fonts folder or a folder listed in Support File Search Path. Restart AutoCAD and reopen the drawing.
• Error: “Shape not found” when using SHAPE
  • Fix: Confirm the shape name (not just filename) and that the SHX is in the correct search path. Verify the SHX actually contains shapes and not only font glyphs.
• Error: “Cannot load SHX” or AutoCAD ignores the file
  • Fix: Check file permissions (read access), file corruption, and compatibility (very old SHX versions may have issues). Try copying a working SHX from another machine to test.
• Error: “Text spacing/appearance differs after opening on another computer”
  • Fix: Supply the SHX files with the DWG or convert text to geometry before sharing. Alternatively, use TrueType fonts for cross-platform consistency.
• Problem: SHX in a custom folder not recognized
  • Fix: Add the folder to Options → Files → Support File Search Path and restart AutoCAD.

Practical tips and best practices

• Always backup original SHX files before overwriting or replacing them.
• For shared projects, keep a fonts/shapes package in your project folder and add that folder to everyone’s Support File Search Path.
• For plotting and exchange, consider exploding or converting SHX-based text to polylines/splines (geometry) only if you can’t supply the SHX files.
• Prefer TTF fonts when collaborating with non-AutoCAD users (Windows apps, web previews), but keep SHX where CAD standards require it.
• When publishing drawings (PDF/DWF), check output to ensure SHX fonts/shapes render correctly; embed fonts where possible.

FAQ — Do I need to include the .shx file when sending a drawing?

You should include any non-standard SHX files used by the drawing so recipients see text and shapes correctly. Without them, AutoCAD will substitute fonts or report missing shapes.

FAQ — Can I open a .shx file to see its contents?

Not directly in AutoCAD. SHX is a compiled format. Use third-party utilities designed to read SHX contents or request the original source from the font/shape author.

FAQ — How do I find the name of a shape inside an SHX file?

The shape name is usually provided by the SHX author. If not, try utilities that list SHX contents or consult the supplier. There’s no standard AutoCAD dialog that lists internal shape names.

FAQ — Will installing an SHX font affect other drawings?

Yes — any drawing opened on that machine can use SHX fonts available in the AutoCAD search path. For project consistency, manage SHX files centrally via a shared folder and Support File Search Path.

FAQ — Can I convert SHX fonts to TrueType (TTF)?

Yes, with third-party converters or font design tools, but results may vary and you must respect licensing. Conversion may require manual adjustments for correct metrics and spacing.

FAQ — AutoCAD still can’t find the SHX after I added it. What else should I check?

Verify the file is not blocked by Windows (right-click → Properties → Unblock if present), ensure file permissions allow reading, confirm the Support File Search Path entry is correctly spelled, and restart AutoCAD to refresh caches.