How to Remove SHX Text in AutoCAD?

Understanding SHX Text in AutoCAD

What is SHX Text?

SHX text refers to a type of text representation used in AutoCAD, which employs SHX files. These files are compiled forms that consist of shapes or fonts, derived from either .SHP shape files or .PFB font files. They primarily store definitions for shapes and font styles necessary for displaying specialized text. SHX files support various Type 1 PostScript fonts, making them suitable for custom text displays in AutoCAD projects.

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Steps to Remove SHX Text in AutoCAD

Step 1: Access the Command Line

Open your AutoCAD 2025 program and ensure you have your drawing loaded. The command line is your main tool for executing commands quickly and efficiently.

Step 2: Disable SHX Text in PDF Exports

1. Enter Command: Type EPDFSHX in the command line and press Enter.
2. Change Value: When prompted, set the value to 0. This action prevents SHX text from being included in PDF exports.

Step 3: Modify Plot Settings

1. Open Plot Dialog: Access the Plotting options by entering PLOT in the command line or selecting Plot from the File menu.
2. Choose PDF Driver: In the dialog that appears, go to the Printer/Plotter section and select DWG to PDF.pc3.
3. Access PDF Options: Click the PDF Options button in the dialog.
4. Uncheck Layer Option: Deselect the option that says "Include layer information." This will further ensure that SHX text is not included in the output.
5. Confirm Settings: Click OK to apply these changes and return to the Plot dialog.

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Additional Techniques for SHX Management

Replacing SHX Files

1. Locate the SHX Font: Use Windows Explorer to navigate to your AutoCAD Fonts directory, typically found at C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2025\Fonts.
2. Verify Font Presence: Ensure that the required SHX font is located in this directory.
3. Add Missing SHX Files: If the font is absent, download or copy the appropriate SHX file into the folder, then restart AutoCAD for changes to take effect.

Ignoring Missing SHX Files

1. Command Access: Type FONTALT in the command line and press Enter.
2. Set Value: Input a period (.) to set FONTALT to None, which stops AutoCAD from prompting you about missing SHX files during your drawing tasks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I convert SHX text to a different format?
Yes, while AutoCAD does not directly convert SHX text to other text formats, you may explode SHX text into geometries and then modify it as needed.

2. What happens if I don’t remove SHX text before exporting?
If SHX text remains during export, it might be stored as comments, which can lead to compatibility issues, particularly if the receiving party doesn’t have the same SHX files.

3. Can I control SHX text visibility in my drawing?
Yes, by adjusting display settings in AutoCAD. Right-click on the drawing area, select Options, and in the Display tab, you can manage how text boundaries are shown or concealed.