How to Remove SHX Text in AutoCAD 2016?

Understanding SHX Text in AutoCAD

SHX text refers to a specific font used in AutoCAD, which can sometimes appear incorrectly when exporting or printing drawings. This text is encapsulated within SHX files, which contain shape and font definitions. Knowing how to manage SHX text is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your drawings and ensuring they display correctly across different mediums.

Steps to Remove SHX Text in AutoCAD 2025

1. Open the Print Setup

   • Begin by launching your AutoCAD 2025 application and loading the drawing that contains SHX text.
   • Navigate to the "File" menu located in the upper left corner, and select "Print" or enter the command PLOT in the command line.

2. Configure the Printer Settings

   • In the Plot dialog, select "DWG to PDF.pc3" as your printer configuration.
   • Click on the "PDF Options" button found within the Print Setup window.

3. Adjust PDF Options

   • Locate the options related to layers and text. Uncheck the box labeled "Include layer information" to prevent SHX text from being included as comments in the PDF.

4. Save Settings

   • You have the option to save these settings either for the current drawing or for future use by adjusting the associated .pc3 file. Click "OK" to apply and exit the dialog.
5. Export the Drawing
   • Finally, initiate the printing process by clicking on "OK" in the Plot dialog. This will create a PDF file without the unwanted SHX text.

Turning Off SHX Text Rendering

For more comprehensive control, you can turn off SHX text rendering entirely:

1. Access the System Registry

   • Press WINDOWS-R to open the Run dialog. Enter REGEDIT and hit OK to launch the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the Relevant Key

   • Once in the Registry Editor, carefully navigate to the specific key related to AutoCAD settings.

3. Modify the SHX Setting

   • Locate the ‘(Default)’ value in the key and change its value from 1 to 0. This will effectively turn off the rendering of SHX text.
4. Exit the Registry Editor
   • Close the Registry Editor after making the change. Restart AutoCAD for the settings to take effect.

Understanding and Managing SHX Files

Before tackling SHX text, it’s essential to understand what SHX files are. These files contain compiled shape definitions and font data that AutoCAD uses to render text. They support various Type 1 PostScript fonts and are fundamental to the font system in AutoCAD.

Importing a SHX File into AutoCAD

If you need to import an SHX file, follow these steps:

1. Locate the SHX File

   • Find the compiled SHX file on your system or the designated AutoCAD fonts folder, typically located in C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2025\Fonts.

2. Use the Command Interface

   • In the command bar, type SHAPE and press Enter. A prompt will appear asking for the name of the shape you wish to import.
3. Complete the Import
   • Enter the shape name associated with the original drawing and hit Enter again to complete the import process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if SHX text is not removed?
If SHX text is not removed, it may appear as comments or markup in PDF exports, which can confuse viewers and detract from the professionalism of the document.

2. Can I permanently disable SHX text in my AutoCAD settings?
Yes, by changing the relevant registry settings as described, you can permanently disable SHX text rendering in AutoCAD.

3. How do I verify if my changes were successful?
After exporting a PDF, check the output file to ensure that SHX text does not appear as comments or annotations. If everything is correct, the PDF will only display the intended text.