How To Turn Off SHX In AutoCAD?

Understanding SHX Text in AutoCAD

SHX text refers to a file format used by AutoCAD that contains compiled shape and font data. These files, known as Shape Index Files, store definitions for custom text and shapes designed to be used within the AutoCAD environment. This article provides detailed instructions on how to disable SHX text, along with additional insights and tips for managing text visibility in AutoCAD.

Disabling SHX Text in AutoCAD

To turn off SHX text generation when exporting drawings to PDF, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Command Line: Start by accessing the command line interface within AutoCAD, where you can enter specific commands directly.

2. Set the EPDFSHX Variable:

   • Type EPDFSHX in the command line and press Enter.
   • When prompted, change the value to 0 (zero). This action disables the inclusion of SHX text in PDF exports.

3. Access the Plot Dialog:

   • Navigate to the top of the AutoCAD window and click on the Output tab.
   • From the Plot panel, select Plot to open the plot dialog box.

4. Select DWG to PDF:

   • In the plot dialog, make sure to choose DWG to PDF.pc3 from the list of plotters.

5. Adjust PDF Options:

   • Click on PDF Options within the plot dialog.
   • Uncheck the option labeled Include layer information to ensure that only the necessary data is included in the PDF file.
6. Finalize Settings:
   • After making your changes, click OK to save the updated settings.
   • You can choose to apply these settings to the current drawing or save them in the .pc3 file for future use.

Managing Object Visibility in AutoCAD

If you need to control the visibility of certain elements within your AutoCAD project, consider the following techniques:

• Hide Selected Objects:

  1. Select the objects you want to hide.
  2. Right-click and choose Isolate > Hide Objects. This allows you to focus on specific sections of your drawing without distractions.
• Utilize the Status Bar:
  • Use the buttons available on the Status Bar for quick access to isolation and visibility options.

Additional Concepts Related to SHX

What Exactly is an SHX File?

An SHX file serves as a compiled file format, essential for storing font and shape definitions in AutoCAD. It is often derived from SHP shape files or PFB font files and is crucial for displaying custom text within the application.

Hiding Text Boundaries

To eliminate visual clutter around text in your drawings:

1. Right-click in the drawing area.
2. Select Options from the context menu.
3. In the Options dialog, navigate to the Display tab.
4. Under Display Performance, either check or uncheck Show Text Boundary Frame Only.
5. Click OK to apply these changes. This will help in managing how text boundaries are displayed.

FAQ

1. How do I check if SHX text is being used in my drawing?
You can identify SHX text by selecting the text objects in your drawing. If they reference a shape or font defined in SHX files, they will typically be highlighted in the properties palette.

2. What are common issues when dealing with SHX files?
Users frequently encounter issues such as missing fonts or shapes, which can occur if the SHX files are not included with the drawing files during sharing. Ensure all relevant SHX files are available when opening or sharing your AutoCAD drawings.

3. Can I create my own SHX files?
Yes, you can generate your own SHX files using AutoCAD. Simply compile a shape file (.SHP) by using the COMPILE command, transforming it into the SHX format for use in your drawing projects.