What Is AutoCAD SHX Text?

Understanding SHX Text in AutoCAD

What is SHX Text?

SHX text is a type of font file utilized by AutoCAD for representing both text and shapes within drawings. The SHX file format facilitates the use of custom shapes and fonts that are compiled specifically for use with AutoCAD. These files serve to enhance the graphical representation of text elements in designs, often used in architectural and engineering plans. By encapsulating font definitions and shape outlines, SHX files help maintain clarity and precision in the rendering of drawings.

How to Work with SHX Fonts in AutoCAD

1. Accessing SHX Fonts:

   • Navigate to the location where your SHX files are stored.
   • To incorporate an SHX font into your drawing, either use the command line or the text styling options available in AutoCAD.

2. Inserting an SHX File:

   • Open AutoCAD and click on the command bar at the bottom.
   • Type the command TEXT or MTEXT to start a text entry.
   • When prompted for the text style, select or input your desired SHX font name.
3. Adjusting SHX Text Size:
   • Right-click within the drawing space and select “Preferences”.
   • Go to the “Display” tab and click on “Fonts”.
   • Choose your preferred font size and settings and click “Apply & Close”.

Importing SHX Files into Your Drawings

To import an SHX file, follow these steps:

1. Locate the compiled SHX file on your computer.
2. Double-click the file or use the command bar to enter the IMPORT command.
3. Provide the name associated with the shape in the original file, then hit “Enter”.
4. AutoCAD will process the file and the shape will be integrated into your current drawing.

Troubleshooting SHX Fonts

If you experience issues with SHX fonts, use the following recommendations:

1. Font Availability:

   • Ensure the specific SHX font file is located in the designated AutoCAD fonts directory.
   • If it is missing, copy the font file into the appropriate folder and restart AutoCAD to refresh the font list.
2. Checking Read-Only Status:
   • Right-click on the folder that contains your SHX files and go to “Properties”.
   • Verify that the folder’s settings do not restrict editing, as this might prevent AutoCAD from accessing the fonts effectively.

Removing SHX Text from Outputs

To exclude SHX text when exporting to PDF or other formats:

1. In the print setup dialog, locate the section labeled “Comments and Forms”.
2. Choose the “Document Only” option to ensure that SHX text does not appear as comments in the resulting file.
3. Proceed with the printing/exporting process to finalize your document without the unwanted text.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I convert SHX files to other formats?
Yes, while SHX files are primarily used within AutoCAD, you can convert them using specific software designed for file format conversion, or by exporting your AutoCAD drawings to a compatible format such as DWG or DXF.

2. What should I do if an SHX font is not displaying properly?
First, confirm that the font is indeed present in your fonts directory. If issues persist, verify that your AutoCAD software is updated to the latest version and consider reinstalling the font file if necessary.

3. Are there limitations on the types of shapes in SHX files?
Yes, SHX files are particularly designed for specific tasks and might not support all font types or complex graphical elements. Ensure you use fonts specifically optimized for AutoCAD to avoid rendering issues.