How Do I Open an SHX File in AutoCAD? A Complete Guide to Using SHX Files for Shapes, Fonts, and Line Types

SHX files are essential in AutoCAD for enhancing your drawings with custom symbols, shapes, and fonts. These files are frequently used in fields like architecture, engineering, and design to create detailed and precise representations. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to open and use SHX files in AutoCAD and explain their applications.

What is an SHX File?

An SHX file is a compiled shape file that contains custom shapes, fonts, or line types. SHX files are often used when the default AutoCAD tools are insufficient for specific project needs. Here are a few common uses:

• Custom Fonts: SHX files can store specialized text fonts for use in technical drawings.
• Shapes: Designers use shapes stored in SHX files to insert recurring symbols in their projects.
• Custom Line Types: For unique or complex line types, SHX files allow you to go beyond AutoCAD’s built-in options.

These files help to reduce file size and speed up the rendering of shapes and fonts compared to using blocks or external references. They are particularly useful when you need to insert a simple symbol multiple times, such as in engineering diagrams or architectural plans.

Can You Open an SHX File in AutoCAD?

Yes, AutoCAD fully supports SHX files, allowing you to load, insert, and use them in your drawings. The process includes loading the SHX file and using specific commands such as SHAPE to insert shapes or STYLE to apply custom fonts.

How to Load an SHX File in AutoCAD

Before you can use shapes or fonts from an SHX file, you need to ensure the SHX file is properly compiled and then loaded into AutoCAD. Here’s how:

Step 1: Ensure the SHX File is Compiled

If you only have an SHP file (shape definition file), you will need to compile it using the COMPILE command to generate an SHX file. Once compiled, the SHX file will be ready for loading into your project.

Step 2: Use the LOAD Command

To load an SHX file, follow these steps:

1. Open AutoCAD and type LOAD in the command line.
2. A dialog box will appear. Navigate to the location of your SHX file and select it.
3. Once loaded, the shapes, fonts, or line types defined in the SHX file will be available in your current drawing.

Step 3: Insert Shapes with the SHAPE Command

Now that the SHX file is loaded, you can insert shapes using the SHAPE command.

1. Type SHAPE in the command line.
2. When prompted, enter the name of the shape you want to insert. If you’re unsure of the name, type ? followed by * to list all available shapes.
3. Choose the shape from the command line and specify the insertion point, scale, and rotation angle.

If the command line moves too fast, press F2 to view your command history, making it easier to track the steps.

Example of Using SHAPE Command

If you don’t know the name of the shape you need to insert, you can list all available shapes by following these steps:

• Command: SHAPE
• Enter shape name or ?: ?
• Enter shape name(s) to list *:

After running this command, you’ll see a list of available shape names in the command line. Select the shape you need and follow the prompts to set its size and placement in your drawing.

Working with SHX Fonts in AutoCAD

SHX files can also store custom fonts, making them ideal for adding specialized text to your AutoCAD drawings. Here’s how to apply SHX fonts:

Step 1: Load the SHX Font

You can load the SHX file as mentioned earlier using the LOAD command.

Step 2: Define a Text Style with the STYLE Command

Once the SHX font is loaded, you need to define a text style that uses the font:

1. Type STYLE in the command line.
2. In the Text Style dialog, create a new style and select your SHX font from the list.
3. You can now use this style to add text to your drawings.

SHX fonts are often preferred in technical drawings because they load faster and reduce file size compared to TrueType fonts.

Importing SHP Files in AutoCAD

If you’re working with geospatial data, SHP files (ESRI Shape Files) are commonly used to store geometry and attributes for features. These files are often part of GIS workflows, and AutoCAD provides a way to import them.

Step 1: Go to the Insert Tab

• Navigate to the Insert tab and click on the Import panel.

Step 2: Select the SHP File Type

• In the Import Location dialog box, under Files of Type, select SHP.

Step 3: Choose the File and Set Import Options

• Select the SHP file you want to import and configure the spatial filters and coordinate system, if necessary. You can choose to limit the imported data to specific areas within your drawing.

Step 4: Complete the Import Process

• Once everything is set, click OK to import the SHP file into your drawing.

Note: If the Map Import command is not available in your version of AutoCAD, you can use the -MAPIMPORT command as an alternative.

Troubleshooting SHX Files

Working with SHX files can sometimes present challenges. Here are a few common issues and solutions:

• File Not Loading: If the SHX file doesn’t load, it may be corrupted or incompatible with your AutoCAD version. Ensure the file is properly compiled and try again.
• Incorrect Shape Scaling: Make sure to adjust the scale factor correctly when inserting shapes. If the shape appears too large or too small, modify the insertion scale during the SHAPE command.
• Missing Shapes or Fonts: If you reopen a drawing and find shapes or fonts missing, it’s possible the SHX file was not available. Ensure that the SHX file is in the same directory as your drawing or reload the file using the LOAD command.

Tips for Efficient Use of SHX Files

• Speed Up Your Workflow: Using SHX files for shapes instead of blocks can reduce file size and increase rendering speed.
• Customize Fonts and Line Types: If the default options in AutoCAD don’t meet your needs, consider creating custom SHX fonts and line types.
• F2 for Command History: If the command line scrolls too quickly when entering shape commands, press F2 to bring up the full history.

Conclusion

Using SHX files in AutoCAD is a powerful way to enhance your drawings with custom symbols, shapes, and fonts. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily load, manage, and insert SHX files in your projects. Whether you’re designing architectural layouts, engineering plans, or creating custom text styles, SHX files will streamline your workflow and increase efficiency.