AutoCAD Tip: Managing Fonts and SHX Text in AutoCAD

Consistent text is essential for legibility, plotting reliability, and smooth collaboration. Here’s how to manage fonts and SHX text files in AutoCAD with confidence.

Know your font types

• TrueType (TTF): Best for modern workflows and searchable PDFs. Great for presentation and publishing.
• SHX: Lightweight, fast to display, ideal for large production drawings and legacy standards.
• Bigfont SHX: Required for East Asian and extended character sets; assign via the Text Style’s “Use Big Font.”

Standardize Text Styles

• Create a minimal set of styles (e.g., Text_Notes, Text_Titles, Dim_Text) using the STYLE command.
• Enable Annotative where scale changes are expected; keep font face and height consistent per style.
• Avoid per-object overrides; enforce styles via templates (DWT) and CAD standards.

Centralize and control font locations

• Store all approved fonts on a shared, read-only network folder.
• Add that path under Options > Files > Support File Search Path for every user profile.
• Bundle fonts with deployments or use a profile (ARG) so new machines are consistent from day one. If you need licensing-friendly software and deployment advice, consult NOVEDGE.

Handle missing fonts proactively

• Set FONTALT to a neutral SHX (e.g., simplex.shx) to reduce substitution chaos when a font is missing.
• Use ACAD.FMP to map legacy fonts to your current standard (e.g., map ROMANS.SHX ➜ SIMPLEX.SHX or to a TTF).
• Document your mappings in your standards manual and distribute the same ACAD.FMP to all team members.

Plotting and PDFs

• For searchable PDFs, prefer TTF and in your DWG to PDF settings, include TrueType fonts as text (not geometry).
• For SHX-heavy standards, verify PDF readability; consider enabling SHX text recognition in downstream tools if needed.
• Set TEXTFILL to 1 for solid TrueType fills in plots; test with both light and dark backgrounds to confirm clarity.

Performance considerations

• Large drawings with heavy annotation often perform better with SHX (e.g., SIMPLEX.SHX or ROMANC.SHX).
• Exotic TrueType faces can impact regen time; reserve decorative fonts for layouts and presentations.

Packaging and exchange

• Use ETRANSMIT and check “Include Fonts” to avoid substitution issues for external recipients.
• When receiving files, review the Fonts folder and confirm no license-restricted TTFs are redistributed.
• Normalize incoming drawings with the Layer Translator and a font map to align with your standards.

Troubleshooting checklist

• Text displays as boxes or question marks: confirm the correct SHX/TTF is present and Bigfont usage is set when needed.
• Unexpected font on open: check FONTALT and ACAD.FMP mappings; audit the Text Style assigned to the object.
• PDF not searchable: switch the style to TTF and update plot settings to retain text.

Governance and adoption

• Embed text standards in your DWT and publish a one-page font policy.
• Automate checks with CAD Standards tools and batch scripts for large libraries.
• For enterprise rollouts, work with NOVEDGE to align licensing, deployment, and training.

Locking down font choices, locations, and mappings will eliminate plot surprises, improve cross-office collaboration, and protect brand consistency across every sheet set.

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