As CAD managers, drafters, and designers, we all need at some point to look at a pdf file, import the file, and in some instances use and edit the text as well. This post will show you how to convert SHX font geometry to text after importing a PDF file in AutoCAD. You ensure good text recognition by specifying the SHX font name used. Unlike other fonts, SHX fonts import as lines, arcs, circles, and other geometry instead of text.
AutoCAD will compile the shapefile into an SHX file. An SHX file is a smaller, high-performance file containing all of the data on a shapefile. Unlike shapefiles, they cannot be edited. Click on the 'Command' bar at the bottom of the window, type 'Load' and then press the 'Enter' key. Many AutoCAD users who handle geospatial information need to work with ESRI Shapefiles (SHP), by downloading these files from the web or by collaborating with others GIS users, and their basic need is to import these kinds of files into AutoCAD by transforming the Shapefiles features into AutoCAD objects. AutoLISP: Purge Missing SHX files Posted on June 3, 2013 by AutoCAD Tips If you have drawings that are constantly missing SHX (shape) files, the routine posted below is now your friend. To locate default folder for SHX font click on application menu and select options. In options window click on files tab and expand support file search path you will see location where font is installed. Now copy SHX font and go to fonts folder and paste font in it, default location of font folder for AutoCAD 2016 is. Convert online shp file shx file gis to autocad format below link it is very easy and fast to convert shp file to autocad https.
PDF files are the most common file format used when exchanging design information between designers, contractors, clients, and others. AutoCAD 2017 introduced the ability to import PDF files. The PDFIMPORT command imports PDF data into AutoCAD as 2D geometry, TrueType text, and images.
Open Shx File In Autocad
Let’s first import the data. On the insert tab of the Ribbon select the PDF Import button.
Notes: Adobe’s PDF file format doesn’t recognize AutoCAD SHX fonts. When a PDF file is created from an AutoCAD drawing, text that was defined with SHX fonts is stored in the PDF as geometry. When you import the file you get lines and arcs that define the text object. With AutoCAD 2018 you have a new text recognition tool that enables you to select imported PDF geometry representing SHX text and convert it to text objects. You can find this on the import tab of the Ribbon as shown.
After selecting the file you will see the Import PDF dialog box where you will have several options on how you want the file to be imported.
- PDF data to import: Options to select how your data will import.
- Do you want layers?
- Preview of the imported file.
- Import options – several options for blocks, hatches, and lineweights.
- Alternate options for importing the file
- Select OK.
Once you drawing is imported follow the workflow on the ribbon. Here is where you can recognize the SHX Text, Change Settings and Combine Text.
Here is a quick Video showing you how to import a PDF file into AutoCAD and then Recognize the SHX text changing those lines to editable text objects.
That’s all my friends – enjoy the rest your weekend and I will see you in Vegas at Autodesk University 2018! This may be my last post for a while as I have to study, prepare, and practice on my weekends and nights while also spending time with my family and friends.
Have a great rest of the weekend and start to your week wherever in the World you may be!
Until next month, Sam
AutoCAD generally supports two type of fonts TrueType with TTF extension and shape font with SHX extension. TrueType is Windows native font type which comes ready-made with your windows installation but shape fonts are AutoCAD specific fonts which are installed along with AutoCAD.
In this article, I will explain methods of installing both the types of fonts and the best practices for transferring files containing these custom fonts. You can download TTF and SHX fonts used in this article from this link.
I have created this video which explains this tip clearly. However, if you prefer to read the article instead then scroll down.
Installing Truetype Font:
To install the TrueType or TTF font simply right-click on it and select Install from the right contextual menu as shown in the image 1 below. For installing this font, you need to have administrator access on your PC.
Once the font is installed close the AutoCAD window completely and restart a new AutoCAD session, the font will now be among the list of fonts.
Installing Shape Font:
Installing a shape font is a little bit different from installing a Truetype font. In this case, you need to copy paste the SHX font file in the font directory of AutoCAD installation. You can find the path of SHX fonts using options window.
Shx File Format
Type OP on the command line and press enter, then select File tab and expand the Support File Search Path tree and you will see the path where SHX fonts are installed as shown in the image 2 below.
Go to “C:Program FilesAutodeskAutoCAD 201XFonts” folder where X represents the version number of AutoCAD and copy paste the SHX font file. You will need administrator privileges for copying this font.
Once the fonts are copied restart the AutoCAD session and you will have your SHX font in the list of AutoCAD fonts.
Transferring files with custom font:
The fonts mentioned in the article above are installed on your local PC and when you use them in your drawing it will remain visible only on your PC. If you transfer this AutoCAD file containing custom font to the recipient who does not have this font then AutoCAD will display a substituted font or it will not display text at all.
To get rid of this problem you need to ensure that fonts are always captured with your drawing.
You can do that by E-transmitting your drawing with the font and if you are transferring the file as PDF then you should ensure that TTF fonts are captured in the PDF file and shape fonts are converted into geometries because PDF’s does not recognize shape font.
To transfer the drawing with fonts, save your drawing then type ETRANSMIT and press enter. Click on transmittal setups button on the Create Transmittal window and select Modify. In the Modify Transmittal Setup window select the Include fonts check box as shown in the image 3 below and click on OK to close all open windows.
Your transmittal package will now contain any additional fonts used in the drawing.
If you are transferring drawing using a PDF plotter then ensure that fonts are either captured in the PDF or they are converted into geometries.
To do this select the PDF plotter like DWG to PDF.pc3 from the Plot window and select the PDF Options button and then ensure that “Capture fonts” option is selected for TTF fonts or “Convert all text to geometry” option is checked for shape fonts as shown in the image below.
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