shx

SHX is a font format used primarily by AutoCAD and other CAD programs to render text as a collection of vector shapes. Files use the .shx extension and contain glyph definitions that describe each character as lines and arcs rather than as bitmap outlines or TrueType outlines. The format is designed to be compact and scalable, providing consistent rendering across devices and plotters.

SHX fonts are typically used in engineering and architectural drawings where precise sizing and device-independent rendering are important. They are especially common in environments that rely on pen plotters, printers, and older CAD workflows. The glyphs are defined in a way that avoids the font hinting requirements of bitmap fonts and ensures predictability when scaled.

Creating and modifying SHX fonts usually requires specialized tools. Original sources may be written in a font editor or programming language provided by CAD vendors; the final product is compiled into an SHX file. Because SHX fonts are not TrueType-based, editing text in SHX often means replacing the font entirely rather than tweaking individual glyphs.

Compatibility and conversion: Most CAD software can display SHX fonts, but non-CAD programs may render them poorly or not at all. Some tools can convert SHX to TrueType or convert text in drawings to a different font, though complex glyphs and diacritics may not map perfectly. For long-term archiving, many workflows prefer standard TrueType or OpenType fonts, while SHX remains common in legacy CAD archives.