Where Are AutoCAD Fonts Stored?

by

When working with AutoCAD, you may come across the need to customize the fonts used in your drawings. Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or to match specific project requirements, knowing where AutoCAD stores its fonts can be essential. In this article, we will explore the different locations where AutoCAD fonts are stored and how you can access them.

Default AutoCAD Fonts Location

If you are using a standard installation of AutoCAD, the default location where the program stores its fonts is the Windows Fonts folder. This folder is typically located at:

C:\Windows\Fonts

When you install AutoCAD on your computer, it automatically adds its own set of fonts to this system folder. These fonts are then available for use within the AutoCAD software.

Using Custom Fonts in AutoCAD

In addition to the default fonts provided by AutoCAD, you can also use custom fonts in your drawings. These custom fonts can be stored in different locations depending on your preferences.

1. Local Fonts Folder

If you have specific font files that you want to use exclusively in your AutoCAD drawings, you can store them in a local folder on your computer. To do this:

  1. Create a new folder on your computer’s hard drive or any desired location.
  2. Copy and paste or move the font files (.ttf or .shx) into this newly created folder.
  3. In AutoCAD, open the ‘Options’ dialog box by typing ‘OPTIONS’ in the command line.
  4. Navigate to the ‘Files’ tab and click on ‘Support File Search Path’.
  5. Add the path to your local fonts folder using the ‘Add’ button.
  6. Click ‘OK’ to save the changes.

Now, AutoCAD will be able to recognize and use the fonts stored in your custom folder. Make sure to restart AutoCAD for the changes to take effect.

2. Network Fonts Folder

If you work in a collaborative environment or want to share specific fonts with others over a network, you can store them in a shared network folder. To do this:

  1. Create a shared network folder accessible by all users who need access to the fonts.shx) into this shared network folder.
  2. Add the path to your network fonts folder using the ‘Add’ button.

Now, all users who have access to this shared network folder will be able to utilize these fonts within AutoCAD.

Conclusion

In summary, AutoCAD stores its default fonts in the Windows Fonts folder. However, you can also utilize custom fonts by storing them locally on your computer or in a shared network folder. By following these steps, you can easily access and use different fonts within your AutoCAD drawings, allowing for greater customization and flexibility in your projects.