In AutoCAD, SHX font plays a significant role in determining the appearance of text in drawings. Understanding what SHX fonts are and how they work is crucial for anyone using AutoCAD for drafting and design purposes.
What is an SHX Font?
An SHX font, short for Shape eXtended, is a file format used by AutoCAD to store shape definitions of characters. These shapes are then used to display text in drawings. The SHX font files contain information about the design and structure of each character, including their size, outline, and stroke style.
Why Use SHX Fonts?
SHX fonts offer several advantages over other font formats:
- Customization: With SHX fonts, users can create their own custom characters or modify existing ones to suit their specific needs.
- Compactness: Unlike other font formats that store individual character shapes as separate files, SHX fonts store all characters in a single file. This makes them more compact and easier to manage.
- Compatibility: Since AutoCAD natively recognizes SHX fonts, there is no need for additional installations or conversions when sharing drawings with others.
Using SHX Fonts in AutoCAD
To use an SHX font in AutoCAD:
- Select the desired text object or specify the insertion point for new text.
- Type “style” on the command line or access the Text Style dialog box through the ribbon menu.
- In the Text Style dialog box, select “SHX” from the Font Name drop-down list.
- Choose the desired SHX font from the list of available fonts.
- Adjust other text properties like height, width factor, and obliquing angle as needed.
- Click “Apply” to see a preview of the chosen font style.
- Click “OK” to confirm and exit the Text Style dialog box.
Commonly Used SHX Fonts
AutoCAD comes with a variety of pre-installed SHX fonts. Some commonly used ones include:
- SIMPLEX.SHX: A simple and easy-to-read font suitable for most drafting purposes.
- Roman.shx: A classic serif font that adds a touch of elegance to drawings.
- Iso.shx: A font specifically designed for isometric drawings, with characters oriented at a 30-degree angle.
Tips for Working with SHX Fonts
To ensure optimal use of SHX fonts in AutoCAD:
- Avoid Scaling: Scaling text objects using non-uniform scaling factors can distort the appearance of characters in SHX fonts. It is best to stick to uniform scaling or adjust the text properties instead.
- Clean Up Unused Fonts: Over time, an excessive number of unused SHX fonts can clutter your system and slow down AutoCAD. Regularly review and remove any unnecessary or duplicate font files.
In conclusion, understanding the concept of SHX fonts is vital for AutoCAD users. By utilizing these unique font files, users can customize their drawings and ensure consistent text display across different platforms.