AutoCAD font and shape files (SHX) are compiled from shape definition files (SHP). You can create or modify shape definition files with a text editor or word processor that saves files in ASCII format.
Topics in this section
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Shape Descriptions
AutoCAD font and shape files (SHX) are compiled from shape definition files (SHP). You can create or modify shape definition files with a text editor or word processor that saves files in ASCII format.
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Vector Length and Direction Code
A simple shape specification byte contains vector length and direction encoded into one specification byte.
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Special Codes
In addition to defining vectors, a specification byte can use special codes to create additional forms and specify certain actions.
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Text Font Descriptions
Text fonts must include a special shape number 0 that conveys information about the font itself.
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Sample Files
This topic contains sample files that help extend the font characters provided with AutoCAD.
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Big Font Descriptions
Some languages, such as Japanese, use text fonts with thousands of non-ASCII characters. In order for drawings to contain such text, AutoCAD supports a special form of shape definition file called a Big Font file.
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Unicode Font Descriptions
A single Unicode font, due to its large character set, is capable of supporting all languages and platforms. Unicode shape definition files are virtually identical in format and syntax to regular AutoCAD shape definition files.
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Superscripts and Subscripts in SHX Files
You can modify shape definition files to improve their ability to display superscripts and subscripts.