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Compile PostScript Fonts
To use a Type 1 PostScript font in AutoCAD, you must first compile it into an
AutoCAD shape file. The COMPILE command accepts both SHP and PFB files
as input and generates an SHX file. Compiled versions of PostScript fonts can
take a lot of disk space, so compile only those fonts you use frequently.
AutoCAD cannot compile and load every Type 1 font. The PostScript font
facilities in AutoCAD are intended to process a subset of Adobe fonts. If you
receive an error while compiling a PostScript font, the resulting SHX file (if
one is generated) may not load into AutoCAD.
For more information on the Adobe Type 1 font format, refer to Adobe Type1
Font Format Version 1.1. When you've purchased and installed these fonts, you
can begin using them with AutoCAD.
NOTE Make sure you understand any copyright that accompanies the PostScript
fonts you use. The same copyright restrictions generally apply to the SHX form of
fonts you've compiled.
Overview of Shape Files
To compile a shape or font file
 At the Command prompt, enter compile and press Enter.
In the Select Shape or Font File dialog box, you can select a shape definition
file (SHP) or PostScript font file (PFB). After you select the file name, compiling
begins. If AutoCAD finds an error in the shape descriptions, a message is
displayed telling you the type of error and the line number. When compiling
is complete, the following messages are displayed:
Compilation successful.
Output file name.shx contains nnn bytes.
Create Shape Definition Files
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.
110 | Chapter 8 Shapes and Shape Fonts