2011

Table Of Contents
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.
To compile a shape or font file
On the command prompt, enter compile.
In the Select Shape 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.
Quick Reference
Commands
COMPILE
Compiles shape files and PostScript font files into SHX files.
LOAD
Makes shapes available for use by the SHAPE command.
454 | Chapter 8 Shapes and Shape Fonts