Xarab.shx is a specific Arabic SHX font used primarily in older versions of AutoCAD to display Arabic text correctly. Because AutoCAD's native text engine historically struggled with right-to-left languages and the "gluing" of Arabic characters, custom SHX shape files like Xarab were developed to render these scripts as a series of pen strokes rather than standard system fonts. 🛠️ Installation & Setup
To use Xarab.shx, you must place the file in a location AutoCAD can index. Method 1: Default Fonts Folder Close AutoCAD completely.
Navigate to: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD [Version]\Fonts. Paste the Xarab.shx file into this directory. Restart AutoCAD to load the new font. Method 2: Custom Support Path
If you prefer to keep your custom fonts in a separate folder (e.g., on a company server):
How to install a new or custom font for use in AutoCAD products - Autodesk
Xarab.shx is a specialized shape font used in AutoCAD, primarily designed to support Arabic script within technical drawings. Unlike standard TrueType fonts (TTF), SHX fonts are "shape-based," meaning they are composed of simple vector lines or "pen strokes". Key Features and Use Cases
Arabic Language Support: This font is often used to ensure that Arabic characters display correctly and in the proper right-to-left orientation within legacy CAD environments.
Performance: SHX fonts are typically faster to render and plot than TTF counterparts, making them ideal for complex architectural plans where performance is critical.
Compatibility: It is frequently required to open older drawings that used this specific font to avoid the common "Missing SHX Files" error in AutoCAD. How to Install Xarab.shx
If you are receiving an error that this font is missing, you can install it using these steps from the Autodesk Support Page: Xarab.shx Autocad Font
Locate the File: Find the xarab.shx file on your computer or download it from a trusted CAD resource.
Copy to Fonts Folder: Copy the file and paste it into the AutoCAD Fonts directory. The typical path is: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD [Version]\Fonts
Restart AutoCAD: Close and reopen the program for the font to be recognized in the text style list. Modifying the Font
For advanced users looking to customize the font characters, the file must be converted from its compiled binary format (.shx) back to an editable text-based shape format (.shp) using tools like DUMPSHX.EXE. Once modified, it must be recompiled using the COMPILE command within AutoCAD to be usable again.
"One or more SHX files are missing. What do you want to do ... - Autodesk
Fonts folder from Windows 7 to Windows 11, but the file was quarantined by antivirus (rare, but happens).You need the actual Xarab.shx file in your AutoCAD Fonts folder.
C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD [Version]\Fonts\Xarab.shx and Xarab Big.shx (for complex big fonts) to a USB drive.C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD [Version]\R[XX]\chs\Fonts (or the main install directory).One of the biggest misconceptions about Xarab.shx is that it stores text visually. It does not. AutoCAD stores text logically (left-to-right in memory) but displays it right-to-left.
For example, the word "كتاب" (Book):
Xarab.shx contains the glyph definitions that allow AutoCAD to perform this reversal on the fly. This is why copying text from AutoCAD to Notepad often results in reversed gibberish. Why is it missing
You have three options to resolve this: Substitution, Conversion, or Recreation.
While Xarab.shx does not appear to be a standard or documented AutoCAD font, its hypothetical existence underscores the broader demand for Arabic script support in technical drawing environments. The challenge lies not in the SHX format itself, but in adapting it to cursive, context-dependent scripts. Until AutoCAD fully integrates RTL and contextual shaping at the SHX level, users must rely on TrueType fonts or custom solutions. For anyone seeking Xarab.shx, verifying the exact filename and source — or switching to a verified Arabic TrueType font — remains the most practical path forward.
font is a specialized legacy AutoCAD shape-compiled font primarily used for displaying Arabic text
in technical drawings. Unlike modern TrueType fonts (TTF), SHX fonts are stroke-based and specifically optimized for older CAD plotting engines, though they often require specialized workflows to display and print correctly today. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Technical Specifications File Format: (Compiled Shape/Font file). Primary Language Support: Font Type: Stroke/Vector font (Old-school ASCII-based). Compatibility: Works natively in AutoCAD LT ; generally not supported in BIM software like without conversion. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Key Issues & Common Problems Using Xarab.shx often presents specific technical hurdles: Installing font into AutoCAD (Arabic) - Forums, Autodesk
a legacy AutoCAD "Big Font" file used to display Arabic text
. Unlike modern TrueType fonts (TTF), it maps standard English keyboard characters (ASCII 32–127) to Arabic glyphs. This means if you type "A" with this font active, you will see an Arabic letter instead of an English one. Safe Software How to Use Xarab.shx in AutoCAD
To use or "create content" with this font, follow these steps:
"One or more SHX files are missing. What do you want to do ... - Autodesk 17 Nov 2025 —
font is a legacy AutoCAD "compiled shape" font specifically designed to display Arabic text in drawings. Because it is an SHX font rather than a TrueType (TTF) font, it functions by mapping standard ASCII English characters to Arabic glyphs. Google Groups Key Technical Characteristics Legacy Mapping Clean Installation: Autodesk stopped including Xarab
: Unlike modern Unicode fonts, Xarab.shx typically uses English letter inputs to represent Arabic letters. For example, typing "a" might display a specific Arabic character. Vector-Based
: As an SHX file, it is composed of simple vector lines (strokes) rather than filled outlines, making it highly efficient for plotting and reducing file size in large technical drawings. File Format : It is a compiled version of a
(shape definition) file. To modify it, you must decompile it using tools like DUMPSHX.EXE from old AutoCAD Express Tools. Bentley Systems Installation Guide
To use Xarab.shx, you must manually place the file in AutoCAD's specific font directory: Close AutoCAD : Ensure the program is not running. Locate the Fonts Folder : Navigate to your installation directory, typically: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD [Version]\Fonts Paste the File : Copy the file into this folder. Alternative Path : You can also add a custom folder to the Support File Search Path under AutoCAD Options > Files to keep your custom fonts separate from system files. Restart AutoCAD
: Relaunch the application for the font to appear in your Text Style list. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Common Issues & Troubleshooting AutoCAD 2016 does not read Arabic Font with XARB-style
Unlike Latin fonts where a is always a, Arabic letters change shape. Xarab.shx contains four variations for each letter:
When you type "ب ب ب" (three B's), Xarab.shx automatically selects the initial, medial, and final forms to create a cursive string. If you substitute Xarab with Arial, you lose this connection, resulting in broken, stand-alone letters.
You will rarely create a drawing using Xarab.shx if you work in an English-only environment. However, you will inevitably receive one.