topic Re: Creating custom text symbols? in AutoCAD Forum

Creating custom text symbols?

russel — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:50:17 GMT

I'm trying to create custom symbols in AutoCAD 2018 that I can insert from the text formatting dialog box. I made these symbols into a block but I use them so often that placing them as a block becomes to time consuming. I tried to use the MKSHAPE command but had no luck, everytime I tried to select the object it kept saying 0 items found. any help would be great thanks.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

dbroad — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:01:48 GMT

I haven't confirmed this but I believe that, in order to add special symbols, you need to work with a font file, specifically a SHP file that is used for fonts. After adding the symbol (or replacing an existing symbol, you would compile the SHP file to SHX file. If you think MKshape is enough, then you would need to compile the shape using the compile command.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

TheCADnoob — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:07:39 GMT

you can also go the OS route

https://www.thesourcecad.com/custom-font-symbol-autocad/

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

russel — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:10:25 GMT

I tried the OS route but the symbols looked a little sloppy, not as good when drawn in autocad.

where can I find the .SHP files and is it fairly easy to insert or edit an existing symbol?

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

john.vellek — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:14:55 GMT

Hi @russel,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

It appears that you are getting some great suggestions in this thread. I would like to offer a note of caution however.

I frequently see requests for custom fonts that were used in such a manner. These fonts are created by a user of firm and then over time get lost. Without the font being installed, the drawings that used special characters from the font no longer perform correctly as the font will get an alternate font displayed.

So, while they can save some effort in the production process they can also create quite a headache at a later time.

My point is that you need to consider the impact in the future if your font is no longer available.

To get around this, I usually have a "note" block with the special characters that are derived from a "standard" font family. I can copy and paste fairly quickly from it and i have less fear that they will show up incorrectly in the future.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

TheCADnoob — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:57:29 GMT

I have read that express tools has something to convert shx to shp though ive never gone through the process. See the link below. @rkmcswain posted at cad tutor

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?81298-Converting-AutoCAD-SHX-to-SHP

Also i agree with @john.vellek. The font route does not survive time. If the information is crucial to the document i would consider another route.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

russel — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:58:30 GMT

thanks for all the help.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

Kent1Cooper — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 20:05:50 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

.... I believe that, in order to add special symbols, you need to work with a font file, specifically a SHP file that is used for fonts. After adding the symbol (or replacing an existing symbol, you would compile the SHP file to SHX file. ....

That is correct. I built a font once -- it's challenging, but doable. You could add characters to an existing font if you have the .SHP file for it. If it's a significant-enough issue for you, it's probably worth studying up on it in the Customization Guide -- see the Shape and Shape Fonts category near the bottom of this page.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

john.vellek — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 19:55:20 GMT

Hi @russel,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

russel — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 19:57:56 GMT

for the time being im going to make them into a W-Block and just insert them manually until I become more familiar with autocad. thanks.

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

russel — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 17:57:43 GMT

how do I get into the SHP files?

Re: Creating custom text symbols?

john.vellek — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 19:11:17 GMT

Hi @russel,

SHP files are not compiled so you should be able to use a simple text editor such as Notepad to open the SHP file. Once you are done with your edits then you will need to use COMPILE to convert the SHP into a SHX file which can then be loaded into AutoCAD.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.