AutoCAD SHX Text Appears as PDF Comments
PDF reviewers see many AutoCAD SHX Text comments or annotation markers even though the plotted text looks correct. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
Symptoms — confirm exactly what is wrong
- PDF reviewers see many AutoCAD SHX Text comments or annotation markers even though the plotted text looks correct.
- Check whether all text is affected or only one text style/font.
- Compare the same sample in AutoCAD, Plot Preview and the final PDF so you know when the substitution begins.
Beginner rule: Change one setting at a time. After each change, repeat the same test so you know what actually fixed the problem.
30-second triage: Run STYLE and identify the actual font behind the affected text. If Preview is already wrong, fix the drawing/font environment. If Preview is right but PDF is wrong, inspect PDF font handling.
Likely causes — check these in order
| Likely cause | Why it creates this symptom | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| SHX PDF behavior | SHX text is exported as geometry and can create PDF comments/hidden text depending on PDFSHX. | Check the drawing’s SHX styles and the PDFSHX setting. |
| Source font is missing | AutoCAD substitutes or fails to display a missing SHX/TrueType font. | Run STYLE and inspect the affected text style for a missing-font warning. |
| PDF PC3/preset differs | A different PDF preset can change quality, fonts, layers and other output behavior. | Compare the current PDF PC3 with the known-good project preset. |
For the underlying setup behind these checks, use SHX Text PDFs and the PDFSHX Setting and AutoCAD PDF Fonts: Capture Fonts vs Convert Text to Geometry while you diagnose the symptom.
Diagnostic path — isolate the responsible setting
Work through the checks in order. Do not apply a fix until its diagnostic check differs from the known-good project standard.
Diagnostic 1 — SHX PDF behavior
Where: Command line > PDFSHX and STYLE.
Do this: Check the drawing’s SHX styles and the PDFSHX setting.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 2 — Source font is missing
Where: Command line > STYLE, then inspect the affected text style/font.
Do this: Run STYLE and inspect the affected text style for a missing-font warning.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 3 — PDF PC3/preset differs
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify.
Do this: Compare the current PDF PC3 with the known-good project preset.
Check: If this also matches the known-good setup, use the isolation test below instead of changing unrelated settings.
Fixes — use only the fix that matches your diagnosis
Fix 1 — Set the intended SHX PDF behavior
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that SHX PDF behavior.
Do this: Use the project-approved PDFSHX value so SHX text creates comments/hidden text/geometry behavior as required.
Check: Preview the same sample text, then create a PDF and compare the characters/font.
Fix 2 — Install or replace the missing font
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Source font is missing.
Do this: Install the required TrueType font in the OS or place the required SHX in an AutoCAD support/font path. Reopen the drawing and verify STYLE.
Check: Preview the same sample text, then create a PDF and compare the characters/font.
Fix 3 — Return to the approved PDF preset
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that PDF PC3/preset differs.
Do this: Select the known-good project PDF PC3 and its PDF options. Compare the same Layout before changing drawing content.
Check: Preview the same sample text, then create a PDF and compare the characters/font.
Verification — prove the fix before full production
- Reopen STYLE and confirm the intended SHX/TrueType font is available.
- Run Plot Preview on a sample containing the affected text and symbols.
- Create a PDF and compare typeface, width, weight and special characters.
- If searchability matters, test PDF search/select behavior under the approved font strategy.
Still not fixed? Use an isolation test
Open the same DWG on a workstation known to have the office fonts, then create the PDF with the same preset. A different result strongly points to font installation/substitution or PDF font handling.
Prevention — reduce the chance of recurrence
- Standardize approved office TrueType and SHX fonts and deploy them consistently.
- Keep font files and support paths under CAD/IT control where licensing permits.
- Use one font test sheet that includes normal text and special symbols.
- Document the PDF policy for Capture Fonts, Convert Text to Geometry and PDFSHX.
Official Autodesk references
Use these references when the interface, driver or plot-style behavior on your workstation differs from the checks above.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first?
Start with SHX PDF behavior. Use the quick check in the diagnostic section before changing anything else.
What if that check is correct?
Move to Source font is missing. The goal is to eliminate causes one at a time, not to change several settings together.
Should I use Fit to Paper for a font problem?
No. Fit to Paper changes sheet scale; it does not repair a missing font, substitution or PDF font-handling problem.
Explore more in CAD Printing & Plotting Troubleshooting.