SHX Text in AutoCAD PDFs and the PDFSHX Setting
PDF does not store AutoCAD SHX text as normal TrueType text, so AutoCAD preserves SHX visually as geometry and can add comments or hidden text for searchability. PDFSHX controls that extra behavior.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Understand why SHX text creates comments or hidden text and set PDFSHX intentionally.
Where to start: Open a drawing that actually uses SHX text and create a test PDF.
Beginner rule: Do not change PDFSHX just because you saw AutoCAD SHX Text once. Decide whether the project needs searchable SHX text, comments or geometry-only output.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Confirm SHX text
Where: STYLE / text style font.
Do this: Identify a style using .shx.
Check: Test sheet contains SHX text.
Step 2 — Read PDFSHX
Where: Command line > PDFSHX.
Do this: Record current value.
Check: Current behavior is known.
Step 3 — Understand the values
Where: Command line/documentation.
Do this: 0=no added text; 1=comments; 2=hidden text in current supported behavior.
Check: Choice is intentional.
Step 4 — Create a test PDF
Where: Plot/Export.
Do this: Use current value.
Check: SHX appearance is preserved.
Step 5 — Inspect comments/search
Where: PDF viewer.
Do this: Check SHX comment/hidden-text behavior.
Check: Behavior matches setting.
Step 6 — Choose project standard
Where: CAD/PDF standard.
Do this: Keep the value meeting review/search requirements.
Check: Users do not vary ad hoc.
Beginner example
If reviewers complain about visible AutoCAD SHX Text comments in a PDF viewer, PDFSHX is the setting to investigate—not viewport scale or CTB.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
SHX is geometric
Unlike TrueType, it is not normal selectable PDF text.
PDFSHX adds a searchable/comment layer
Appearance remains geometric.
Viewer behavior matters
Some viewers expose comments differently.
Useful next guides: AutoCAD PDF Fonts: Capture Fonts vs Convert Text to Geometry · Text Missing from AutoCAD PDF · AutoCAD PDF Is Slow to Open or Print: What to Check · AutoCAD PDF Presets Explained · PDF & Publishing
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| Many SHX comments | PDFSHX creates comments and viewer shows them | Use approved hidden or none behavior. |
| SHX not searchable | Geometry-only output | Use approved searchable mode if required. |
| Text wrong before PDF | SHX font missing | Fix source font. |
| Users differ | PDFSHX settings differ | Standardize. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Document PDFSHX as part of the office PDF standard if SHX text is common and test in the client’s actual viewer.
Official Autodesk references
AutoCAD labels and available media can vary by release, driver and output device. These Autodesk pages document the core workflow used in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does PDFSHX=0 do?
No added comments or hidden text.
What does PDFSHX=1 do?
Creates comments.
What does PDFSHX=2 do?
Creates hidden text in current supported behavior.
Explore more in CAD PDF & Publishing Guide.