In AutoCAD, SHX files come in two primary formats: (which define custom characters, symbols, and complex line patterns) and font files (used for standard text).
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. Aeccland.shx-shape file needed - AUGI Forums
I ran into the "Missing SHX File" error when opening a civil drawing today. The file in question was aeccland.shx .
Most people know .shx files as (like txt.shx or romans.shx ). However, AutoCAD also uses .shx files for Complex Linetypes . If you want a line that looks like a fence, a gas line, or a row of trees, the definition for those "shapes" lives inside an .shx file.
: Even if Civil 3D or the Object Enabler is installed locally, the host software might be searching the wrong path if user profiles or support paths have become corrupt. Step-by-Step Fixes to Resolve the Missing File Error Method 1: The Quick Bypass (Ignore the Error) aeccland.shx
: A popup asking the user to specify a replacement font or locate the missing file. Visual Discrepancies
Restart AutoCAD and reopen your drawing. The error should no longer appear, and the linetypes should display correctly. Best Practices to Avoid SHX Errors
aeccland.shx is a shape file specifically designed for the Autodesk Land Desktop environment. It stores geometric definitions for civil/survey objects that standard .TTF fonts or simplex.shx cannot display.
You are likely using standard, plain AutoCAD, while the original creator was using Civil 3D. Since standard AutoCAD doesn't include the Civil 3D/Land Desktop support libraries by default, it doesn't know how to render the symbols. What Happens if You Don't Have It? In AutoCAD, SHX files come in two primary
This method is described as "extremely painful, tiresome, and annoying" by long‑time users. It is best reserved for one‑off situations where obtaining the shape file is not possible.
If the drawing looks fine visually and you are under a tight deadline, you can choose when the popup appears.
Don't let a 15-year-old font file crash your morning. #AutoCAD #Civil3D #Surveying #AEC
To understand aeccland.shx , you have to understand the format. If you share with third parties, their policies apply
Instead of emailing a raw .dwg file, type ETRANSMIT in your command line. This utility automatically packages the drawing file alongside all external references (Xrefs), plot styles, images, and custom shape files—including aeccland.shx —into a single, clean ZIP folder. If you want to troubleshoot a specific setup, let me know: What are you currently running?
Navigate to your AutoCAD Support folder. On a typical Windows installation, this path looks like: C:\Users\[Your_Username]\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD [Year]\[Language]\Support (Alternatively, you can find your exact support path in AutoCAD by typing OPTIONS in the command line, going to the tab, and expanding the Support File Search Path ). Paste the aeccland.shx file into this folder.
To prevent SHX file issues in future projects, consider these best practices:
You are running plain AutoCAD, while the drawing was created in Civil 3D, and the necessary Object Enablers are not installed.
Unlike basic text fonts like simplex.shx , aeccland.shx serves two primary functions: Missing Shx File(s) - Forums, Autodesk
[ .LIN File (Linetype Definition) ] │ ▼ references [ aeccland.shx (Compiled Shape File) ] ──► Contains: "Stone", "Circle", etc. │ ▼ renders [ DWG Drawing Workspace ] ───► Displays complex civil boundaries/fences