AutoCAD • Troubleshooting

Fix Missing Fonts in AutoCAD for Mac (SHX & TTF)

by Rachid Khouri
7 min read

If you’ve ever opened a drawing in AutoCAD for Mac only to see placeholder fonts or receive “missing font” warnings, you’re not alone. Font issues—especially with SHX (compiled shape) and TTF (TrueType) fonts—are a common frustration for Mac users. Unlike Windows, macOS handles fonts differently, and AutoCAD for Mac doesn’t always locate or recognize fonts the same way. This guide walks you through diagnosing and resolving missing font problems in AutoCAD for Mac.

Why Fonts Go Missing on AutoCAD for Mac

AutoCAD relies on two main font types:

  • SHX fonts: Compiled shape files used primarily for text styles in drawings. These are native to AutoCAD and often used in engineering and architectural plans.
  • TTF fonts: Standard TrueType fonts installed at the system level (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman).

On macOS, common causes of missing fonts include:

  • SHX fonts not placed in AutoCAD’s support folder.
  • TTF fonts not properly installed in the system.
  • Font name mismatches between drawings and available fonts.
  • Case sensitivity issues (macOS file system is case-sensitive in some configurations).
  • AutoCAD not refreshing its font cache after new fonts are added.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Locate AutoCAD’s Support Folder

AutoCAD for Mac looks for SHX fonts in its designated support folders. To find this location:

  1. Open AutoCAD for Mac.
  2. Go to AutoCAD > Preferences (or AutoCAD > Application Preferences).
  3. Click the Files tab.
  4. Expand Support File Search Path.
  5. Note the listed directories—these are where AutoCAD searches for SHX fonts.

Common default paths include:

~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20XX/Rxx.x/enu/Support/

(Replace “20XX” and “Rxx.x” with your version number.)

Tip: You can also access this folder quickly by opening Finder, pressing Cmd + Shift + G, and pasting the path above.

2. Install Missing SHX Fonts

If your drawing uses an SHX font (e.g., romans.shx, simplex.shx) that’s missing:

  1. Obtain the correct .shx file (from the drawing’s source, your Windows machine, or Autodesk’s default fonts).
  2. Copy the .shx file into one of the support folders listed in Step 1.
  3. Restart AutoCAD to refresh the font cache.

Note: SHX files must be placed directly in a support folder—subfolders may not be scanned unless explicitly added to the search path.

3. Install Missing TTF Fonts

For TrueType fonts:

  1. Double-click the .ttf (or .otf) file.
  2. Font Book will open—click Install Font.
  3. Ensure the font is installed for all users (not just your account) if you’re in a shared environment.
  4. Restart AutoCAD.

Verify: Open Font Book and confirm the font appears under “All Fonts.” If it’s disabled or duplicated, resolve conflicts first.

4. Use the STYLE Command to Check & Replace Fonts

  1. In AutoCAD, type STYLE and press Enter.
  2. The Text Style dialog box opens.
  3. Look for styles with a yellow warning icon or labeled “Missing Font.”
  4. Select the problematic style and choose an available replacement font from the Font Name dropdown.
  5. Click Apply and Close.

Pro Tip: Use a standard font like simplex.shx or Arial as a universal fallback to avoid future issues.

5. Map Missing Fonts Automatically (Font Mapping File)

AutoCAD for Mac supports font mapping via an acad.fmp file:

  1. Create or edit a plain text file named acad.fmp.
  2. Add lines in this format:
    missing_font_name;replacement_font_name
    Example:
    romand.shx;romans.shx
    archtxt.ttf;Arial.ttf
  3. Save the file in your AutoCAD support folder (from Step 1).
  4. Restart AutoCAD.
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AutoCAD will now automatically substitute missing fonts based on your mapping rules.

6. Check Case Sensitivity

macOS file systems can be case-sensitive. If your drawing references ROMANS.SHX but the file is named romans.shx, AutoCAD won’t find it.

  • Rename the font file to exactly match the case used in the drawing.
  • Or update the text style to use the correctly cased filename.

Prevent Future Font Issues

  • Standardize fonts: Use common SHX fonts like simplex.shx or widely available TTFs in your office templates.
  • Bundle fonts with drawings: When sharing files, include a “Fonts” folder with required SHX files.
  • Audit drawings: Use FONTALT system variable to set a default fallback font (e.g., simplex.shx).
  • Keep AutoCAD updated: Newer versions often improve font handling and compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use Windows SHX fonts directly on AutoCAD for Mac?
A: Yes, SHX font files are cross-platform and work identically on both Windows and macOS. Simply copy the .shx file from a Windows machine and place it in your AutoCAD for Mac support folder. No conversion is needed.

Q2: Why doesn’t AutoCAD for Mac recognize a TTF font I just installed via Font Book?
A: After installing a TTF font, AutoCAD must be restarted to detect it. Additionally, ensure the font is enabled in Font Book (not grayed out or marked as “duplicate”). Some fonts with licensing restrictions may not be accessible to all applications—try a different font if the issue persists.

Q3: Where can I download standard AutoCAD SHX fonts like simplex.shx or romans.shx?
A: These fonts are included with every AutoCAD installation. On Mac, check:
/Applications/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20XX/AutoCAD.app/Contents/Resources/Support/
Do not download SHX fonts from unofficial websites, as they may be outdated, corrupted, or contain malware.

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Q4: Does AutoCAD for Mac support OTF (OpenType) fonts?
A: Yes, AutoCAD for Mac supports OTF fonts installed at the system level, just like TTF fonts. Install them via Font Book, restart AutoCAD, and they’ll appear in the Text Style dialog under TrueType fonts.

Q5: My drawing shows “? ? ?” instead of text—does this mean fonts are missing?
A: Not necessarily. “??? ” usually indicates that the text uses a non-Unicode SHX font that doesn’t support the characters you’re trying to display (e.g., accented letters or symbols). Switch to a Unicode-compatible font like arial.ttf or use an SHX font paired with a .shp shape file that includes the required glyphs.

Q6: Can I share a drawing with custom SHX fonts without sending the font files?
A: Technically yes, but recipients will see substitute fonts or warnings unless they have the same SHX files. For reliable sharing, either:

  • Embed text as geometry (use TXTEXP to explode text into lines), or
  • Include the required .shx files alongside the drawing and instruct users to install them.

Q7: Is there a way to batch-replace missing fonts across multiple drawings?
A: AutoCAD for Mac doesn’t have a built-in batch font replacer, but you can:

  • Use AutoLISP scripts (if compatible with Mac) to automate text style updates.
  • Open drawings one by one and use the STYLE command with your acad.fmp mapping file—AutoCAD will auto-substitute based on your rules.
  • Consider using AutoCAD Web or Windows via Boot Camp/Parallels for more advanced scripting options.

Q8: Why do some fonts appear in the Text Style list but don’t display correctly in the drawing?
A: This often happens when a text style references a font that exists but lacks the required character set (common with older SHX fonts). Try changing the style to a Unicode TTF font like Arial or Helvetica, or verify that the original font supports the language/characters used in your annotation.

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Still stuck? Autodesk’s Knowledge Network and Mac-specific forums are excellent resources for troubleshooting font issues in AutoCAD for Mac.

Final Thoughts

Missing fonts in AutoCAD for Mac are usually solvable with proper file placement and system-level font management. By understanding where AutoCAD looks for fonts and how to configure replacements, you can eliminate frustrating text substitutions and ensure your drawings display as intended—every time.

If problems persist, consider reaching out to Autodesk Support or checking the AutoCAD for Mac forums for version-specific guidance.

Need the default SHX fonts?
Autodesk includes standard SHX fonts with every AutoCAD installation. On Mac, they’re typically located in:
/Applications/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20XX/AutoCAD.app/Contents/Resources/Support/

Copy them to your user support folder if needed!

About the author

Rachid Khouri

Rachid Khouri

I’m Rachid Khouri, a CAD engineer, developer, and Autodesk Authorized Author with more than 30 years of experience using and teaching AutoCAD.
I’ve worked as a draftsman, CAD manager, and trainer for design offices and companies in Canada, and since 1999, I’ve been sharing my knowledge through in-person and online training.

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