How to install a new or custom font for use in AutoCAD products

2025-09-02

Technical Support

Issue:

You would like to know how to install new or custom fonts for use in AutoCAD products.

Solution:

Fonts format types that are compatible with AutoCAD products

TrueType (TTF).
Compiled Shape Files (SHX).
OpenType Fonts (OTF), with TrueType outlines.

Note: Postscript fonts (PFB), Shape files (SHP), and OTF with Postscript outlines cannot be used directly, but can be converted to SHX by using the COMPILE command in AutoCAD.

Installing TrueType fonts

Install TrueType Fonts (TTF) in the operating system for use by AutoCAD:

Right-click the TTF file.
Select "Install for all users" from the list.

Notes:

TTF files should not be installed in the AutoCAD Fonts folder.
Some fonts can be associated with a linetype, and the line type might need to be edited to use it. See About Text in Custom Linetypes.

Installing SHX fonts

Method 1: Default location.
1. Right-click the SHX file
2. Click 'Copy'.
3. Navigate to the fonts folder within the AutoCAD program and paste the SHX file:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD (LT) 20xx\Fonts

Method 2: Designate a new location. For example, If the fonts are kept on a server or a network, the file path can be added into AutoCAD instead:
1. On the command line type OPTIONS.
2. In the File tab open the tree for Supported File Search Path.
3. Click Add then Browse to add the location of the desired font location.
4. Click Apply.
5. OK to close.

Installing OpenType fonts

Right-click the OTF file
Select "Install for all users".

More locations

AutoCAD will also read font files that are in the same folder as the drawing file (DWG) that is being opened.
A custom fonts folder can be set up by adding it's path into AutoCAD Options > Files > Support File Search Path (see OPTIONS (Command).

Products:

AutoCAD Products;