All about SHX Files

The SHX file type is primarily associated with AutoCAD.

SHX	File extension: SHX
	File type:	shape entities

What is an SHX file?

SHX files mostly belong to AutoCAD by Autodesk. An SHX file is a shape created with AutoCAD computer-aided design program. This file is the compiled (binary) version of an SHP file. Its contents include PostScript Type 1 font definitions and building blocks used to display custom text inserted into technical drawings. Another type of SHX file is a shape index position used by ArcGIS geospatial data analysis and visualization software. The file contains a positional index used to search forward or backwards. ArcGIS saves an SHX file in the same folder as its SHP (feature geometry) and a DBF (attribute database) files.

How to open an SHX file

You need a suitable software like AutoCAD to open an SHX file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your SHX file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SHX file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online SHX Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert SHX files:

AutoCAD by Autodesk
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SHX files are often referred to as AutoCAD cads because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
ArcGIS (shape index position) by ESRI
ArcGIS is a geospatial data analysis and visualization software suite. It uses an SHX file to store the shape index position of a shape database (DBF). This file format is classified as Database.
RSDLite (flash data) by Motorola
RSDLite is a Windows program used to flash firmware updates and modifications onto phones in the Motorola RAZR family. RSDLite uses an SHX file to store some flashing data. This file format is classified as Data.

SHX file format details:

The file format, which is the arrangement and type of data in a file, determines which program can open the file. Each file format has a unique extension and almost always a unique signature. For example, Microsoft Word documents have the extension .docx and the signature (usually the first 3 characters in this file) PK. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Our examination of the SHX files comes to the following conclusion:

The SHX file extension is very common and is primarily used by a single program. The two most popular formats are as follows:

80% of all SHX files belong to ArcView DataBase Index. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. The file size is in the range of 100 bytes to 390 KB. The file type was developed 10 years ago and is still in use today. gis_osm_buildings_a_free_1.shx is a typical file name. Files like these are sometimes connected to free, buildings, landuse, places, transport, polygon, water and area.
20% of all SHX files belong to AutoCAD Shape. They consist of illegible, cryptic characters. The files are often between 71 bytes and 13 KB in size. The following keywords are characteristic: AutoCAD-86 shapes 1.0. These files are often associated with ksztalty, plan, ltypeshp, linije, situace, jadid, arab and gost.

If you want to find out what your SHX file contains, drag and drop it onto this page.

Technical Data for SHX File Extension

File classification:

CAD

Related files:

shp, cpg, sbx, dbf, prj, sbn, shk, shf, zip, xml, shz, dwg, qpj, tshx, hsx, rar, lin, mxd, ttf, she, dwf, dwl

Mime type:

application/vnd.dbf, application/vnd.shp, application/vnd.shx

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: AutoCADCompiledShape, FileType: AutoCAD Compiled Shape

ProgramID: AutoCADLTCompiledShape, FileType: AutoCAD LT Compiled Shape

ProgramID: Software.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Motorola\PST\UT_NVM.exe

an shx shape entitie is a special file format by Autodesk and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SHX files

Associate the SHX file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open shape entities. Because only the current version supports the latest SHX file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Autodesk manufacturer website after an available AutoCAD update.
To make sure that your SHX file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .SHX file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.