a legacy AutoCAD "Big Font" file used to display Arabic text
In the AutoCAD environment, text is typically handled in two ways: through Windows TrueType fonts (TTF) or native SHX "shape" fonts. Xarab.shx (sometimes referred to as Xarb.shx) is a "Big Font" or custom shape file designed to handle the complexities of the Arabic alphabet, which requires specific character joining and right-to-left orientation that older CAD versions often struggled with. Xarab.shx Autocad Font
The Core Function: Xarab.shx was designed to allow Arabic text to be displayed natively within the classic AutoCAD environment. Before AutoCAD integrated full Unicode support and Bi-Directional (Bi-Di) text handling, standard fonts could not render Arabic characters correctly because they could not handle: a legacy AutoCAD "Big Font" file used to
Limited Style: Lacks the variety of weights (Bold, Italic) available in modern Unicode fonts. Restart AutoCAD
Compatibility: Because Xarab.shx is a custom font, it is often not included in the standard AutoCAD installation. If a colleague sends you a drawing containing this font and you don't have it installed, the text may appear as unrecognizable symbols or go missing entirely. How to Install Xarab.shx in AutoCAD
Note: Actual shape mapping varies depending on the exact version of Xarab.shx. Test first with common letters: ا ، ب ، ت ، ث
Workaround for easier typing: