SHX File

What are SHX files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a SHX file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your SHX files.

What is a SHX file?

SHX files have multiple uses, and ArcView DataBase Index is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

ArcView DataBase Index

We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

How to open SHX files

Important: Different programs may use files with the SHX file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your SHX file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested two different SHX openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: July 13, 2020

All known file formats using extension .SHX

While ArcView DataBase Index is a popular type of SHX-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .SHX file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

AutoCAD Shape

Files that contain the .shx file extension are normally associated with the AutoCAD computer-aided drafting software program. The SHX files are commonly referred to as Shape Index Files.

The SHX files used by the AutoCAD software application contain compiled shapefiles created for use with the AutoCAD program. These files can be compiled from either SHP shapefiles or PFB font files. The SHX files that AutoCAD uses can contain the shape and font definitions used to display custom text designs within an AutoCAD drawing that a user is creating.

Motorola Flash Superfile

We know that one SHX format is Motorola Flash Superfile. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of SHX files. Remember, different programs may use SHX files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about SHX file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.