File Extension Database

Open SHX File

SHX files have various types of use, namely:

AutoCAD Compiled Shape File

An SHX extension file contains a shape or font compiled by Autodesk AutoCAD from an SHP shape file or a PFB font file.

The SHX file stores shape definitions as well as font definitions for displaying custom text.

SHX files support many PostScript type 1 fonts.

AutoCAD is an industry leading program that allows you to create and customize virtually any device, from a computer mouse to a jet.

AutoCAD regularly uses SHX files, so there should be no inconvenience when working with these types of files.

Motorola Flash Superfile

The SHX file, in this case, is an encrypted file used to 'flash' the firmware of a Motorola mobile phone, such as a Razr or Rokr.

The SHX is often used to customize or "model" the interface of Motorola mobile phones.

To flash a mobile memory, you have to connect the phone to a PC via USB and run a program such as PST or RSD, which can open the super flash file.

SHX files are based on the .HS flex file format.

Shapefile Index File

The SHX is an ESRI Shapefile index that stores the index and offset information of the main Shapefile.

The SHX allows direct access to the records in the main file and consists of a 100-byte header followed by fixed-length 8-byte records that define the SHP files referenced by the index file.

Software to open an SHX file

Due to the great diversity and differences between the formats that involve an SHX file, you must first make sure of the type of file, and then you must have one of the following software packages to be able to open it:

Autodesk AutoCAD
Motorola PST Phone Programmer (Deprecated)
Motorola RSD Lite
ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop

Frequently associated Windows objects:

DWGTrueViewCompiledShape

How Can I Open SHX File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open SHX file is to find a SHX file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SHX file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open SHX file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as SHX file opener then try to search online for "SHX viewer", "application to open SHX file" or "open SHX file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open SHX file

How Can I Open SHX File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a SHX file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a SHX file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with SHX file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as SHX file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open SHX file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open SHX file then try to search for "SHX viewer", "application to open SHX file" or "read SHX file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read SHX file

How Can I Open SHX File on Android

If you downloaded a SHX file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded SHX file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "SHX".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "SHX viewer", "SHX file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open SHX File on iPhone or iPad

To open SHX File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the SHX file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "SHX". This way you can find apps which can open SHX files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "SHX viewer" or "SHX file" online in your favorite search engine.

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