Best Tools to Recover .SHX Files from Formatted Drives on MacOS

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .SHX file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Best Tools to Recover .SHX Files from Formatted Drives on MacOS
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .SHX file?

An SHX file contains a shape or font compiled by Autodesk AutoCAD from an .SHP shape file or .PFB font file. It stores shape definitions, as well as font definitions for displaying custom text. SHX files support many Type 1 PostScript fonts.

What Are Common Causes of ".SHX" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".SHX" files lost or failure, including:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SHX" files while cleaning up their computer or organizing files, leading to their loss.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Malfunctioning software or hardware, such as a sudden power outage or system crash, can result in the corruption or loss of ".SHX" files.
  3. Virus or malware infection: Viruses or malware can infect and damage ".SHX" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to fail.
  4. File system errors: File system errors, such as disk errors or bad sectors on the storage device, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".SHX" files.
  5. Improper file handling: Improper handling of ".SHX" files, such as forceful termination of applications or improper shutdown of the computer, can cause file corruption or loss.
  6. File transfer errors: Errors during file transfer, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete transfers, can result in the loss or corruption of ".SHX" files.
  7. Incompatible software or versions: Using incompatible software or outdated versions of software that are unable to read or process ".SHX" files can lead to file failure or loss.
  8. Human error: Accidental overwriting, renaming, or moving of ".SHX" files can result in their loss or failure.

It is important to regularly backup ".SHX" files and take preventive measures, such as using reliable antivirus software, to minimize the risk of file loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".SHX" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".SHX" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".SHX" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SHX" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".SHX" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".SHX" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".SHX" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo autoCAD Compiled Shape File image file file?

Programs that open ".SHX" files

Windows
Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 Autodesk AutoCAD 2020

Additional Information

  • File type: AutoCAD Compiled Shape File

  • File extension: .SHX

  • Developer: Autodesk

  • Category: CAD Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 41 75 74 6F 43 41 44 2D 38 36 20 62 69 67 66 6F 6E 74 20 31 2E 30 0D 0A 1A 08 00

  • ASCII: P2K Superfile

  • File types that use the extension .SHX:

    • AutoCAD Compiled Shape File

    • Motorola Flash Superfile

    • Shapefile Index File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:49 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SHX files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a .SHX file and what is its purpose in computer systems?

    A .SHX file is a type of file format used in computer systems, particularly in the field of computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information systems (GIS).

    The purpose of a .SHX file is to store shape definitions or shape index data. It is commonly used in conjunction with other file formats such as .DWG (AutoCAD drawing) or .SHP (shapefile).

    In CAD and GIS software, shapefiles are used to represent and store various types of geographic or spatial data, such as points, lines, and polygons. The .SHX file contains the index information for these shapes, allowing the software to quickly access and retrieve the necessary shape data when rendering or manipulating the file.

    In summary, a .SHX file serves as an index file that provides efficient access to shape data stored in shapefiles, enabling the software to display and work with spatial information effectively.

  • How can I open a .SHX file and what software or tools are required?

    A .SHX file is a compiled shapefile index file used by GIS (Geographic Information System) software to store the spatial index of map features. To open a .SHX file, you will need GIS software that supports shapefile formats. Here's how you can open a .SHX file:

    1. GIS Software: Install GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or AutoCAD Map 3D, which are commonly used for working with shapefiles.
    2. Import Shapefile: Open the GIS software and import the shapefile that includes the .SHX file. Typically, shapefiles consist of multiple files with extensions like .shp, .shx, .dbf, etc.
    3. Browse Layers: Once the shapefile is imported, you can browse the layers or map features contained within it. The .SHX file helps the software efficiently access and display the spatial data.
    4. Analyze and Edit: With the GIS software, you can analyze, edit, visualize, or perform various operations on the map features stored in the shapefile.

    Remember, the .SHX file alone cannot be directly opened or viewed separately. It is always used in conjunction with other files within the shapefile.

  • Are there any specific applications or industries where .SHX files are commonly used, and what are some examples of their usage?

    .SHX files are commonly used in the field of computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information systems (GIS). Here are a few examples of their usage in specific applications and industries:

    1. AutoCAD: .SHX files are often used in AutoCAD, a popular CAD software, for defining custom line styles, hatch patterns, and text fonts. These files contain the shape definitions required to display and print these graphical elements accurately.
    2. GIS software: Geographic information systems (GIS) software like ArcGIS, QGIS, and MapInfo utilize .SHX files to store and display vector data. This includes defining the geometry and attributes of points, lines, and polygons used to represent various geographic features.
    3. Civil engineering: In civil engineering projects, .SHX files are frequently employed for displaying and annotating infrastructure designs, such as roads, bridges, and pipelines. They help in accurately representing different elements of the design, such as road markings, symbols, and labels.
    4. Cartography: Cartographers use .SHX files to define custom symbols and icons for maps. These files enable the precise rendering of various map elements like landmarks, vegetation, transportation networks, and cultural features.
    5. Architectural design: .SHX files find application in architectural design software for creating and displaying architectural drawings, plans, and elevations. They help define the visual representation of different architectural elements, such as doors, windows, furniture, and fixtures.
    6. Electrical and mechanical design: In electrical and mechanical design software, .SHX files are utilized to define specific line styles, symbols, and annotations related to electrical circuits, piping systems, and mechanical components. These files aid in accurate representation and documentation of these systems.

    It is important to note that while .SHX files are widely used in these applications and industries, their usage may vary depending on the specific software and its compatibility with different file formats.
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