Expert: Bill DeShawn - 3/28/2006

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We run Windows2000pro. When we upgraded to AC 2004, ,we started noticing on some drawings that the text has changed to Tahoma.
When the files are printed, mtext that has been there for years now shows partially shaded on some words.  We use GHtext which is in the font file - same is it has always been. It is not consistent on all drawings.  I have sent the file outside the company to a "support" team and they cannot duplicate the error so they say it is a network or local issue and can't help me.
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I'm going to need some information from you.
What is the style name, the font file name:
i.e. ghtext.ttf or ghtetxt.shx.
Is text height hard-wired by style or does it respond to setting the TEXTSIZE system variable by matching that value on the default text height?  I'll make a script or LISP routine, or menu macro that redefines the style that you can run at the start of every affected drawing until they are all corrected.  Also, when your "support team" "diagnosed" your problem, they would have done a better job had they helped you solve the problem.  I hope they didn't charge you for this event.  How many computers is this happening on?  What does AutoCAD return when you type FONTALT at the command line?  Also, when MTEXT is "partially shaded", is that in the MTEXT editor, or just displaying normally?  Try typing TEXTUNMASK and if it's a recognized command, click on the text.  If it's not recognized, forget about it.
Do all that, then get back to me with the results.  I may end up asking you to email the drawings and the font files.

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn


The name of the font is ghtext.shx. What users have been doing is re-typing the text and it is fine.
I am an autocad user myself but new to the menus and customization side of things as we have gone thru a command change around the office. Feels like I need to learn a new language. I don't know what you mean by hard wired, but I do know this is a part of our title block and copied to everyone's profile.  
How do I define a text once it has been created or change a characteristic of it?  
This has happened on occasion to about 8 of our 27 users.  Could be the others don't pay attention!
When FontAlt is entered, I am prompted to enter a new value or default simplex.shx.  It will accept GHtext.shx.
In the mtext editor box, it looks as though some text is bold and some is not.
I will try the textunmask the next time I run across a drawing with this error.  I am searching for one now. They are hit and miss.
Thanks VERY much for your help.
~An
an.meyers@aps.com

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An:
Here's what I think is happening.  Look into this:
If you have a text style defined before your insert or attach your title block, and you have a text style definition of the same name in the title block, but the two styles of the same name are defined with different font files, this can happen.  So, if you opened the title block drawing, it looks fine.  If you open another drawing it looks fine, because in that drawing you arent using GHtext there until you bring the title block in.  When you eventually bring in the title block, the text in the title block of the same style name will take on the properties of the style that is already defined in the drawing.  I think all you have to do is give the style a different name in the title block and then redefine your title block within your working drawing.  You can easily redefine blocks with fxblock.lsp from my web site (see URL below).  Just make sure that the title block drawing file is in the Support File Search Path as defined in OPTIONS.  
Let me know how it goes.
Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn

Could I send you the file and text to see if you can recreate the problem? Our previous source could not duplicate the error which leads me to believe that there is something in the new software set up files and our existing drawings/title blocks that are clashing.  I just am not sure what to look for.  My previous not said after we upgraded to AC2004, but this happened when we upgraded to 2005, my mistake.  I did try your other suggestions as well with no luck.

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Very well.  Send the font file, the drawing files (the working drawing and the one you insert as a block).  Also, if you have any LISP routines that you run that might affect text style, send them as well.  I'll try to recreate your environment.  If you load any routines in the startup suite of APPLOAD, include them.  Also, include in your message an explanation of what I'm looking at, even a little bit about what discipline you are in like architecture or electro-mechanical, piping, or landscape.  Put ALL OF IT in one zip file and send to me at bdeshawn@sterling.net.  I'll be looking forward to it.  

I hope to hear from you soon.
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn