Published on 24 August 2006

This article explains what the Zexport.msg file is and what it is used for.

What is the Zexport.msg file?

After using the CAD export tool in ZEMAX, you will find a file called “Zexport.msg” saved along with your corresponding IGES, STEP, SAT or STL file:

Windows Explorer showing Zexport.msg file along with other ZEMAX files

This file is a log file created by the CAD export tool in ZEMAX. This file is used for debugging purposes only and, under normal circumstances, can be deleted. If you find, in a specific instance, that the CAD export tool is not exporting your surfaces/objects properly, hold on to this file and contact ZEMAX technical support. You may be asked to provide this file for debugging purposes.

Windows interprets that the log file, based on its “.msg” extension, is a Microsoft Outlook file. This is incorrect. In reality, the file can be opened in a text editor like Notepad:

Contents of a typical Zexport.msg file shown in Notepad