New versions of ZEMAX are released on a regular basis. Versions of ZEMAX are identified by the date on which they are released. ZEMAX includes a feature which can assist you in ensuring that you have the latest version of ZEMAX installed on your computer. The menu option, "Help > Check for updates" will check the ZEMAX website to see if there is a newer version of ZEMAX available.

"Check for updates" menu option

If you see the following message, you are running the latest version of ZEMAX.

Window indicating that the latest release of ZEMAX is installed 

The following message indicates that a newer version of ZEMAX is available for download from the Downloads & Updates page of the ZEMAX website. After downloading the new ZEMAX program, follow the instructions on page 3 of this article to install the new version of ZEMAX.

Window indicating a newer version of ZEMAX is available

If you see the following message, a newer version of ZEMAX is available but the support for your ZEMAX hardware key expired before the new version of ZEMAX was released. As such, in order to run this new version of ZEMAX, you will need to renew your support.  You can do so via the web (http://www.zemax.com/shop/Qstore.cgi) or by contacting the ZEMAX Development Corporation Sales department (sales@zemax.com, 425-822-3406).

Window indicating that a newer version of ZEMAX is available but support is not current for key

ZEMAX can also automatically run the Check for updates feature. You can control how often ZEMAX performs this check via the "Files > Preferences > Misc." dialog.

File > Preferences > Misc dialog