Surfaces (Sequential) and Objects (Non-Sequential) may be colored differently for display in the Shaded Model plots in ZEMAX. 

Surface and Object colors may be changed under the Type tab of the Surface Properties (Sequential) and Object Properties (Non-Sequential) dialogs, via the pull down menu for “Surface Color” and “Object Color,” respectively. 

SEQUENTIAL SURFACES  (Lens Data Editor)

NON-SEQUENTIAL OBJECTS (Non-Sequential Component Editor)

The colors are listed by number, but as you select a different number, the color is displayed to the right of the pull-down menu.  This makes it easy to “preview” each color before choosing the desired color for that particular surface or object. 


There are 24 colors which are available in the menu at any given time.  However, you have the flexibility to change the color which corresponds to each number, giving you the freedom to create an unlimited number of different colors available for use in ZEMAX. 

These colors are controlled under the “Colors” tabs of the File > Preferences dialog.  Each color is represented by a combination of values (ranging from 0 to 255) of the three primary colors, red, green, and blue.  To change a color, simply type in the desired values for red, green and blue. 

Once you have change each color number to the desired color, click “Apply,” followed by the “OK” button.  Note that you may “Reset” the colors to the defaults if you wish later on.
 
Now, the color numbers selected in the properties dialogs will correspond to the newly created colors.  This can be very useful to create visually appealing plots with coordinating colors.  In other cases, certain colors can be applied for emphasis, or to help distinguish certain features of your design.