As Zemax continues its merge into the Ansys software family, we are taking steps to merge legacy Zemax content into the Ansys systems. While this work is underway, users may require two sign-ins: one to legacy Zemax websites, and one to Ansys sites. In this article, we will show the difference between the two sign-in methods, and what features you can access with each.
Authored By Alexandra Culler
Introduction
Zemax was acquired by Ansys in October of 2021, and since then we have been working on integrating with the rest of the Ansys business. As a result, you will see a few changes, including:
- Software Licenses used to run the software are different, and require a different setup method (as described here).
- Sales Team representatives for your organization may change.
- Zemax content will be migrated to Ansys websites, so the look-and-feel will change, as well as the sign in method.
In this article, we are focusing on the third point.
At this time, Zemax-related items may be located on two different websites, each requiring a separate login. The website you use depends on your license type and needs. Let's take a look at what each website hosts, and how to access the content.
Identifying the sign-in methods
Browser-based sign-in (websites)
The sign-in screens for a legacy Zemax system look a little different than for an Ansys system. If you're accessing a website and are brought to a sign-in screen, then you will be met with one of the following:
Additionally, the Ansys Optics Launcher may ask for a sign-in. That will look like the following:
The above screenshot represents a process which is specific to Ansys Zemax licenses, so will take the same credentials as the Ansys sign-in screen pictured above.
How to create an account
If you require access to the Ansys support system but do not have an account, you may find instructions for registering here: https://webapps.ansys.com/era/ssosupport/index.
If you require access to a Zemax login, note that new accounts are not longer available, as all Zemax.com community and knowledge base resources will be moved to Ansys soon.
Zemax vs Ansys Portal Accounts
In this section, we will outline when you should expect to see either of these sign-ins. In this section, please note that a legacy Zemax license is identified as a license which looks like this:
- L1#####
-
1####. 2####. 3####, 4#####
- T1XXXXX (trials)
Whereas an Ansys license usually looks like this: 1-#########. An Ansys license is usually associated with your Ansys account number, which looks like this: A######.
You can identify your license type within the software by navigating to the Help...About dialog. If you have have not yet downloaded the software, you should confirm your license type with your sales representative.
Situation | Required Sign-In Method |
Link (if available) |
Notes |
Downloading Ansys Zemax software | Ansys | Ansys Download Center | |
Downloading legacy Zemax software |
Ansys |
Legacy Zemax Software Downloads | |
Activating my Ansys Zemax license | Ansys |
|
|
Connecting to a legacy Zemax network license |
Zemax |
Find more information here.
|
|
Viewing Zemax Knowledgebase content | No sign-in required. |
|
|
Posting to the Zemax forums |
Zemax |
Zemax Community | An account is required to post, but the posts are visible to all. New account registration has been disabled as of Mar 2025. |
Accessing training content | Ansys | Ansys Learning Hub |
This will require an additional license. Contact your sales representative for more details. |
Opening a case with the Zemax Support team |
Ansys |
This will require you to be registered in the Ansys support system. |
|
Using the Optics Launcher | Ansys | More information is available in the Release Notes. | See section 1.2. |
Getting in touch
We highly recommend visiting our Knowledgebase and our Community prior to opening a case with our support team. It is likely that your question has already addressed. To search across all of our resources, you can utilize a global search at zemax.com.
In the case that you do need to get in touch with our support team, you may open a case via the Ansys customer portal. You may find instructions for registering here: https://webapps.ansys.com/era/ssosupport/index
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