This article goes over configuring Zemax applications to reach a license server using an Ansys license.

Authored By Don Dickinson

Important note before beginning! 

This applies only to those using an Ansys license and are going to download the Ansys version of Opticstudio. 

If you have been assigned a Zemax network license number starting with T or L (like L100000) see this article.

If your license number contains a 5 digit number (22000-40999) see the "Client" section of these instructions.    

Installing the application

Install the Zemax application you are going to use. Be sure to get the Ansys version from the Ansys customer support page.. You will need an account to access the site.

Configuring Access to the License Server 

When launching the software for the first time, it willl automatically go to the "Ansys license Utilty" if there are no licenses found. Otherwise you can find the License Utility in the Help menu if you are using another license and need to change settings.

As of OpticStudio 2025 R1 OpticStudio uses the standard "Ansys Licensing Client settings" application instead to configure access to a license. It can be opened from the button in the Ansys license Utility or from C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v251\licensingclient\winx64\licensesettings.exe.  (note that if you have a newer version than 2025, you may need to change the V251 folder to your installed version.

Accessing a license on a license server

To access a floating license on a license server at your organization, fill in the license server's name. 

If you are unsure of the server information, contact your IT department for assistance. You may also contact Ansys support and they may be able to help. 

Examples of license configuration. Do not use "zemaxlicenseserver". It is just a sample name. 

Ansys licensing settings - In the License servers section, select "Enable", fill in the server information, and click SAVE when done. 

Normally use port 1055 unless you are told differently

Ansys license utility - Fill in the server name and port. Use port 1055 unless you are told differently. If you need to access multiple license servers also check the "Specify Redundant servers" box.

Click Ok when done to save the settings. You will then need to restart the application and it will attempt to find a license on the server you specified.

If the software starts successfully you are done!

If you get any errors or get dropped back to the configuration screen when starting the software, then it has not found the license. See the article linked at the bottom of this page or contact support.

Using a license activated on this machine

If you have activated a license file on this machine rather than using a floating license on a server, fill in LOCALHOST or your computer's machine name (you can find the machine name from "about this PC" in WIndows). 

Ansys licensing settings - Select "enabled", fill the information similar to below. Click "SAVE" once done.

Ansys license Utility -  Uncheck "Use Default settings" and fill in the server information.

Click Ok to save the settings. You will be prompted to restart the application to enable the new settings. If it finds the license and starts successfully, you are done!  

OpticStudio Edition Priority - Selecting Pro Premium or Enterprise

For OpticStudio, there is also a list in the License Utility that allows you to select the OpticStudio edition (Professional, Premium or Enterprise) chosen first when the software starts. You can get to the License Utility from the HELP tab as well. 

If the one you choose isn't available it will attempt to use the others on the list.

TIP: The list is processed from top to bottom. For example, to make an Enterprise license first priority move it to the top of the list.

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Errors

Conclusion

Hopefully this helped configure your machine to locate a license. If you still need help please contact us via https://customer.ansys.com .