Messages

The Messages Window provides a centralized location for viewing system-generated messages, including errors, warnings, and informational alerts.

To open the Messages Window:

  • Navigate to the Setup tab in the ribbon.
  • Click Diagnostics > Show Message Window.
    Tip: The Messages Window opens automatically when a new message is issued.

The Messages Window includes three tabs: Type, Time and Message as outlined in the screenshot below.

Messages are categorized by Message Type (in the Type tab) as follows:

  • Critical error - Displayed with a red dot. Most critical errors are errors that prevent raytracing and must be fixed by the user.
  • Fixed critical error - Displayed with a green dot. This message means that "no errors are detected" and shows that a critical setup has been fixed by the user and that raytracing can proceed.
  • Warning - Displayed with a yellow dot.

  • Information - Displayed with a blue dot.

Each message includes a timestamp (Time tab) and a Message text (Message tab).

The following section describes the behaviour of the tool bar buttons:

System Check When the user chooses System Check in the toolbar of the Messages window, the list of errors and warnings will be sent to the window. The text included is highlighted below and will include the lines beginning with "Warning" or "Trivial" or "Error".
Note: There is more information in the System Check tool.
Saving Messages Messages can be saved to a log file:

  • Default filename: Messages.log

  • Default location: Zemax/Logs folder

  • The first line of the log file includes the name of the associated .ZMX file.

  • Use Save As to change the filename or location.

    Note: Messages are only retained for the current session unless saved manually.

Copy Copies the contents of the window to the clipboard.

Print Prints the contents of the window.

Delete all messages Clears the window and resets line numbering.

Find text Searches the window for a specified text and highlights the correpondant line.

Notes:
  • Text is cleared when a new file is opened. The user should save the message text using the save button in the toolbar.
  • If closed manually, the window reopens automatically when a new message is issued.