Some Zemax tips and tricks

1. A few useful shortcut keys:

[Ctrl] + z: toggle between turning on and off as a variable.
F3: undo
[Ctrl] + F3: redo
[Ctrl] + a: toggle between multiple configurations.

2. How to show enough digits in the Lens Data Editor:
I prefer to set up at "Compact" mode:
File -> Preferences -> Editors -> Decimals -> Compact.
Or it can be set up to 14 digits.

3. When opening a new window in Zemax, I like to set the window size bigger than Zemax's default:
File -> Preferences -> Graphics -> Window X Size -> 800.
-> Window Y Size -> 600.

4. Add buttons to the tool bar:
File -> Preferences -> Buttons 17-32 (or 33-48)
I added the following which I frequently use:
Qfo (Quick Focus)
Qad (Quick Adjust)
Pop (Physical Optics Propagation)
Gbs (Skew Gaussian Beam)

(Click "Save" button in Preference window to save these custom settings to myZEMAX.CFG).

5. In 3D layout settings, check "Hide Lens Edges" to get the cleaner cross-sectional view (similar to the 2D layout).

6. Never set the # of CPU higher than your PC's actual CPU # (it won't increase Zemax calculation speed).