How to Lock Objects in CorelDRAW

Locking objects in CorelDRAW is an essential workflow technique that prevents accidental movement, deletion, or unintended edits to finished design elements. This guide explains how to lock individual elements, groups, and entire layers using simple context menus, the main menu bar, and the Objects docker, as well as how to quickly unlock them when further edits are needed.

Method 1: Using the Right-Click Context Menu

The fastest way to secure an object or group while working on your canvas is through the right-click menu:

  1. Select the Pick tool from the toolbox.
  2. Click on the object or group of objects you want to secure. To select multiple separate objects, hold Shift and click each item.
  3. Right-click the selected object(s).
  4. Select Lock (or Lock Object depending on your CorelDRAW version) from the context menu.

Once locked, the standard sizing handles will be replaced by small padlock icons, preventing you from moving, resizing, or altering the object.

Method 2: Using the Main Menu Bar

You can also apply locks using the application's top navigation bar:

  1. Select the target object with the Pick tool.
  2. Go to the top menu and click Object.
  3. Hover over Lock in the drop-down menu.
  4. Click Lock Object.

Method 3: Using the Objects Docker (Inspector)

For complex projects with numerous overlapping elements, the Objects docker provides the most control:

  1. Open the docker by going to Window > Dockers > Objects (or Object Manager in older versions).
  2. Locate the object, group, or layer you want to protect in the hierarchy tree.
  3. Click the Lock icon next to the specific object or layer name.

Locking an entire layer in this docker protects every object residing on that layer simultaneously.

How to Unlock Objects in CorelDRAW

When you need to make changes to a locked item, you can unlock it using any of the following methods:

  • Single Object: Right-click the locked item on the canvas and choose Unlock (or Unlock Object).
  • Through the Menu: Select the locked object, navigate to Object > Lock, and choose Unlock Object.
  • Unlock Everything: To remove locks from all items on the page at once, go to Object > Lock > Unlock All Objects.
  • Via the Objects Docker: Click the closed padlock icon next to the object or layer in the list to toggle it back to an unlocked state.