Lock PowerClip Contents During Scaling in CorelDRAW

When resizing a PowerClip object in CorelDRAW, the internal artwork can either scale proportionally with the container or remain static, altering how the artwork is cropped. By locking the contents to the PowerClip frame, you ensure that any scaling, moving, or transforming applied to the outer container is automatically applied to the internal graphics. This guide explains how to toggle this setting using the Property Bar, the right-click context menu, and the global application preferences.

Method 1: Using the Property Bar (Quickest)

  1. Select the PowerClip frame using the Pick tool.
  2. Look at the Property Bar at the top of the workspace.
  3. Locate the Lock Contents to PowerClip icon (represented by an image inside a frame with a padlock).
  4. Click the icon so it appears pressed or highlighted.

Once enabled, any transformations applied to the outer frame—including scaling, rotating, and skewing—will apply simultaneously to the contents inside.

Method 2: Using the Right-Click Context Menu

  1. Using the Pick tool, right-click directly on the PowerClip object.
  2. In the context menu, locate and click Lock Contents to PowerClip.
  3. A checkmark will appear next to the option, confirming the contents are locked to the frame.

To unlock the contents later, right-click the frame again and click the option to uncheck it.

Method 3: Setting the Default Behavior via Options

If you want CorelDRAW to lock contents to PowerClip frames by default for all future designs, adjust the application preferences:

  1. Go to Tools > Options > CorelDRAW (or press Ctrl + J).
  2. In the left-hand navigation tree, click on Edit (under the CorelDRAW or Workspace section, depending on your version).
  3. Under the PowerClip frame settings, check the box labeled Lock contents to PowerClip.
  4. Click OK to save your preferences.

Locked vs. Unlocked Behavior

  • Locked: Scaling the container resizes both the frame and the artwork inside proportionally, maintaining the exact visual composition.
  • Unlocked: Scaling the container resizes only the boundary shape, revealing more or less of the internal artwork without resizing the contents themselves.