Locking Objects
You can lock objects on a slide so they cannot be moved or edited while you work on everything else. You can also control which team roles are allowed to unlock them.
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Locking is useful when a slide has parts that should stay fixed, and other parts that someone else may still need to change.
You’ll find a lock button on the selected object in the alignment controls, and on every object in the Layers tab. Locked objects show a padlock. If someone without unlock permission tries to select a locked object, they see the message This object is locked.
Lock an object
- Open the playlist and open the slide that has the object
- Do one of the following:
- Select the object, then click the padlock in the alignment controls (Lock)
- Open the Layers tab and click the padlock on that object’s row (Lock)
- Click somewhere empty on the canvas so the object is no longer selected
When the object is locked, trying to select, move, or resize it shows This object is locked, and the cursor shows that the action is not allowed.
Tip: Use Layers when you want an overview of which objects are locked. Each layer row has its own lock button.
Note: Locking objects from the Layers tab is available on Pro and Ultimate.
Unlock an object
- Open the playlist in the editor
- Open the Layers tab, or select the object if you still can
- Click the padlock again (Unlock)
If your role is not allowed to unlock objects on that playlist, you will not be able to unlock them.
Who can unlock objects
Unlock permission is set per playlist.
- On the Playlists page, open the playlist’s settings (gear / Edit playlist)
- Open Advanced
- Find Can unlock objects on canvas
- Choose which roles may unlock objects
- Save the playlist settings
Role options:
- Owner unlock — always allowed (this checkbox stays on and cannot be turned off)
- Superadmin unlock
- Admin unlock
- Member unlock
- Sharee unlock — people the playlist has been shared with
By default, all of these roles can unlock objects.
Important notes about locking objects
- A locked object cannot be selected, moved, resized, rotated, or edited on the canvas once it is deselected.
- Clicking a locked object shows the toast This object is locked.
- There is no keyboard shortcut for lock or unlock.
- Lock and unlock do not ask for confirmation.
- Layer order can still be changed in the Layers list even when an object is locked.
- Unlock permission is playlist-specific. Changing it on one playlist does not change other playlists.
- The team owner can always unlock objects in a playlist.
- Save/publish your playlist as usual after you change locks or unlock permissions, so others see the latest version.
Options
Options in the editor
- Lock — lock the selected object (alignment controls) or an object in the Layers list
- Unlock — unlock that object again (same padlock control)
- Layers — list of objects on the slide, each with its own lock button
- Alignment / Alignment and cropping — alignment tools for the selected object, including the lock button
- Center object — centers the object; this control is disabled while the object is locked
Options in playlist settings (Advanced)
- Can unlock objects on canvas — choose which roles may unlock locked objects on this playlist
- Owner unlock — always on
- Superadmin unlock
- Admin unlock
- Member unlock
- Sharee unlock
Can you resize something that has been locked?
No. When an object is locked, you cannot select, move, resize, rotate, or edit it on the canvas. You’ll see This object is locked if you try.
Where do I lock an object?
Use the padlock in the Layers tab, or select the object and use the padlock in the alignment controls. Tooltips say Lock and Unlock.
Who can unlock locked objects?
That depends on Can unlock objects on canvas in the playlist’s Advanced settings. The owner can always unlock. You can also allow Superadmin, Admin, Member, and Sharee.
Why would I turn off unlock for Sharee or Member?
So a shared editor or team member can change only the unlocked objects you leave open (for example a price), without moving logos, backgrounds, or other fixed layout.
Do I need Pro or Ultimate?
Locking from the Layers tab is available on Pro and Ultimate. On Essential, that Layers lock control is not available for use.
Is there a confirm dialog when I lock or unlock?
No. Clicking the padlock locks or unlocks right away.
Can locked objects still be reordered in Layers?
Yes. Changing layer order in the Layers list is still allowed. Locking is about editing the object on the canvas, not about freezing its place in the layer list.
Does locking publish to screens by itself?
No. Locking only affects editing in the playlist editor. Publish the playlist when you want screens to get content changes, the same way you normally do.
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