Switch to the Layers panel.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to lock layers in Adobe Illustrator to prevent random edits to your artwork, and unlock them when needed.
Try it in the app
Use the Layers panel to lock, hide, and delete objects in a few simple steps.
Lock or unlock layers from the Layers panel
To lock a layer, select the empty Toggles Lock area between the Toggles Visibility area and the layer name.
To unlock a layer, select the lock icon in its Toggles Lock area.
To lock or unlock multiple layers at once, drag through the Toggles Lock column.
Unlock objects directly from the canvas
Right-click the locked object on the canvas.
In the menu, select Unlock > <object name> .
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