Locking

Lock objects to prevent unwanted changes.

Overview

Locking prevents users from accidentally interacting with an object. This is particularly helpful for larger projects, or where the position of an object is critical.

On the PCB editor, every element can be locked, except for the root object. On the Schematic editor, any component (part or module) can be locked.

Locking an Object

There are three ways of locking an object:

• Object tree: go the "Objects" tab on the left, find the target component and click on the lock icon
• Context menu: right-click on the target object and select "Lock"
• Hotkey: Use Shift+L

What is Disabled?

Locking disables the following interactions on the PCB editor:

• Drag
• Context menu and hotkeys for:
  • Add
  • Delete
  • Disable
  • Rotate
  • Flip layer
  • Align
  • Space Evenly
  • Trace Width
  • Replace

What is Enabled?

Some interactions will still be possible on locked elements:

• Selection
• Wiring and routing to and from locked objects.
• Context menu and hotkeys for...
  • Copilot
  • Copy and copy special
  • Paste
  • Cut (results in a copy action)
  • Start Routing a Trace
  • Open
  • Measure Distance

Locking and Inheritance

When locking an element, every children of said element will also become locked using a special state called lock from inheritance. This is shown with a dot.

Any child can also be manually locked. Manually locked children remain locked even when the parent becomes unlocked.

Locking and Collaboration

Lock is a document state, meaning it applies to every user that has access to the project. Only users with edit permissions can lock or unlock objects.

Locking and Version History

Locking doesn’t make a visible action record in the change history, but it can be undone with the undo menu item or hotkey (Ctrl/Cmd + Z).

Unlocking an Object

To unlock an element, find it in the object list and click on the lock symbol.