Help with Creating Locked/Editable Templates in Adobe Express

[Mumfazar]

I’m trying to build a branded template in Adobe Express for external clients to use. My goal is to create a template that is about 90% locked, with only two editable layers:

• One for uploading their logo
• One for entering a booth number

Here’s what I’m running into:

1. Locked Layers vs Editable Fields
• When I send the template link, users often see the layers as locked and can’t easily edit the booth number. Is there a way to lock most design elements while keeping just specific text or image fields editable?
2. Premium Membership / Libraries Prompt
• Some users get a message that they need a Premium membership to use the template or access the library, even though they’re only supposed to replace the logo and booth number. Is there a way to share templates that avoids these premium prompts?
3. Font Substitution Issue
• Our approved brand font (Gotham) doesn’t auto-correct for users who don’t have it installed, which means the template defaults to a different font. Is there a way to force a default font substitution or embed a fallback brand-approved font?
4. Template Link Behavior
• When clients click the shared link, they often get multiple options (copy, start new file, etc.), which is confusing. I want the experience to be as simple as possible: click the link, edit only the logo and booth number, and export. Is there a streamlined way to share a template that minimizes these extra steps?

Ultimately, I need a workflow where non-subscribed users outside our company can open a link, drop in their logo, type their booth number, and export the final file — without changing fonts, colors, or other locked elements.

Can anyone confirm if Adobe Express currently supports this type of “partially locked, partially editable” template sharing, and if so, what the correct setup process is?

[Tarun Saini]

Hi @Mumfazar,

Thanks for sharing the detailed use case — I can see exactly what you’re aiming for. Let me address each of your points:

Locked Layers vs Editable Fields-
In Adobe Express, you can lock or unlock elements to prevent unintended edits while maintaining flexibility for replacements. This allows you to secure most of the design while keeping only the logo or booth number fields editable. You can learn more about how to do this here: Lock and unlock objects in Express.

Premium Membership / Libraries Prompt-
The “Premium membership required” message typically appears when the template includes premium assets (such as fonts, images, graphics, or design elements from the Premium library). Even if your clients are only replacing a logo or text, the presence of premium assets in the template will still trigger this prompt. To avoid it, you’ll need to rebuild the template using only free assets.

Font Substitution Issue-
To ensure the template displays correctly, users will need to have the Gotham font installed on their device. If it isn’t installed, the system will substitute it with another font automatically. At this time, there isn’t a way to embed Gotham or force a specific fallback font in Adobe Express.

Template Link Behavior-
To simplify the experience for clients, you can convert your file into a template with controlled permissions and brand style restrictions. This ensures collaborators can only update designated areas while staying on-brand. More details are available here: Manage template control in Adobe Express.

Let us know if that helps.

Regards,

Tarun

[Mumfazar]

Hi Tarun,

Thank you for your quick and detailed response. I really appreciate the guidance.

I’m following the links you shared regarding locking/unlocking objects and managing template control, but I’m running into an issue:

• In my Adobe Express workspace, I don’t see the lock tab/permissions options you referenced. When I open to edit the template, I only see options like “Locked Image” or “Locked Settings,” but not specifying lock permissions.. (I’ve attached a screenshot for reference.)

• Similarly, I’m not seeing the "set style and content restrictions, select the Style tab" outlined in your help article here: Manage template control in Adobe Express.

Could you confirm:

1. Are these features only available on certain subscription tiers (e.g., Premium/Enterprise)? 

2. If so, does that mean I cannot currently lock certain fields (like background and text) while keeping others editable for external users on free accounts?

3. Is there a different workflow or setting I should be using to achieve this “partially locked, partially editable” template behavior?

Resolving this piece would directly address the main challenge I described in my original message — ensuring external clients can only edit the logo and booth number fields without altering the locked design.

[mahmoud_5524]

Hi @Mumfazar,

Thank you for your follow-up and for sharing the screenshots. I understand your goal of creating a partially locked, partially editable template for external clients.

Here’s the clarification:

• Locking & Permissions: The advanced lock and content/style restriction features are currently only available for Premium or Enterprise accounts. Free accounts can lock elements individually (like images or text), but cannot fully control which fields are editable for external users.

• Template Sharing for External Users: On free accounts, you can share templates, but external clients may still see options like “copy” or “start new file” and can’t have controlled access to only specific fields.

• Recommended Workflow: To achieve your intended behavior, you’ll need a Premium or Enterprise plan. Then you can:

  • Lock background and other design elements

  • Keep only the logo and booth number fields editable

  • Apply style restrictions to enforce brand consistency

For more details on creating templates with controlled permissions, see: https://adobe.ly/3UOlPo3

I hope this helps clarify the limitations and the workflow. Please let me know if you have any further questions!

^MM