Can you lock a shape in position but still edit it?

[Splinters69]

I am making laser cutting files for my (youngish) students made up of an outer frame (locked in a separate layer) and a window inside that frame where they can draw in their designs and merge with that window. The idea that they can put rails, bars circles etc. like you might find in a decorative window frame and these will be laser cut.

The design is very precise so, if a student accidentally moved that inner window frame, it would mess up the design.  I know I can lock it but then they cant select it to merge with the design that they draw over it.

Is there a function that simply locks a shape in position but still allows you to select it to merge with other shapes using Pathfinder tools?

I realise I could just get them to unlock it as they need to edit but Im trying to make this as 'foolproof' as possible.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

The long answer is no.

Lock both the shapes.

Have them draw their shapes.

Then you do the finishing touches, such as applying pathfinder operations.

On the other hand: when they are able to apply pathfinders (which is slightly advanced), they should be able to not touch the other stuff when intensely instructed?

[Splinters69]

Lol, you would think so but never underestimate how careless a 13 year old can be. Thanks for this solution. I will caution them accordingly 😉

[kercheval]

where is this pathfinder in Illustrator, can I show you what I'm talking about, I did this for many years but now I can't remember how I did it....where can I download a picture.

[CarlosCanto]

Window->Pathfinder

[CarlosCanto]

how about having copy of the frame locked and hidden away? Have the students work with a copy of the frame then when they're done you just realign the whole thing to the locked copy.

[Kurt Gold]

What do you think, how obedient may your pupils be if you were telling them to only use one specific selection tool that may at least make it a bit more difficult to inadvertently move things around?

Perhaps with a promise to pay for a round of chocolate bars from time to time.