Selecting all layer object in layer panel selects locked objects too

[Sorontar]

Selecting all layer object in layer panel (clickin at the right most part of the layer).
It selects locked object too if there is only one object locked. And I am able to move this locked object with all the other selected stuff. What does the meaning of the lock here? What is this feature good for?

[Monika Gause]

I made the video in Catalina.

[nou.lionandchild]

Then the reason why it doesn't work for me the same way it works for you must be different. Doesn't change the fact, that it doesn't work though.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @nou.lionandchild,

It's unfortunate that you're experiencing this behavior with Adobe Illustrator on Catalina. Since this issue seems inconsistent and has persisted across versions, it might be worth trying a few additional troubleshooting steps:

1. Create a New Admin User Account: Sometimes, issues like this can be an OS user profile. You can try creating a new administrator user account on your Mac and install a fresh instance of Illustrator in that account. This will help determine if the problem is specific to your user profile. (https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchl3e281fc9/mac).
2. Safe Mode: Trying Safe Mode on macOS is a good troubleshooting step to isolate and potentially resolve software-related issues (https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh21245/mac).

Before attempting any of these steps, ensure you have proper backups of your important files and data.

Let us know how it goes.

Best,

Anshul Saini

[Eugene Tyson]

the issue is still there in 2025 Illustrator and 2024, and 2023, and 2022 

Select the very top square opposite layer 1 and it selects all the objects bar the object that is locked - it's NOT selected - even though the layers panel says it IS selected

Press delete and they are all deleted

Despite the fact you have a LOCKED element - and it's also NOT highlighted by the system (only in the layers panel).

Again, I don't care if anyone calls it a feature, it's a bug in my eyes. 

I got pretty passionate and defensive about it in the past - which reading back surprises me, I guess I was frustrated and out of patience which usually doesn't happen that often.

Anyway - the BUG is still there.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @Eugene Tyson,

Thank you for sharing your detailed experience and for your patience while we work on this ongoing concern. We understand how frustrating it can be when expected behaviors feel inconsistent or unintuitive, especially when they impact your workflow.

Our product team has reviewed this behavior and confirmed that any change in this functionality would be considered a feature request. With that in mind, they’re eager to understand why users would prefer this behavior to change — your insights are incredibly valuable in shaping future improvements.

From what I’ve gathered, what others have expressed concerns about:

• Inconsistent behavior across Adobe apps, particularly compared to InDesign.

• Confusing visual feedback where locked objects appear selected in the Layers panel but aren’t visibly highlighted on the canvas — yet can still be deleted.

• Risk of accidental deletion, which can disrupt complex design workflows.

• Added complexity, requiring users to rely on workarounds like the Target Circle to prevent locked object selection.

We understand that users expect locked objects to provide full protection from selection or deletion, and this mismatch understandably creates frustration.

If there’s anything specific about your workflow or design process that makes this behavior particularly challenging, we’d love to hear more. Your feedback helps us better understand how to improve Illustrator for everyone.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Best,

Anshul Saini

[Eugene Tyson]

Hi @Anshul_Saini 

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate that the team has reviewed this, and I understand that changes to functionality can sometimes be categorised as feature requests. However, I genuinely feel this is more of a usability issue than a feature request.

Locked objects behaving inconsistently showing as selected in the Layers panel but not visibly highlighted on the canvas, and then still being delectable creates confusion and risk in a design workflow. It’s especially noticeable when coming from apps like InDesign, where locked elements are fully protected.

I’d love to see this addressed as a potential refinement rather than something requiring a workaround.

Perhaps a warning that there are locked objects or an option to retain locked objects.

[HARSHIKA_VERMA]

Hi @Eugene Tyson,

Thank you for sharing the requested explanation on the usability of this feature. We've shared the thought with the team, and the bug is currently under review.

We will update the discussion as soon as we hear back from the team.

Thanks,

Harshika