Locking vector shapes, but maintaining movability

[Caitlyn16B8]

Is it possible to lock a vector shape that I have made in Illustrator? For example, I have drawn a triangle. I want to now lock that triangle so that when I am clicking around on it and moving it in my window it's path is not changed, but it's orientation can be. Is this possible and how does one do it? Thank you! 

[michelew83603738 · Accepted solution]

You might want to use the group selection tool. I find it a great way to navigate around and move things while not redrawing anything. But in answer to your question, there is no way to lock the actual drawing without locking it.

[Barbara Ash · Accepted solution]

It is not possible to lock a shape and have the ability to move it at the same time. It must be unlocked before you can move it or change its orientation.

If you want to lock the shape you can do that by selecting it and choosing Object > Lock > Selection. You can also lock and unlock objects using the Layers panel.

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

Generally it is not possible to move locked objects, but if you really want to make things complicated, put the locked object on its own artboard. You can move artboards with locked objects if you have enabled it in the Preferences > Move Locked and Hidden Artwork with Artboard.