Locking and unlocking layers

Locking a layer makes it easy to refer to information contained on the layer, but prevents you from accidentally modifying its entities. When a layer is locked (but visible and thawed), its entities remain visible, but you cannot edit them. If you lock the current layer, you can still add new entities to it. Unlocking a layer restores full editing capabilities.    

To lock or unlock layers

   1   Do one of the following to choose Explore Layers ():

    On the ribbon, choose Home > Explore Layers (in Layers) or choose Tools > Layers (in Explorer).

    On the menu, choose Format > Explore Layers or choose Tools > Explorer > Explore Layers.

    On the Explorer toolbar, click the Explore Layers tool.

    Type explayers and then press Enter.

   2   Click in the Locked column for the layer you want to lock or unlock.

    3    To complete the command and return to your drawing, close the window.

Select an entity that is assigned to the layer you want to lock or unlock.
In the command bar, type LAYBYENT and choose Lock or Unlock or type LAYLCK or LAYULK, then select an entity that is assigned the layer you want to lock or unlock.

To specify how faded entities on locked layers display

   1   Do one of the following ():

    On the ribbon, choose Home > Locked Layer Fade Control (in Layers).

    Type laylockfadectl and then press Enter.

   2   Specify the fade percentage to apply when displaying entities on locked layers.

The fade percentage can also be specified using the Options command.
Choose Options, and on the Display tab, click Fade Control. For more details, see Setting the main window options.