If you cannot edit an icon, shape, or text in your illustration, it is likely because the object is either locked or part of a grouped object. This article will guide you through identifying and resolving these issues so you can freely edit your illustration.
Understanding locked and grouped objects
Locked objects
- A locked object cannot be moved or edited on the canvas.
- An unlocked object can be freely moved and edited.
- A lock symbol appears at the bottom of the selection box when an object is locked.
Grouped objects
- A grouped object contains multiple elements that can be edited individually when ungrouped.
- If an icon is grouped, it cannot be altered or adapted.
- A grouped icon will display a grouped icon symbol in the Gallery or on the canvas.
To determine if an object is locked or grouped, click on it:
- If the object is locked, a lock symbol will appear.
- If the object is grouped, additional options to ungroup and edit individual parts will be available.
How to unlock an object
Unlocking a single object
- Click on the object.
- Click "Unlock" on the lock button below the object or from the top menu bar.
- You can now move and edit the object as needed.
Unlocking all objects at once
- Click "Unlock All" to unlock all objects on the canvas.
- Once unlocked, you can move and edit any object freely.
How to ungroup a grouped object
- Double-click on the grouped object.
- Click "Edit Group Object".
- Click on the below the icon:
- You can also Ungroup from the top menu bar.
- You can now edit individual elements of the object.
Troubleshooting
If you have followed the steps above and are still unable to edit an object:
- Ensure you are selecting the correct object.
- Check if the object is part of a locked layer.
- Refresh your browser or restart the application.
- Try editing the object in a new illustration to check if the issue persists.
✨ Pro tip: Bringing your illustration into a slide deck? Export directly to PowerPoint (.PPTX) (available for Academic Institution & Industry Enterprise plans) to preserve editable text, grouped elements, and layout structure—no reformatting needed. See how PPTX export works ↗
Frequently asked questions
Can I customize an icon after adding it to my illustration?
- Yes, if the icon is grouped, ungroup it first to edit individual parts.
How do I search for specific icons in the gallery?
- Use the search bar in the Icon Gallery and enter relevant keywords.
Are there any limitations on editing icons?
- Some icons may have restrictions depending on their design. Check the Icon Properties panel for details.
Related articles
What's next
🎥 Watch: Learn how to lock and unlock parts of your illustration strategically to prevent editing issues. Watch now on Learning Hub ↗
Need help?
- Email: support@biorender.com
- Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.