Locking symbols & layers & watermarks

[chstech]

Is there any way to 'lock' a symbol, group, or layer?

Myself and a few associates have taken quite some time to create symbols, and from time to time the vectorworks file is sent to other vendors & clients. We are looking for the ability to 'lock' our symbols so they can not be used by any one else in other documents other then ours.

Also, is there any way to create a watermark that is invisible while working with the file, but is embedded so that it would show on any prints? This is for the same reasons listed above.

Thanxs,

Drew

[grant_PD]

I would second the ability to do that.

[David Ormsby]

I don't think there is anyway to do that. My best option has be to Convert symbol to group, then ungroup (while in Plan view) - at least this protects (by removing) the 3D elements of my symbol

[islandmon]

Intellectual property rights issues ...these. The very best way to send files to clients is via PDF and to collaborators via WGR or of course DWG export. The problem with 'Locking' relates to permissions issues for the file itself and this opens the door to Dev SDK protocols.

For example if you were to create a new vss tool you can protect it by read-&execute only flags...same with includes & data directories. The question is whether or not NNA is willing to open the door a crack to allow permission changes within it's code which could lead to no end of problems for the compilers.

As for watermarks, I recall a few on versiontrcker.com which work on the print-end but NNA should include a procedure on both the file & print side as well.