What options can be applied to layers in a design?

Locking a layer in a design is an essential feature that prevents any accidental alterations while you are working on other parts of your project. When a layer is locked, it cannot be moved, edited, or deleted until it is unlocked, allowing you to focus on specific elements of your design without the risk of disrupting others. This is particularly useful when you have multiple layers and want to maintain the integrity of certain components.

In contrast, merging layers combines them into a single layer, which can simplify your design but does not protect individual elements. Blending typically refers to how layers interact visually with one another, influencing their appearance rather than providing protective features. Filters apply visual effects to layers but won't prevent edits or alterations. Therefore, locking is the specific action that ensures the stability and safety of layers within a design workflow.