formlocked

Formlocked is a term used in software design and information management to describe the state of a user interface form or data entry component when its contents are made non-editable. When a form is formlocked, input controls such as text fields, selectors, and buttons are disabled or rendered read-only, preventing further user modifications without an explicit unlock action or permission.

Formlocking commonly arises in workflows where data must be preserved after submission, during review stages, or under role-based access control. It can be triggered automatically by business rules, such as after a record reaches a finalized status, or manually by an administrator or user with unlock privileges. Distinctions are often made between readonly fields, which are visible but not editable, and disabled restraints, which are non-interactive and may be ignored by form submission logic in some frameworks.

In implementation terms, formlocking is typically represented by a boolean state variable (for example, locked = true) that gates rendering and input handling. When locked, the UI renders input controls as disabled or readonly and backend validation may restrict updates. Some systems also maintain an audit trail and provide an unlock action, sometimes requiring justification or a higher authorization level.

Criticism of formlocking centers on usability and accessibility concerns, as locked forms can hinder correction flows. Proper communication, alternative pathways for corrections, and clear auditability are important when employing a formlocking strategy. See also readonly, disabled input, and form workflow management.