PromoRepublic now includes a set of governance controls that give Head Office teams full brand control over templates — while still allowing locations to personalize content within defined boundaries.
This article covers three key features:
Grouping elements — organize multiple objects as a single unit
Locking objects — prevent editing of critical elements like logos and compliance text
Frames — defined image zones that let locations swap visuals without breaking the layout
Part 1: For Head Office TeamsBuilding and governing templates |
As an admin user, you control what locations can and cannot change in a template. The features below give you the tools to enforce brand standards at scale — without needing to review every post.
1. Grouping Elements
Grouping lets you combine multiple design elements — such as a logo, tagline, and background shape — into a single unit. This makes templates easier to manage and ensures key components always move together.
How to Group Elements
Open the template in the Editor.
Select the elements you want to group by holding Shift and clicking each one.
Choose Group in the toolbar.
The grouped elements will now move, resize, and behave as a single object.
💡 You group objects with Cmd+G (Mac) or Ctrl+G (Windows) after selecting them. PromoRepublic works the same way — select multiple elements, then group them from the right-click menu or toolbar. Once grouped, you can lock the group to protect it from location edits.
2. Locking Objects
Locking prevents a location user from moving, resizing, editing, or deleting a specific element or group. Use this for:
Logos and brand marks
Legal disclaimers and compliance text
Layout zones and structural elements
Mandatory calls to action
How to Lock an Element
Select the element or group you want to protect.
Choose Lock or Lock Design in the toolbar.
A lock icon will appear on the element, confirming it is protected.
Locked elements remain visible and can be styled into the design — they simply cannot be modified by location users.
Before Locking | After Locking |
Logo repositioned or removed by locations | Logo placement permanently protected |
Legal text deleted from asset | Compliance text locked — always present |
Layout distorted by local edits | Layout integrity preserved across all locations |
Brand inconsistencies across the network | Visual standardization at scale |
3. Creating Frames for Local Image Swapping
Frames are predefined image placeholders that you set in a template. Locations can swap the image inside a frame with their own local photo — but the size, position, and shape are fixed by you.
This solves a common challenge in distributed marketing:
Centralized Only | Fully Decentralized | Frame-Based (Recommended) |
On-brand but generic imagery | Local visuals but inconsistent layouts | On-brand layout with local imagery |
How to Use a Frame
In the Editor, add an image element to your template at the desired size and position.
Select the image element and choose Add Frame from the Objects.
Once added, the frame can be locked in position. Locations will see a placeholder indicating they can upload their own image here.
Lock any surrounding elements (text, overlays, borders) to keep the design intact.
💡 Frames are shape containers you drag images into — the image snaps to the frame's boundaries, and you can reposition it within the frame, but the frame itself stays put.
📝 Note
Frames work best when combined with locked surrounding elements. For example: lock the text overlay above the frame, lock the logo in the corner, and leave only the frame available for local image upload.
Part 2: For Location TeamsWorking within governed templates |
When your Head Office creates a governed template, some elements will be locked and cannot be changed. This section explains what you can edit and how to personalize content within the boundaries that have been set.
What You Can Edit
In a governed template, you will typically be able to:
Upload your own images into image frames
Edit any text fields that have not been locked (e.g. event details, promotional copy)
Adjust colors in unlocked elements
Add your location-specific information where designated
What You Cannot Edit
The following elements may be locked by your Head Office and will not be editable:
Logos and brand marks
Legal disclaimers and compliance text
Layout structure and positioning
Font types and sizes on locked text elements
📝 Note
If you see a lock icon on an element, it means your Head Office has protected it to maintain brand consistency.
If you need to request a change to a locked element, please contact your Head Office team directly.
Swapping Images in Frames
If a template contains image frames, you can upload your own local photos to personalize the asset.
How to Swap an Image in a Frame
Open the governed template.
Click on the image frame — it will be highlighted with a frame indicator.
Click Upload Image or Replace Image in the toolbar that appears.
Select your image from your device or media library.
The image will be fitted into the frame automatically. You can reposition it within the frame if needed.
Save your changes and proceed to publish as usual.
✅ For Location Teams
Your layout, logo, and brand elements stay intact — you are only replacing the photo inside the defined zone.
This means your content looks professional and on-brand without any design work on your end.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock an element that has been locked by Head Office?
No. Only the Head Office user who created or manages the template can unlock elements. If you need a change, contact your HQ team.
What happens if I try to move a locked element?
The element will not respond to drag or resize interactions. A lock indicator will be visible when you click on it.
Can I upload any image into a frame?
Yes, as long as the image meets the platform's size and format requirements (JPG, PNG, minimum 500px). The image will be automatically cropped to fit the frame's dimensions.
Can the Head Office see which locations have published their templates?
Yes. Publishing activity is tracked at the account level and is visible in your analytics dashboard.
Can a template have both locked and unlocked elements?
Yes — and this is the recommended approach. Lock the elements that must stay consistent (logos, compliance text, layout) and leave the areas that benefit from local personalization unlocked (image frames, promotional copy, location-specific details).
Still have questions? Please contact us at
[email protected].