diff --git a/Controls/PreviewPane.xaml.cs b/Controls/PreviewPane.xaml.cs
index 015a920..ad53974 100644
--- a/Controls/PreviewPane.xaml.cs
+++ b/Controls/PreviewPane.xaml.cs
@@ -483,6 +483,10 @@ public partial class PreviewPane : UserControl
             e.Handled = true;
             return;
         }
+
+        // Zoom freezes the layers (creator ruling 2026-11-01): while the magnifier is up, a left
+        // drag moves the box and NEVER picks up a layer underneath it. MouseMove owns the drag.
+        if (vm.IsZoomActive) return;
         var selected = vm.SelectedElement;
 
         if (selected is { } sel && IsDraggableElement(sel) && HitHandle(e.GetPosition(grid), sel))