We investigate the possibility to control the symmetry of ordered states in phase-field crystal models by tuning nonlinear resonances. In two dimensions, we find that a state of square symmetry as well as the coexistence between squares and hexagons can be easily obtained. In contrast, it is delicate to obtain the coexistence of squares and liquid. We develop a general method for constructing free energy functionals that exhibit solid–liquid coexistence with desired crystal symmetries. As an example, we develop a free energy functional for square–liquid coexistence in two dimensions. A systematic analysis for determining the parameters of the necessary nonlinear terms is provided. The implications of our findings for simulations of materials with simple cubic symmetry are discussed.