Workaround: The problem is that a 2-vertex polyline graphic is missing the translate and rotate manipulator handles that you would normally get with a polyline that has 3 or more vertices. With this in mind, a possible workaround to the problem is to add a 3rd vertex that duplicates the 2nd vertex to your polyline. For example: img = image( dist(400,400) ) p2 =polyline([100,300], [200,300], '-r2', /data, target=img) p3 =polyline([100,300,300], [100,200,200], '-b2', /data, target=img) Then when you select the resulting blue line, the rectangular manipulator frame will appear, giving you the ability to move the line without altering the shape or slope. You can also rotate the line without changing its shape. (FYI, bug report "IDL-69358" has been filed for this issue for IDL 8.4.1.)