In IDL Direct Graphics the way to produce formatted characters like the "bar-X" is with what IDL calls "Embedded Formatting Commands". To see the syntax rules for these commands see the Online Help Index topic 'format codes -> embedded in IDL strings'. The syntax is not easy to understand from its rules alone, but the examples shown in the link for "Formatting Command Examples" are very helpful. Here is one kind of format that should accomplish the "overline" graphic you are seeking. IDL> xyouts, 0.5, 0.5,'!S!A-!R!NX !S!A-!R!NY !S!A-!R!NZ', /NORMAL This example displays a bar-X, bar-Y and bar-Z in sequence.