A method displays a chart that includes visual marks representing a data set, displayed according to contents of displayed shelf regions, which determine characteristics of the chart. The method detects selection of a plurality of visual marks, and visually emphasizes the selected plurality of visual marks. The method also detects a first input on the selected marks, and displays a moveable icon corresponding to the selected visual marks while maintaining display of the visual marks. The method detects a second input on the moveable icon, and moves the moveable icon over a first shelf region. Upon ceasing to detect the input, the method updates the content of the first shelf region based on the selected visual marks, and updates the chart in accordance with updated content of the first shelf region, including applying the characteristic of the first shelf to the selected visual marks distinct from the unselected visual marks.