Neither method seems to work on Linux in JupyterLab. Definitely seems like an interaction with JLab specifically. Please do file a GitHub Issue with full details. I am afraid the only immediate alternative I can suggest is to use the box selection tool (which appears to work as expected in JLab) and then respond to the SelectionGeometry event. You would have to manage a rect glyph yourself in the geometry callback if you want a “persistent” rect area to display.