An MR image of a subject is displayed on a display device. Scan-control icons are displayed over this image. An operator interacts with an interface device to select imaging plane parameters during imaging. This is performed by selecting one of the icons with a pointing device, and dragging. Interface device then provides a display which indicates the motion of the imaging plane as well as the extent of the motion. Once selected, the location and orientation information transformed to global coordinates and is provided to a pulse sequencer of a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. The pulse sequencer controls an RF transmitter and gradient amplifiers to cause an MR image of the subject at an imaging plane to be acquired. This allows fast, accurate imaging plane selection, which may be selected by an operator who is searching for structures within the subject, or who is simultaneously performing a medical procedure on the subject.