diff --git a/direct/src/directutil/DirectManipulation.py b/direct/src/directutil/DirectManipulation.py
index 09b5a53b18..1058a733e2 100644
--- a/direct/src/directutil/DirectManipulation.py
+++ b/direct/src/directutil/DirectManipulation.py
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ class DirectManipulationControl(PandaObject):
         self.fWidgetTop = 0
         self.fFreeManip = 1
         self.fScaling = 1
+        self.mode = None
 
     def manipulationStart(self, chan):
         # Start out in select mode