The present invention is directed in general to imaging technologies and more particularly to medical imaging and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) having an image display wherein system features and functions are provided to a user via active overlays located over displayed images. A system and method are provided to imbed an ability to interact with an image by activating traditional annotations that are displayed in conjunction with an image in a PACS. Users are able to access program functionalities in an improved, quicker, accurate and more intuitive means. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing the capability to customize multiple context menus, and flatten the command hierarchy of an imaging system. The present invention also provides the ability to “overload” current text and graphic annotations that are already displayed within an image of interest.