A method for displaying an image includes executing a viewer application to display an image. The viewer application is linked to an annotation library including annotation instructions. The annotation instructions are called from the viewer application to display annotation data on the image. An imaging system includes an image data file, an annotation library, and a first workstation. The annotation library includes annotation instruction. The first workstation is operable to execute a viewer application to display an image associated with the image data file. The viewer application is linked to the annotation library and operable to call the annotation instructions to display annotation data on the image.