In an exemplary method, a request is received to save an overlay document that comprises content for an overlay. Graphics commands for the overlay document are also received. The graphics commands are stored in an overlay file. The format of the overlay file is both application independent and device independent. A request is received to print a base document. In response to the request, the graphics commands in the overlay file are rendered, thereby creating printing commands for the overlay document. The printing commands for the overlay document are merged with the base document's printing commands, thereby creating a printing command stream. The printing command stream is sent to a printing device.