Using multiple overlays with a data processing array includes loading an application in a data processing array. The data processing array includes a plurality of compute tiles each having a processor. The application specifies kernels executable by the processors and implements stream channels that convey data to the plurality of compute tiles. During runtime of the application, a plurality of overlays are sequentially implemented in the data processing array. Each overlay implements a different mode of data movement in the data processing array via the stream channels. For each overlay implemented, a workload is performed by moving data to the plurality of compute tiles based on the respective mode of data movement.