A computing device displays a set of graphical user interface (GUI) elements each having a respective transparent portion positioned over all or part of an underlying GUI element, which displays underlying content. Each set of GUI elements includes a respective set of peripherally located menu tabs and each menu tab includes a respective set of icons including a first icon corresponding to the first menu tab of a first GUI element. Each selected icon affects content that is displayed in a corresponding transparent portion, including the underlying content displayed within the underlying GUI element that is within the corresponding transparent portion. The computing device receives input selecting the first icon and in response applies a first modification to the content displayed within a first transparent portion which corresponds to the first GUI element and includes the underlying content that is within the first transparent portion.