Indirect image control using a surrogate image

A system and method for allowing a user to exercise control over a first image that is not directly accessible because it is covered by a second image. Electronic product designs for online user editing are assembled from multiple overlying images. If a content image in a design is positioned beneath a second image, such as an image that adds a visual effect to the content image, a transparent surrogate image of the same size and the same position in the product design as the content image is positioned above the second image. The surrogate image is linked to the content image such that user selection of the surrogate image is interpreted by the system as a request by the user to select the content image, giving the user the impression that the user is directly accessing the content image.